Berenjak Host - Soho House Chicago

About the role

This position serves as the first point of contact for guests at Berenjak in Chicago, welcoming both members and visitors before seating them for their dining experience. The role is responsible for shaping the very first impression of the venue through professional and warm engagement. You will own the flow of the host stand, ensuring that reservations are created accurately for club and restaurant dining. This position requires a high level of discretion and attention to detail in every interaction. You will support the F&B managers by maintaining service standards and ensuring smooth execution during each shift. The work is fast-paced, social, and physically demanding, requiring consistency and strong teamwork. Reliability and a positive attitude are the most valued traits for success in this role.

Key facts

What you'll do

Reservations are created for club and restaurant dining, with support provided to F&B managers on service standards and execution.

Each call and interaction is punctuated with friendliness, accuracy, and discretion.

A fun and positive atmosphere is shaped through an approachable and professional presence.

Other duties are performed as assigned by supervisor or manager.

You will manage high-volume phone lines, answering them professionally and promptly to handle reservations and inquiries.

The role requires the use of OpenTable and MICROS to process reservations and track guest details accurately.

You will utilize problem-solving skills to resolve anticipated and current matters that may arise during the shift.

Detail orientation is necessary to ensure that all guest preferences and special requests are communicated clearly to the dining room team.

Articulate communication and multitasking in a high-volume environment are necessary to maintain a smooth host stand.

Clear understanding and delivery of written and verbal instructions are required to coordinate with servers and management effectively.

Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed is mandatory to support the operational needs of the venue.

Physical capability to grasp, turn, and hold objects with hands is required to manage menus, tablets, and guest materials.

The ability to stand for 8 to 10 hours is required throughout the entire shift.

Occasional fast movement across club areas is required to assist guests and respond to changing priorities.

Clear communication with guests, members, and coworkers is required to ensure a cohesive team environment.

Access to and use of a computer, keyboard, and desktop items are required for reservation systems and communication tools.

Occasional kneeling, bending, crouching, and climbing are required to perform duties related to equipment access and space management.

Requirements

A minimum of 3+ years' experience in a similar role is required to ensure familiarity with high-volume hospitality environments.

OpenTable and MICROS experience must be present to perform reservation duties effectively.

An ability to answer high-volume phone lines professionally and promptly is required to manage guest expectations.

Problem-solving skills are used to resolve anticipated and current matters in a timely and calm manner.

Detail orientation, articulate communication, and multitasking in a high-volume environment are necessary for success.

Clear understanding and delivery of written and verbal instructions are required to avoid miscommunication.

Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed is mandatory to align with the operational schedule.

Physical capability to grasp, turn, and hold objects with hands is required to handle various tools and materials.

The ability to stand for 8 to 10 hours is required to maintain presence on the host stand.

Occasional fast movement across club areas is required to respond to dynamic guest needs.

Clear communication with guests, members, and coworkers is required to uphold service standards.

Access to and use of a computer, keyboard, and desktop items is required for daily tasks.

Occasional kneeling, bending, crouching, and climbing is required to perform essential job functions safely.

Practical notes

This role requires a degree.

The position is filled at a fixed salary of $25.50 to $25.50 in Chicago under Illinois law.

Relocation is not mentioned, and specific visa or clearance details are not provided.

Typical interview steps

Hospitality interviews usually focus on experience, availability, and how you handle busy service. Candidates may be asked about a difficult customer or a busy shift. Enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to learn matter more than formal qualifications. Interviewers at venues often look for energy, availability, and calm under pressure. Mentioning specific venues or events you have worked adds credibility.

Good to know

Hospitality roles in members clubs often involve high-volume phone work and reservation systems.

Point-of-sale and membership platforms such as OpenTable and MICROS are common in this field.

Hosts set the first impression for guests, so communication style and composure are important.

Team events and learning programs are typical in people-focused industries.

Career paths may move into F&B management or guest experience roles over time.

Questions to ask

Good questions to ask the employer in the interview: what does success look like in the first six months, how is the team structured, what is the current biggest challenge, and how are decisions made. Asking about growth paths and the review process is also well received. Employers expect questions, and good ones show preparation.

Career growth

Hospitality careers grow from entry roles to supervisor, manager, and venue leadership positions. Many professionals move between hotels, restaurants, and events. Skills in scheduling, ordering, and guest relations open management paths. Hospitality careers reward versatility and service instinct. Staff who learn ordering, scheduling, and guest relations quickly are promoted first.