Part Time Host

Evanston, Illinois. The first restaurant from Chef Tom Carlin and partner Rachel Canfora-Carlin, known for their craftsmanship, warmth, and genuine hospitality, Burl offers a refined yet approachable dining experience rooted in seasonality and community. In April 2026, we are expected to add another service-- Brunch on Saturday's & Sunday's-- and are looking to expand our team to further service the neighborhood.

We are seeking an experienced a Part Time Host who will be an essential member of the guest experience– present on the floor, attentive to details, and engaged with guests throughout their visit.

Experience & Qualifications: 

• MUST be available on Saturday's and Sunday's!
• Minimum of 2 years working in a fast paced, full service restaurant
• Passion for excellence, superior service standards, and a positive attitude.
• Must have open availability in the mornings & weekends (Brunch on Saturday's & Sunday's)!
• Strong interpersonal & communication skills
• Ability to multi-task and stay composed in a high-volume environment 
• Arrive on time, prepared, and in proper uniform 
• Must be able to frequently lift items weighing up to 50 pounds and have the ability to stand for extended periods. 
• Must be open to working outside in a full-volume patio environment 
• Must have completed and maintained certification in ServSafe Food Handler Certification, and ServSafe Allergen 

Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Remain adaptable and solution-oriented during Brunch opening phases
• Greet all guests promptly and warmly upon arrival, creating an inviting, calm, and organized first impression
• Maintain a clean, organized, and polished host stand
• Engage guest as they are being seated, offering brief menu or concept touchpoints when appropriate 
• Communicate realistic wait times and manage guest expectations with care
• Operate and manage OpenTable for reservations, waitlists, and guest notes
• Maintain accurate floor plans, pacing, transitions, and table assignments
• Monitor reservation flow to ensure balanced seating for service teams
• Utilize guest preferences, visit history, and notes to personalize experiences
• Communicate clearly with management regarding table availability, walk-ins, and changes
• Manage coat closet operations during service, including tagging, storage, and efficient retrieval
• Relay guest needs, special occasions, and accessibility requests to the team
• Assist with pre-shift preparation and post-shift reset of the host stand
• Ensure menus, reservation tools, and guest materials are prepared, current and in good repair
• Maintain a professional, composed, and welcoming presence on the floor
• Update the team in real-time on table status, turns, and guest needs
• Clearly and efficiently disperse chits and table information to servers and management
• Arrive on time, prepared, and in proper uniform 
• Complete all closing duties including closing sidework, general cleaning projects, and any additional tasks assigned by leadership.
• Perform regular restroom checks to ensure cleanliness and stocking
• Uphold Burl’s service philosophy and culture at all times

What We Offer:

• The opportunity to help build an opening team culture rooted in hospitality, excellent service, and community for Brunch.
• Restaurant closed every Monday & Tuesday, providing reliable, predictable days off
• Restaurant closure twice per year at the discretion of ownership to allow our team rest & reset; all eligible employees will receive (2) weeks of paid time off during this time
• Health insurance available with employer contribution (must be a full-time employee)
• Employee Dining Discount 
• Ongoing training & continued education opportunities 
• Opportunity for advancement as Burl grows 

Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the job and does not represent a comprehensive list of all responsibilities or qualifications required for the role.