Lead Maitre'd/Guest Relations
Wish You Were Here Group · Dallas, TX
Apply & track with Apply EdgeCompany DescriptionWish You Were Here Group is a hospitality and lifestyle company focused on creating unforgettable dining experiences inspired by global travel. Its multi-concept portfolio includes popular restaurants, cafés, bars, and lounges across the United States that aim to transport guests to destinations around the world. Each property features a distinct aesthetic influenced by diverse cultures and cuisines, offering high-quality food, creative cocktails, and attentive service in thoughtfully designed spaces. The group currently operates venues in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York City, Scottsdale and now Texas, with continued growth in new markets. Team members join a creative, guest-centered environment with opportunities to contribute to a growing brand and dynamic hospitality experiences. Elephante Dallas
The ideal candidate is naturally warm and engaging, has an exceptional memory for guests and details, and knows how to make every guest feel recognized and valued. The Role As Lead Maître d’ / VIP Guest Relations Manager, you will be a key ambassador for Elephante Dallas. You will oversee the arrival and guest experience while developing strong relationships with our VIP clientele and ensuring that every detail of their visit is thoughtfully executed.You will work closely with the General Manager, management team, reservations, events, service, and culinary teams to create a seamless and elevated experience from reservation through departure. Key ResponsibilitiesServe as a welcoming and highly visible ambassador for Elephante Dallas.Lead the host and guest relations experience while maintaining an elevated, energetic, and welcoming presence on the floor.Personally welcome VIPs, regular guests, industry professionals, and high-profile clientele.Develop and maintain meaningful relationships with key guests and become knowledgeable about their preferences, habits, and expectations.Oversee VIP reservations, seating arrangements, special occasions, celebrations, and personalized requests.Anticipate guest needs and proactively create memorable moments throughout the dining experience.Maintain strong communication with management, reservations, service, culinary, and events teams regarding VIPs and special guests.Ensure VIP notes, preferences, occasions, and guest history are accurately communicated and followed through.Assist with managing reservations, table assignments, pacing, and overall guest flow during service.Monitor the dining room and proactively address guest concerns before they become issues.Handle guest feedback and service recovery with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.Build strong relationships with Dallas clientele, local influencers, hospitality professionals, and community members.Support the development and coaching of the host and guest relations team.Set and maintain high standards for personal presentation, communication, professionalism, and hospitality.Assist management during high-volume services, special events, and peak periods.Maintain discretion and confidentiality when working with VIP and high-profile guests.Contribute to creating the distinctive Elephante experience both inside and outside the dining room.The Ideal Candidate We are looking for someone who is:Naturally charismatic and personable with the ability to make guests feel immediately comfortable and welcome.Experienced ideally in luxury restaurants, high-end hospitality, hotels, private clubs, or nightlife/social hospitality.Confident interacting with high-profile guests and discerning clientele.Extremely attentive to detail and able to remember guest preferences and personal touches.Polished, professional, and composed in a fast-paced environment.A strong communicator who knows how to work collaboratively with a large hospitality team.A natural relationship-builder with an established understanding of exceptional guest service.Comfortable taking ownership of the guest experience and making decisions independently.A confident leader who can coach and inspire the host and guest relations team.Discreet and trustworthy when handling VIP information and sensitive guest matters.Passionate about hospitality, restaurants, people, and creating experiences guests want to return to.QualificationsIdeally 2 years of experience in a senior guest relations, Maître d’, host leadership, restaurant management, or comparable hospitality position.Experience working in a high-volume, upscale or luxury hospitality environment.Strong knowledge of reservations, table management, guest relations, and dining room operations.Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.Professional and polished appearance.Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and during special events. What Success Looks LikeSuccess in this role means that guests feel known, welcomed, and genuinely cared for every time they walk through the doors of Elephante Dallas. Our VIP guests should feel that their preferences are remembered, their experience is thoughtfully anticipated, and every member of the team is aligned in delivering exceptional hospitality. The Lead Maître d’ / VIP Guest Relations Manager will play an important role in strengthening Elephante's relationships with its guests and helping establish the restaurant as one of Dallas's premier destinations for dining, celebrations, and social experiences. If you are passionate about hospitality, thrive in a high-energy environment, and have a natural talent for building relationships with people, we would love to meet you.