Lead Host โ Alternate Ending Beer Co.
Reports To: General Hospitality Manager & General Operations Manager
Location: Alternate Ending Beer Co. โ Matawan, NJ
Estimated Weekly Hours: 28โ32 hours
Position Overview
At Alternate Ending Beer Co., the host stand is more than a check-in point, it sets the tone for the entire guest experience.
We are seeking a Lead Host to oversee front-door hospitality, pacing, reservation flow, and guest communication while helping create a warm, organized, hospitality-driven environment. This is a leadership position for someone who thrives in a fast-paced setting, communicates confidently, and takes pride in creating memorable guest experiences.
The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, hospitality-focused, and comfortable balancing both guest interaction and behind-the-scenes planning.
The Lead Host plays a critical role in shaping the pace, energy, and hospitality experience of every service.
Compensation
- Host Rate: $14/hour + tips (guaranteed minimum effective rate of $18/hour)
- Administrative Rate: $18/hour
- Administrative Time: 2 hours weekly (Monday & Thursday)
- Additional training, merch support, or approved admin projects compensated at the administrative rate
Typical Weekly Schedule
- Monday: Admin + Host shift
- Thursday: Admin + Lead Host shift
- Friday & Saturday: Lead Host shifts
- Sunday: Lead Host shifts as needed
Specific scheduling and shift times may vary based on business needs.
Key
ResponsibilitiesFront Door Leadership
You own the first impression of Alternate Ending.
Responsibilities include:
- Maintaining a strong and consistent presence at the host stand during peak service
- Managing guest flow and pacing
- Communicating accurate wait times
- Balancing server sections fairly and effectively
- Managing reservations and guest expectations
- Helping ensure smooth transitions throughout service
Pre-Shift Planning & Communication
During weekly admin hours (Monday & Thursday), responsibilities include:
- Reviewing reservations and guest notes
- Identifying birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions
- Flagging large parties and potential operational challenges
- Identifying projected rush periods
- Communicating important notes to management
Prior to service, the Lead Host will briefly communicate key information to the service team, including:
- Special occasion tables
- Large parties
- Reservation timing surges
- VIPs and regular guests
This role is expected to lead proactively, not simply react during service.
Merchandising Support
- Assist with monthly merchandise inventory counts
- Help maintain organization of merchandise storage and displays
- Identify low stock levels
- Work toward building a streamlined and repeatable inventory process
Training & Team Development
- Assist in onboarding and training new hosts
- Model hospitality standards and professionalism
- Support consistency in guest-facing communication and service
What We're Looking For
- Strong communication and hospitality instincts
- Comfortable leading in a fast-paced environment
- Organized and detail-oriented
- Ability to multitask while staying calm under pressure
- Restaurant or hospitality experience preferred
- Strong ownership, accountability, and a team-first mentality
Success in This Role Looks Like
- Fewer seating bottlenecks
- Improved pacing and section balance
- Cleaner reservation notes and stronger communication
- More consistent recognition of guest celebrations
- Smoother weekend service flow
- A front door experience that feels organized, welcoming, and intentional
At Alternate Ending, hospitality matters. We believe every guest interaction is a touch point, and the Lead Host plays one of the most important roles in shaping that experience.
Qualifications
- Flexible availability required, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays
- Knowledge of food, beverage, and hospitality service standards
- Knowledge of POS systems and basic computer skills
- Craft beer knowledge a plus; interest in learning encouraged
- Cicerone Level 1 certification encouraged, but not required
- Positive, hospitality-driven attitude with a professional appearance and demeanor
- Team-oriented and willing to support fellow staff members
- Strong problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Reliable, observant, organized, and punctual
- Able to remain calm and efficient during busy, high-pressure service periods
- Enthusiasm for hospitality and for the Alternate Ending experience
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to stand and/or walk for up to 8 hours
- Must be able to bend, push, pull, and lift up to 25โ50 lbs
- Frequently stands, walks, talks, hears, and uses hands and arms
- Occasionally sits, climbs, balances, stoops, kneels, crouches, or crawls
- Occasionally works in outdoor weather conditions
- Noise level is moderate