We’re excited to introduce a new Japanese steakhouse located in the heart of Toronto’s Financial District.
This posting is for a currently existing role.
A new Japanese steakhouse is opening in downtown Toronto — a small, considered restaurant rooted in restraint, precision, and reverence for the craft.
Guided by the principles of Japanese simplicity, we showcase exceptional beef and seasonal ingredients at their purest expression. We believe time is the most valuable ingredient — time to raise, to age, to prepare, to gather, and to savour.
Our mission is simple: we are in the experience business. Our people-first culture inspires and empowers our team to deliver moments that matter in an environment focused on the guest experience. Together, we will create a best-in-class hospitality experience.
As Lead Host, you will play a key role in creating a warm, seamless, and elevated guest experience from the moment guests arrive. You will support the front door team, manage the flow of reservations and seating, and work closely with leadership to ensure smooth service execution.
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Welcome guests with a warm, polished, and professional demeanour, setting the tone for an exceptional dining experience.
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Lead and support the host team during service, ensuring the host stand, guest flow, and reservation process are managed with accuracy and care.
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Oversee seating plans while considering table availability, server sections, guest preferences, special occasions, and overall restaurant flow.
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Manage reservations, walk-ins, waitlists, and guest inquiries through the restaurant’s reservation system.
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Communicate effectively with servers, management, and kitchen teams to support smooth transitions between seatings and maintain service pace.
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Monitor wait times and guest expectations, providing thoughtful updates and solutions during peak periods.
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Support training and development of host team members, helping ensure consistent service standards and guest communication.
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Maintain cleanliness, organization, and presentation of the host stand, entrance, menus, coat check area, and waiting area.
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Anticipate and address guest needs or concerns promptly and professionally, escalating to management when appropriate.
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Assist with VIP guests, special events, private bookings, promotions, and other operational needs as assigned by management.
What You'll Need:
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Previous experience as a host, lead host, guest services lead, or in a similar hospitality role is preferred.
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Strong understanding of restaurant reservations, guest flow, seating strategy, and front door operations.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a polished, calm, and guest-focused approach.
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Ability to lead by example and support a team in a fast-paced, high-volume hospitality environment.
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Strong organizational skills and excellent attention to detail.
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Ability to multitask, prioritize, and remain composed under pressure.
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Experience with reservation systems and basic computer skills is an asset.
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Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
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Legal eligibility to work in Ontario, Canada.
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Competitive compensation, including comprehensive benefits, spending account and professional development program.
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Opportunity to develop skills and gain experience in multiple disciplines in a fast-paced environment.
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Dynamic and fun office culture with colleagues who share the same core values.
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Exclusive perks from our portfolio companies, including restaurants and fitness studios.
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Unlimited vacation policy.
Harlo Entertainment is a Toronto-based operator, management and private equity company, delivering value over 30 years of aggregate experience in both the hospitality and entertainment industry. With first-hand insights and perspectives, Harlo Entertainment defines a best-in-class, luxury experience and is deeply committed to the highest level of guest satisfaction.
We are a people-first culture. We strive to create great outcomes and to establish win-win partnerships through integrity, reliability, inclusivity, and great communication. Our greatest asset is our people, as they are the powerhouse behind our outcomes.
We challenge the status quo. We are disruptors. We are bold in what we do. We are brave, think big and move swiftly. We don't just acknowledge change; we initiate and embrace it.
We always bring our best. We hold ourselves accountable for over-delivering on a consistent basis. We take responsibility for the outcome of our work. Done is better than perfect.
We find a way to make it possible. We are in the business of storytelling and remarkable experiences to create moments that matter. We ooze passion and pride in everything we do. We are relentless, driven and proud. We dig deep, we get our hands dirty. There is no challenge is too big or too small for our team.
