Lead Host at Drift Salon & Bar with Freehand Hospitality
About Freehand Hospitality
Rooted in chef-led creativity, our team is passionate about bringing people together with bold flavours, thoughtful ingredients, and warm, welcoming service. We celebrate diverse culinary styles—from upscale Maritime dining to classic French fare—paired with genuine hospitality that leaves a lasting impression. Every dish tells a story, and every experience celebrates connection, community, and a true sense of place in Halifax.
Job Summary
Under the direction of the Drift Management Team, the Lead Host/Hostess plays a critical leadership role in shaping the guest experience from the moment guests arrive. This position requires a confident, experienced professional who has previously run the door in a high-volume, fast-paced restaurant and understands how to balance hospitality, efficiency, and operational awareness.
What you will be doing as a Lead Host/Hostess:
- Responsible for managing reservations and walk-ins, controlling guest flow, maximizing seating, and supporting service teams through strong communication and decisive leadership;
- Set the tone for the restaurant and ensures the front door operates smoothly during all levels of business;
- Owning and running the door during service, making real-time decisions to manage waitlists, pacing, and table turns;
- Managing reservations and walk-ins to maximize seating capacity while protecting the guest experience;
- Acting as the main communication link between hosts, servers, bartenders, and management;
- Leading by example at the host stand, supporting and guiding junior hosts during service;
- Greeting guests professionally and warmly, setting expectations around wait times and seating;
- Escorting guests to tables while engaging them in friendly, confident conversation;
- Maintaining a strong awareness of table numbers, sections, server rotations, and service flow;
- Monitoring the entrance, host stand, and surrounding areas to ensure they are clean, organized, and guest-ready at all times;
- Managing guest concerns at the door and escalating issues appropriately to management;
- Maintaining knowledge of the surrounding area, directions, and nearby attractions;
- Completing regular checks to ensure cleanliness and organization of assigned areas;
- Following all food safety standards and internal systems;
- Such other similar or related duties as may be required from time to time.
The person we are looking for has:
- Hospitality Degree/Diploma (or currently in pursuit) is considered an asset;
- Previous experience running the door in a fast-paced, high-volume restaurant is required;
- Proven ability to remain calm, confident, and decisive under pressure;
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to guide and support a hosting team;
- Excellent organizational and multitasking skills;
- High attention to detail and strong situational awareness;
- Exceptional verbal communication and guest-facing professionalism;
- Ability to maintain urgency and momentum throughout service;
- Flexible availability;
- Ability to stand and be on your feet for extended periods (8+ hours).
Why join us and what's in it for you?
- Comprehensive extended Health & Dental benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- 50% dining discount at Freehand locations
- 50% monthly transit pass reimbursement
- Employee Referral Program
- Gratuities
A member of The Armour Group, Freehand Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer. We value our employees and their well-being. If you would like to join an organization with which you can have a work-life balance, career growth, long term job stability, and an opportunity to positively contribute to the community, this position may be for you!
Qualified applicants are invited to apply through the job link or submit their resume and cover letter to
[email protected]. Please note that, while we thank all applicants for applying, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
