Maple & Ash Chicago - Maitre D

Join Maple Hospitality Group, where culinary excellence meets unparalleled service. Led by renowned restaurateur Jim Lasky and two-Michelin-starred Chef Danny Grant, known for his innovative approach to fine dining, we're building a team of passionate food lovers dedicated to creating iconic destinations.

We believe success hinges on impeccable food, world-class service, and one-of-a-kind dining experiences. As we expand across Chicago, Scottsdale, Dallas, and Miami, you'll find endless opportunities for growth, travel, and continuing education.

Our culture is built on four core principles:

• Generosity: Always give more, exceed expectations.

• Excellence: Deliver exceptional work with unmatched expertise.

• Fun: Love what you do, laugh often, and enjoy the journey.

• Fail Fast: Learn from mistakes, adapt, and keep improving.

As our Maître D’, you are the heartbeat of the guest experience—the warm welcome, the seamless flow, the final goodbye that leaves a lasting impression. You’re the face of the restaurant and the guardian of its ambiance. We’re looking for a poised, intuitive leader who knows how to manage a door like a maestro conducts an orchestra. You thrive on the energy of a busy room, have a sharp eye for detail, and can charm a first-time guest or VIP regular with equal finesse. 

Pay Rate: $15.00 per hour + tips

What You’ll Do 

• Be the first and last face guests see—welcoming them with warmth, sending them off with grace.
• Read the room: Match guests with the right server or captain, set the tone, and maintain a fluid floor.
• Orchestrate the vibe: Manage lighting, music, and temperature to ensure an elevated, dynamic ambiance.
• Oversee and train the host team with the basics of service etiquette and hospitality standards.
• Prepare and lead pre-shift: Print OpenTable/SevenRooms reports and flow charts to ensure smooth execution and accurate guest communication.
• Collaborate with reservationists to create custom menus and flag special occasions, dietary notes, and VIP profiles.
• Partner with Events, Culinary, and FOH teams to manage large parties, special builds, and Bocuse-level experiences.
• Maintain VIP access, concierge relationships, and investor connections with polish and professionalism.
• Track and manage outreach ROI, and build relationships with residential buildings, retailers, and corporate offices to drive new guest acquisition.
• Stay on top of tech tools: Manage and maintain SevenRooms/OpenTable guest profiles, availability, capacity, and trend data. 

What You Bring

• A natural host: Warm, gracious, and endlessly observant.
• Experience in fine dining or high-volume, high-touch hospitality environments.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities in fast-paced, high-pressure situations.
• Leadership presence and a collaborative spirit—you elevate every team around you.
• Excellent communication, guest relations, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. 

This Role Requires

• The ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• A deep sense of pride in appearance and presence—you set the tone.
• Comfort navigating guest platforms like SevenRooms and OpenTable (experience preferred).
• A passion for building community—both inside and outside the restaurant.