Host

About this position

Cha Chín is part of Éxodo Hospitality Group, a Chicago-based hospitality group bringing together diverse cultures, culinary traditions, and unique dining experiences. Rooted in a celebration of culture, community, and connection, we believe hospitality is about more than great food and service. It's about bringing people together and creating meaningful experiences.

Inspired by the belief that true prosperity is found in the moments we share, Cha Chín celebrates good fortune, community, and togetherness. Through food, drinks, and genuine hospitality, we strive to create an environment where every guest feels welcomed, valued, and part of something special.

The Host is the first and last impression of our restaurant and plays a critical role in shaping the overall guest experience.

More than managing reservations and seating guests, our Hosts serve as ambassadors of the restaurant. They create a welcoming atmosphere, build genuine connections, and confidently represent our concept, menu, and hospitality standards in every interaction, whether in person or over the phone.

This position requires an outgoing personality, a naturally welcoming attitude, strong communication skills, and the ability to remain organized and composed in a fast-paced environment.

• Welcome every guest with genuine warmth, enthusiasm, and professionalism.

• Create a positive first impression upon arrival and a memorable final impression upon departure.

• Naturally and appropriately incorporate guests' names into interactions to create a more personal, welcoming, and memorable experience.

• Recognize returning guests, regulars, and VIPs, helping them feel acknowledged and valued.

• Anticipate guest needs and proactively offer assistance.

• Recognize special occasions, celebrations, and guest preferences, ensuring relevant details are communicated to the service team.

• Handle guest questions and concerns professionally, involving management when necessary.

• Thank guests sincerely upon departure and invite them to return.

• Manage reservations, seating arrangements, waitlists, and guest flow throughout service.

• Plot reservations and prepare seating configurations in advance of each service, accounting for party sizes, special requests, and operational needs.

• Review upcoming reservations to identify VIPs, regulars, special occasions, and other relevant guest notes.

• Maintain accurate guest profiles and reservation notes to support personalized service and future visits.

• Coordinate seating pace with servers, management, and the kitchen to maintain an efficient dining experience.

• Provide accurate wait-time estimates and maintain communication with waiting guests.

• Communicate special requests, dietary restrictions, celebrations, and VIP information to the appropriate team members.

• Answer phone calls promptly and professionally, assisting with reservations, restaurant information, and guest inquiries.

• Regularly review voicemails and ensure messages are addressed or directed to the appropriate person in a timely manner.

• Take complete and accurate messages, including the caller's name, contact information, reason for calling, and any necessary follow-up details.

• Ensure messages are properly communicated to the appropriate manager or department.

• Develop a thorough understanding of the restaurant's concept, cuisine, menus, beverage offerings, promotions, hours, policies, and special events.

• Confidently communicate the restaurant's identity and offerings to guests in person and over the phone.

• Maintain clear and professional communication with management, servers, bartenders, and support staff.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming entrance, host stand, and waiting area.

• Keep reservation information, guest notes, and relevant communications accurate and up to date.

• Support the floor team with additional responsibilities when needed.

• Remain attentive to the entrance, guest flow, and overall dining room activity throughout service.

• Full-time availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.

• Naturally sociable, outgoing, and comfortable engaging with people from different backgrounds.

• Genuine warmth and an instinctive ability to make others feel welcomed and valued.

• Ability to naturally personalize interactions, including remembering and appropriately using guests' names.

• Positive attitude, enthusiasm, and a hospitality-first mindset.

• Strong verbal communication, active listening, and interpersonal skills.

• Excellent telephone etiquette, including the ability to accurately take, document, and relay messages.

• Willingness to learn the restaurant's concept, menus, offerings, and operations in depth.

• Confidence speaking about the restaurant and answering guest questions accurately in a variety of situations.

• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and remain composed during busy services.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Reliability, punctuality, and a professional presentation.

• Ability to work collaboratively with management, servers, bartenders, and support staff.

• Previous hospitality experience is valued, but a genuine instinct for hospitality and willingness to learn are equally important.

• Experience in a full-service or high-volume restaurant.

• Familiarity with OpenTable or comparable reservation management systems.

• Experience plotting reservations, managing seating configurations, and coordinating guest flow.

• Experience maintaining guest profiles and reservation notes.

• Knowledge of food, beverages, and restaurant service standards.

• Bilingual communication skills, particularly English and Spanish.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout a full shift.

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 lbs.

• Frequent movement through a busy dining room and entrance area.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, guest-facing environment with noise and crowds.

• Availability to work scheduled shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Employee discounts.

• Opportunities for professional development and advancement within Éxodo Hospitality Group.

• Exposure to multiple culinary concepts and hospitality experiences.

• A collaborative team environment focused on hospitality, learning, and growth.
  
  

Éxodo Hospitality Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.

Location and commute

Chicago, IL .

Plan your route with Google Maps. Travel times and transportation options vary; confirm the work location with the employer before commuting.

How to apply

Review the vacancy and complete the application on the employer or recruitment partner’s website. Requisition ID: WJ-3222348115.