Host — Civil Works

Location: Civil Works, 50 Brant Street, Toronto

About Civil Works

Civil Works is a cocktail bar located inside the Waterworks Food Hall at 50 Brant Street in downtown Toronto. Since opening, we've been recognized as one of the leading cocktail bars in North America.

Our accolades include:

• North America's 50 Best Bars (2025 debut, 2026)
• Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award (2025)
• Canada's 100 Best Bars, No. 32 (2025)

Civil Works is part of the Tributary Hospitality group, alongside Civil Liberties and Third Place Toronto.

The Role

We are hiring a senior Host to lead the front door at Civil Works. This is not an entry-level host position. We are looking for an experienced hospitality professional who runs the door with maître d'-level polish, manages the floor and reservation book with precision, and is ready to grow into a Front of House Manager role within our group.

The Host is the first and last impression every guest has of the bar. The right person sets the tone for service the moment guests walk in.

How to Apply

Apply directly through Indeed. Direct messages and emails will not be responded to. Candidates with the appropriate background and experience will be contacted to schedule an in-person interview and stage.

What to bring to your interview:

• Physical copy of your resume
• Copy of your Smart Serve certification
• Government-issued ID
• Your availability

Requirements:

• Valid Smart Serve certification
• Expert-level proficiency in OpenTable, including floor management, table optimization, guest profiles, reporting, and reservation book strategy
• Significant experience in a senior host or maître d' role at a high-volume restaurant or cocktail bar
• Demonstrated ability to deliver maître d'-style service: warm, polished, anticipatory, and unflappable under pressure
• Strong working knowledge of the Toronto hospitality and cocktail industry
• Able to stand for 8-hour shifts and lift 40 lbs
• Minimum 4 days of availability per week, including weekends
• Available to work nights, weekends, and holidays
• Willing to participate in industry events and Toronto industry education sessions
• Personal commitment to ongoing self-directed learning in spirits, cocktails, service, and personal development on your own time as part of the role
• Genuine interest in growing into a Front of House Manager role within the group

Key Responsibilities:

• Run the door and manage the reservation book to maximize covers without compromising guest experience
• Build and manage the floor in OpenTable with strategic table placement, pacing, and turn management
• Greet and seat every guest with warmth, polish, and full presence
• Manage waitlists, walk-ins, and VIP arrivals with confidence and discretion
• Maintain detailed guest notes and profiles to support repeat-guest recognition and personalized service
• Communicate clearly and constantly with bartenders, servers, and management to keep service flowing
• Handle guest concerns at the door with composure and professionalism
• Support floor management responsibilities as you grow into the FOH Manager role
• Participate in pre-shift meetings, training, and team development
• Uphold the standards that keep Civil Works on the world's best bar lists

Qualifications:

• Proven track record as a senior host or maître d' at a high-volume, high-standard venue
• OpenTable expertise is non-negotiable; you can demonstrate it
• Hospitable, humble, and team-first by default
• Career-focused with a clear interest in management progression
• Composed under pressure with sharp judgment in real time
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the polish to handle high-profile guests
• Strong attention to detail and an eye for the floor
• Genuine passion for hospitality and a clear commitment to personal development
• Goal-oriented with a long-term view of your career in the industry
• Flexible availability across evenings, weekends, and holidays

Compensation: Hourly wage plus tip pool participation. Compensation reflects experience and the senior nature of the role.

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Discounted or free food
• Flexible schedule
• On-site gym
• On-site parking

Location:

• Toronto, ON M5V 3G9