Matawan
Job DescriptionLead Host – Alternate Ending Beer Co. Reports To: General Hospitality Manager & General Operations Manager Location: Alternate Ending Beer Co. – Matawan, NJ Estimated Weekly Hours: 28–32 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 rateTypical 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 servicePre-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 processTraining & Team Development, • Assist in onboarding and training new hosts, • Model hospitality standards and professionalism, • Support consistency in guest-facing communication and serviceWhat 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 mentalitySuccess 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 experiencePhysical 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 25–50 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