Host/Hostess

Guests of Manhattan’s first Sant Ambroeus location quickly became regulars, gathering each morning to savor a cappuccino or espresso crafted with an exacting devotion to tradition. For meals, the denizens of the Upper East Side collected under glittering chandeliers to savor authentic, time-honored recipes and homemade sweets. It wasn’t long before a new generation was discovering firsthand, the memorable draws and delectable flavors of this Italian Icon. Sant Ambroeus soon grew beyond Madison Avenue, spreading its signature sensibility.

Today, New York diners can choose between five locations in Manhattan—in thriving neighborhoods like the West Village, Soho, and the Upper East Side—as well as an outpost in the seaside community of Southampton. Sant Ambroeus has remained true to Milanese origins—and to the flavors, atmosphere, and standout service of that first location. Each outpost boasts a unique character and design: a nod to ’60s and ’70s Italy here, Etro textiles or Le Corbusier prints there, with perhaps an oversized Clifford Ross photo adding a contrast in minimalism.

Throughout, the soul is always the same: quality, craftsmanship, and the feeling of being among friends. Depending on the location, those friends may include a mix of artists, tastemakers, fashion editors, and writers, many of whom claim to do their best thinking over a vitello tonnato or a perfectly made cappuccino. In the fall of 2016, Sant Ambroeus Palm Beach opened its doors to a new community, bringing a touch of old-world Milan—via contemporary Manhattan—to sunny Florida.

A Host presents a positive first impression of the establishment's friendliness, excellent service and high standards. The Host greets guests upon arrival, informs guests of their wait time, monitors a waiting list, enters guest names into the computer system, show guests to their table and bid guests farewell as they leave. The Host must be able to carry natural conversation with guests without sounding scripted or intrusive.

• Greet incoming and departing guests warmly with a genuine smile and eye contact; escort them to assigned dining area; present menus; announce waiter's name
• Use visual cues to seat guests in either the bar or dining area depending on their preference
• Answer incoming calls to the restaurant and provide appropriate service
• Manage the flow of guests into the Dining and Bar areas, provide accurate wait times to incoming guests if appropriate
• Tend to special guest needs and requests
• Observant to guests' needs throughout dining experience to ensure they receive high quality service (i.e. notice a drink refill is needed while seating another guest and ensuring the drink is refilled prior to getting back to the door).
• Protect establishment and patrons by adhering to sanitation, safety and alcohol control policies
• Issue dining charges by verifying orders; calculating taxes; totaling bill for to-go orders
• Receive payments by validating credit charges; approving checks; accepting currency; calculating and issuing change for ToGo orders
• Reconcile cash drawer by proving cash transactions; listing checks and credit card charges for to-go orders
• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed

• Must be able to read menus
• Must be able to articulate clear greetings and farewells to guests, as well as being able to understand requests for assistance
• Must be able to clearly communicate guests' needs to W/Ws, Bussers, Managers, etc.
• Must be able to hear well in a loud environment in order to answer telephone and respond to guest requests
• Must be able to walk and stand during entire shift
• Must be able to reach, bend, stoop and wipe
• Must be able to carry trays or supplies (10-30 lbs.)
• A desire to help out where needed and work as part of a team
• Passion for providing extraordinary service
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Flexibility to work a variety of shifts
• 6 months experience in a full-service restaurant preferred
• Must be upbeat, outgoing and positive
• Ability to work effectively within a team
• Ability to effectively communicate on the telephone.