Lead Host

Overview: COQODAQ is a new fried chicken concept from Michelin-starred COTE Korean Steakhouse, opening two blocks from the COTE NYC location. Gracious Hospitality Management (GHM) focuses on hospitality and service excellence, with recognition including Michelin stars for Piora, Cote Korean Steakhouse, and COTE Miami.

• Welcomes customers into the restaurant and bids them farewell; collaborates with the Maitre D’ to manage the front entryway and coat check.
• Check-in and seat customers, perform table and bathroom checks, oversee coat check service, and provide excellent interactions for all guests, including COQODAQ VIPs.
• Manage front desk operations and opening/closing side work related to reservations, coat check, and restroom maintenance.
• Own reservations workflow, coordinate with the Maitre D’ and Events Department, and drive efficiency and room/tables layout planning.
• Provide the team with pre-shift reservation updates; inform management of large parties, VIPs, and special notes; assist in creating floor plans and table arrangements.
• Monitor reservation flow to ensure optimal seating and service; manage VIP relationships and track guest preferences and notes; perform final quality checks on guest experiences.
• Audit reservation communications (emails/phone) and ensure steps of service are followed; maintain relationships with concierges and partner booking sites as directed.
• Communicate reservations updates, over-bookings, and anomalies to the Maitre D’ Manager; maintain a clean, stocked front desk and restaurant collateral.
• Warmly welcome incoming customers, check-in reservations, and escort guests to their tables; clearly communicate waiting times and seating order.
• Ensure efficient guest care, set up host stand, and offer coat check assistance; perform routine table and bathroom checks and maintain tools of the position.
• Update table statuses in the reservation system; perform restroom upkeep and report facility issues as needed.
• Clear and reset tables between seatings; communicate real-time seating delays or guest dissatisfaction to management.
• Update client profiles with birthdays, preferences, and allergies; maintain up-to-date profiles and reservations in systems.
• Report to shifts on time, in uniform, and ready to work; assist other stations as requested; act as a role model for service excellence.

• Demonstrate knowledge of COQODAQ brand, culture, and product; uphold company values of people, learning, culture, relationships, sustainability, and stewardship.
• Maintain professional, respectful behavior with customers, management, and teammates; present polished appearance per grooming standards.
• Adhere to company policies and participate in meetings, training, and continuing education; safeguard company property; maintain safety and sanitation standards.
• Comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

• Ability to read, speak, understand, and follow written and verbal English instructions; reachable by email and phone.
• Effective communication, strong organization, detail-orientation, and a positive, team-oriented attitude.
• Maintain professionalism and composure in a high-paced environment; knowledge of safety procedures and local health standards.
• Food Handler’s Certification or ability to obtain as required; flexible schedule including weekends, nights, and holidays; legal age to serve alcohol; certification for responsible alcohol service or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Familiarity with restaurant management software, point of sale, reservations, inventory, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace; ability to execute steps of service as per policy.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills; strong communication with management and teammates; 1+ year of similar experience preferred.

The physical demands described are representative of those required to perform the essential duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. The employee may be required to:

• Maintain well-paced mobility for up to 12 hours per day or 60 hours per week.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds; stand, walk, reach, bend, stoop, push,…