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Elliott Aster | In partnership with Chef Lee Wolen, Boka Restaurant Group & the iconic Vinoy

Elliott Aster is a vibrant addition to St. Petersburg's culinary scene, offering refined dinners in the beautiful dining room, as well as a bustling waterfront patio for aperitivos and cocktails. Chef Lee Wolen's elegant menu highlights handmade pasta and carefully sourced steaks cooked over a wood grill. The restaurant features bountiful salads and pristine local seafood alongside sliced to order salumi and freshly baked focaccia. With a focus on delivering unforgettable dining experiences, the restaurant aims to become a cherished local favorite while also serving as a must-visit destination for travelers.
General Description:  As the Maître d’ of Elliott Aster, you will be in charge of the entirety of the host stand throughout your shift, as well as providing exceptional guest service in a friendly and responsive manner. Proper flow of service is managed by utilizing all reservation tools when seating guests.

Schedule:  5 days a week. Schedule will vary including weekend and holidays.

Specific Tasks: 

• Service – Accountable for ensuring the proper flow of service by managing the host team when seating guests, while providing exceptional guest service and exceeding expectations.
  • Follow steps of service to provide a quality guest dining experience
  • Maintain the reservation book and oversee the host team to ensure the proper flow of service
  • Fully understand/plan the OpenTable spread:
    • Print out the spread and reservation reports for front of house and back of house management
    • Count out each turn
    • Write out and prepare the spread for a successful shift
  • Ensure a professional and friendly communication style with all guests during service, on the phone, and through email correspondence
  • Lead the host team in properly assessing wait times and menu counts, and mentor host team in properly communicating these wait times and counts to guests and management team, respectively
    • Ensure hosts understand the importance of greeting/saying good-bye to every guest, every time they enter/leave Elliott Aster
    • Explain and teach the correct way to speak to guests about closing out tabs in the bar/lounge, giving “out by” times, etc.
    • Teach floor plans, position numbers, seating procedures, table checks, etc.
  • Responsible for creating an organized and inviting host stand and coat check area
  • Daily review of reservation book and plan for all guest requests, including printing specialty menus and noting special occasions in reservation notes
  • Always follow proper sanitation practices
  • Responsible for assigning and completing all opening, mid-shift, and closing procedures in a timely manner

• Hospitality – Uphold the highest standards of hospitality while always working to exceed guest expectations.
  • Maintain basic menu knowledge to enhance guest experience
  • Engage in professional and friendly communication with all guests, ensuring all expectations are exceeded, especially when:
    • Parties change in size
    • Guests make the wrong reservation in OpenTable
    • Guests run late for their reservation
    • The restaurant runs late for the guests’ reservation
  • Display a sense of urgency to maintain the proper flow of service
  • Make quick decisions when necessary, knowing when to make those decisions in the best interest of the restaurant and our guests
  • Responsible for meeting strict adherence to guest allergy requests
  • Responsible for being an Elliott Aster and Marriott ambassador by being flexible, proactive, and displaying a professional appearance at all times
  • Communicate with the floor managers when piloting:
    • When to get a manger involved in guest situations
    • When specific tables are needed to accommodate turns and when tables are not being turned expediently in specific stations
    • When the room needs a “push”
    • Before guests are sat 15 minutes past their reservations

• Collaboration – Act as a partner in daily operations with the whole front of house team in exceeding guest expectations
  • Maintain open lines of communication with front of house and back of house management staff during all service shifts
  • Maintain open lines of communication with managers regarding ordering; repair and maintenance needs; and safety issues
  • Assist front of house team members in guest service, cleaning, and organization as needed
  • Follow directions of both front of house and back of house managers
  • Display the ability to constructively receive on-the-job coaching
  • Be a proactive problem solver by thoughtfully identifying issues and communicating them to a manager

Skills/Qualifications:

• Minimum of two years’ experience in a restaurant, hotel, or Front of House environment, preferably in a lead role
• Possessing a Hospitality, Tourism, or related program graduate or degree is considered an asset
• Strong work ethic, punctuality, professional and approachable demeanor
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to train, coach, motivate, and engage a Front of House team
• Maintain all required health, sanitation, and alcohol service certificates
• An exceptional problem-solver with the ability to handle guest concerns and resolve service-related situations efficiently and professionally
• Strong guest service skills with a genuine passion for creating exceptional dining experiences
• Able to adapt to changing priorities and effectively oversee multiple guest and operational needs in a fast-paced restaurant environment
• An excellent communicator who values teamwork, collaboration, and positive working relationships
• Certifications: Minimum 3 Years of Opentable/Resy Experience, Opentable University a plus

Benefits:

• Competitive wages
• Employee Health Benefits
• 401K
• Profit Sharing available after first 90 days

Expectations:  At Marriott International, we are dedicated to being an equal opportunity employer, welcoming all and providing access to opportunity. We actively foster an environment where the unique backgrounds of our associates are valued and celebrated. Our greatest strength lies in the rich blend of culture, talent, and experiences of our associates. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, including disability, veteran status, or other basis protected by applicable law.