LaLou is looking for a warm, enthusiastic, experienced Maitre d' to join our team!

Helmed by Brooklyn-based wine experts and restaurant veterans with a proven track record in NYC dining and hospitality, this 50-seat restaurant and wine bar with an open kitchen is looking for people who are passionate about hospitality. Our natural and low-interventionist wine program, paired with a tailored menu of French-inspired small plates, seeks to elevate the typical dining experience in an busy Brooklyn neighborhood.

This is a critical position for our FOH operations and reports to our GM, Service Director, and Managing Partner. The ideal candidate has excellent customer service and communication skills and is highly motivated. They enjoy meeting and taking care of guests. Candidates must be able to display a sense of urgency and be comfortable working in a team environment. Applicants would preferably have a working knowledge of French cuisine and European wine with an interest in broadening their awareness through regular, provided, on-site education, training and tasting.

Essential Functions:

• Receive and coordinate guest reservations on the phone, in person, and through our online reservation platform
• Plan the arrangement of reservations ahead of service
• Welcome guests into the restaurant and escort them to their table
• Maintain a working knowledge of full food and drink menu
• Provide engaged, friendly and attentive customer service to all guests inclusive of eye contact, respectable conversation, and smiling
• Recongnize regular guests, building relationships and repeat business
• Actively pursue notify reservations and maintain flow of guests to the restaurant via waitlist
• Communicate relevant reservation information to the service team and kitchen in order to facilitate a smooth service
• Be an active member of the service team, including assisting in serving food to tables, serving drinks, wine service, occasionally taking orders
• Maintain the environment of the dining room, making sure the lighting, temperature, and music fit the desired mood
• Practice the highest regard for safety following LaLou standards
• Ensure that all potential and real hazards are reported immediately
• Follow and adhere to all standards set forth by the Department of Health
• Maintain organization and cleanliness of their working station, with an eye towards the cleanliness and presentability of all guest-facing areas of the restaurant
• Performs other related activities as assigned

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

• High School education required; will need reading and arithmetic skills and understanding
• Two to three years’ previous experience preferred
• Strong organizational and verbal communication skills; strong customer service background
• Ability to have an outgoing, friendly disposition for guest relations
• Appropriately groomed for direct engagement with guests
• Will be exposed to various environmental conditions such as cold due to refrigeration or heat due to hot surfaces or coffee machines
• Exposure to some chemicals
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
• Ability to sit, stand and bend would be required
• Availibility to work weekends and holidays

Customer Service

Resy

POS Systems

Menu Knowledge

Wine Knowledge

Wine Service

Attention to Detail

Ensuring Guest Satisfaction

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