Host Publisher NAIA

Brought to you by DineAmic Hospitality and situated along the Chicago River in River North NAIA is a sweeping Greek-Levantine dining destination inspired by the culture cuisine and hospitality of the Mediterranean. Led by internationally acclaimed Chef Athinagoras Kostakos NAIA features vibrant mezze fresh seafood wood-grilled specialties and an expansive beverage program in a stunning indoor-outdoor waterfront setting.

Host Publishers are hospitality professionals responsible for managing the guest reservation experience while creating exceptional first and last impressions for every addition to traditional host responsibilities Host Publishers serve as experts in OpenTable utilizing the platform to maximize seating efficiency manage reservations strategically recognize VIP and repeat guests optimize table utilization and support restaurant revenue.

This position requires extensive experience with OpenTable or a comparable reservation platform exceptional organizational skills strong communication and the ability to make real-time decisions in a fast-paced high-volume restaurant environment. Successful Host Publishers understand that every reservation is an opportunity to build guest loyalty while ensuring smooth dining room operations and balanced service for the team.

Essential Responsibilities Duties

• Greet every guest with warmth professionalism and genuine hospitality.
• Serve as the primary administrator of the restaurants OpenTable reservation system.
• Manage reservations walk-ins waitlists and seating assignments to maximize table utilization and guest satisfaction.
• Maintain an accurate and organized reservation book while proactively adjusting seating plans throughout service.
• Utilize OpenTable guest profiles to recognize VIPs repeat guests special occasions dining preferences allergies and guest notes.
• Coordinate VIP arrivals special requests large parties and celebrations with managers and service staff.
• Strategically seat guests to balance server sections while maintaining efficient dining room pacing.
• Monitor reservation trends table turns and dining room flow to maximize covers without compromising the guest experience.
• Communicate continuously with managers servers bartenders and support staff regarding table availability pacing reservations and guest needs.
• Manage guest wait expectations professionally while identifying opportunities to reduce wait times.
• Answer phones professionally and assist guests with reservations modifications carryout inquiries and general restaurant information.
• Resolve reservation issues seating conflicts and guest concerns with professionalism while escalating complex situations to management when appropriate.
• Process carryout orders and payments according to company procedures.
• Document event and large-party inquiries through the designated inquiry platform.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the host stand entrance lobby and waiting areas.
• Support service staff during peak business periods to ensure smooth restaurant operations.
• Promote the restaurants rewards program and guest engagement initiatives when appropriate.
• Complete opening running and closing side work.
• Follow all company policies sanitation guidelines and hospitality standards.
• Assist with additional responsibilities as assigned within the scope of the role.

Minimum Qualifications

• 2 years of high-volume restaurant host or reservation management experience preferred.
• Significant experience using OpenTable is required.
• Demonstrated ability to manage high reservation volumes while maintaining exceptional guest service.
• Experience with Toast POS preferred.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Availability to work evenings weekends holidays and other peak business periods.

Physical Demands Work Environment:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8 hours per shift).
• Occasional lifting of up to 2025 pounds (menus highchairs small furniture adjustments).
• Frequent movement in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to bend reach stoop and twist throughout shift.
• Must be able to move safely through dining area including slick floors and tight spaces.

Core Competencies

• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Communication Skills
• Emotional Intelligence
• Integrity
• Personal Development
• Professionalism
• Self-Management
• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Technical Proficiency with computers and POS systems

Benefits Perks

• Paid Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Commuter Benefits
• 401K Match
• Company-paid Employee Assistance Program
• Food & Beverage Discounts

DineAmic Hospitality is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity age national origin genetic information disability or protected veteran status.