Maitre D

At Carmel, the Maître D’ sets the tone for the entire guest experience. As the first and last point of contact for our guests, this role requires warmth, professionalism, and strong organizational skills. The Maître D’ works closely with management and the service team to ensure smooth service, thoughtful seating, and a welcoming atmosphere throughout the dining room.

This position is ideal for an experienced host or service professional looking to take the next step toward restaurant management. High-performing candidates may be considered for entry-level Floor Manager opportunities as they grow within the team.

Responsibilities
• Welcome guests warmly upon arrival and thank them upon departure, creating a polished and memorable first impression.
• Manage reservations, walk-ins, and waitlists using the reservation platform while maintaining an accurate seating chart.
• Coordinate with managers and service staff to optimize table flow and maintain an efficient pace of service.
• Provide accurate wait times and professionally handle guest inquiries and special requests.
• Assist with large party coordination and seating logistics.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional host stand and entrance area.
• Communicate guest needs, preferences, and dietary restrictions clearly to the service and kitchen teams.
• Support opening and closing procedures alongside management.
• Assist the team during busy service periods to ensure a smooth and welcoming dining experience.

Requirements
• 2+ years of experience as a host, lead host, or front-of-house position in a busy restaurant environment preferred.
• Strong hospitality instincts and a natural ability to make guests feel welcome.
• Excellent communication, organization, and multitasking skills.
• Familiarity with reservation platforms such as OpenTable or Resy.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in a fast-paced service environment.
• Availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.

Restaurant Information:
Carmel transports the energy, culture, and flavor of the renowned outdoor marketplace “Shuk HaCarmel” to Melrose Avenue, in the heart of LA’s food scene. Using some of the oldest techniques in the world, a wood burning oven, an open flame grill; chef Asaf Maoz interprets ancient Levantine cooking traditions through a modern lens. As we approach our second anniversary, Carmel is evolving from a successful launch into a staple on Melrose.