The Drake has been a part of the community and our guests’ lives since 2004. The Drake is a growing Canadian hospitality brand focused on lifestyle hotels, food + drink and special events. To this day, we’re the destination for the curious. At The Drake, we celebrate emerging music and art, serve food and drinks that reimagine the classics, and inspire our team and guests to embrace fresh perspectives. We’re more than a place to sleep, eat + drink; we believe culture and community matter and are committed to an exceptional hospitality experience delivered in our signature style; one that is genuine, personal, memorable and embraces the energy of discovery. We value honesty and spontaneity because that's the stuff of real connection and believe that hospitality is an act of care. The Drake Hotel (Toronto), Drake Devonshire Inn (Wellington, Prince Edward County), and Drake Motor Inn (Wellington, Prince Edward County) are each reflective of their respective neighbourhoods as inclusive hubs for unique and diverse experiences through art, culture and hospitality with great seasonal menus, a robust cocktail list, carefully curated curiosities, and genuine hospitality excellence for all.
Working with The Drake means that you will have the opportunity to work alongside like-minded individuals in an inclusive, entrepreneurial, and team-oriented environment. As someone who is curious, collaborative and a continuous learner, you’ll have limitless opportunities to make an impact and to be recognized for it.
We're looking for a Lead Host who will be responsible for leading the host team and managing our reservation booking system across multiple venue spaces through OpenTable, in order to maximize revenues by accommodating guests, reservations + walk-ins in a strategic manner, as well as manage the programming of OpenTable. As an ambassador of The Drake, you are expected to greet all guests with enthusiasm, be well informed in all aspects of our offerings, and provide our guests a world-class experience. We are looking for someone who is dynamic, intuitive, and flexible with a ‘can-do’ attitude and willingness to go that extra mile leading the Host team and working closely with Management.
- Warmly and graciously greet all incoming and departing guests. Seat guests proactively, promptly, with genuine care to attention and detail respecting the Drake standards.
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Knowledgeable on all property offerings; weekly programing, special events, pop-ups, etc.
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Operate and maintain reservations systems for multiple venues through OpenTable to maximize reservations and guest experience. Look for opportunities to improve and update the current system.
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Oversee call back programs to confirm reservations and event details.
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Conduct daily reservation systems (OpenTable and TripleSeat) sweeps, to ensure all bookings are aligned with Special Event, Music + Art programming.
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Maintain and audit standardized briefs and SOPs Restaurant Hosts, Reservations SOP documentation and training.
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Ensure all event inquiries are appropriately recorded with specific details sent to the Sales Teams.
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Work closely with the host teams on maximizing table yields and flips as well as creating and maintaining reservation policies.
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Regularly review of OpenTable to ensure optimization. Maintain up-to-date OpenTable records on current + prospective clients, floor plans, hours of operation and Special Events buyouts.
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Actively demonstrate teamwork and open communication within the host, management, and front of house teams.
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Lead by example for the other hosts.
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Train and offer leadership to the host team, ensuring that they are following steps of service
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Lead host meetings/training seminars
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2-3 years of experience in a similar, high-volume environment with excellent service standards.
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Experience using OpenTable is preferred.
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Well-spoken and excellent communication skills.
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Team driven, professional, and outgoing with a positive attitude.
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Able manage a high-volume of guests alone/with shared support.
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Able to prioritize, making prompt, fair and reasonable decisions.
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Adept at juggling multiple needs, calmly, respectfully, creatively and successfully resolve problems, as required.
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Highly motivated, with a genuine desire to connect with guests.
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Understand our culture and has a desire to be an ambassador for The Drake.
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Enthusiastic about arts + culture offered at The Drake and knowledgeable of The Drake’s properties and offerings.
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Availability to work varied shifts, including weekends and holidays (minimum of 4 shifts/week).
We pride ourselves in providing strong leadership and development opportunities for passionate hospitality professionals who are looking to build rewarding, long-term careers. Drake offers a competitive compensation, and benefits package, training programs and other unique perks, as part of joining our team.
The Drake is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a positive, supportive, and creative environment at Drake Hotel Properties that promotes equity, inclusiveness and diversity. We welcome job applications from candidates of all backgrounds including, but not limited to, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour); refugees, newcomers, and immigrant persons; 2SLGBTQI+ and gender non-binary persons, and persons with disabilities. Please advise us of any accommodations needed to ensure you can access and complete the submissions process.
