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Front Desk - Host

Dave & Buster's · Vernon Hills, IL · Part time

Posted Aug 5, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you made someone's first impression of a place better.

What they are checking: Whether they naturally bring the friendly energy that a host role depends on.

Tell me about a time you had to stay calm when a lot of people wanted your attention at once.

What they are checking: Whether they can handle pressure without getting short with guests or coworkers.

Why do you want to be the face of Dave & Buster's at the front door?

What they are checking: Whether they enjoy greeting and helping people, which shows in every guest interaction.

What would you do

You are the first person guests see. A family of eight walks in on a Saturday and there is a forty-minute wait. What do you say?

What they are checking: Whether they can give honest wait times warmly and offer options like games so guests stay instead of leaving.

A guest on the phone wants to book a party and asks questions you cannot answer. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stay helpful, take good notes, and connect the caller with the right person rather than guessing.

A guest leaving says their food was cold and they will not be back. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they listen, apologize sincerely and get a manager, which is how a farewell can save a guest.

A group arrives that seems very intoxicated before they even get inside. What would you do?

What they are checking: Whether they notice safety issues and alert a manager right away instead of seating them anyway.

About the work

The front desk handles game rentals, merchandise sales and phones. How would you keep all three going when it gets busy?

What they are checking: Whether they can juggle several duties at once without leaving guests or callers ignored.

How would you seat guests so servers get a fair share of tables and the kitchen is not flooded all at once?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that seating rotation affects service quality, not just where people sit.

How do you prepare the host stand before your shift starts?

What they are checking: Whether they plan ahead with menus, supplies and seating charts so the rush goes smoothly.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Dave & Buster's from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Dave & Buster's.

Job Description: Dave & Buster’s is different from everywhere else. No two days are ever the same. Time will fly by serving hundreds of people with flexible schedules you can accommodate school or other jobs. Plus, your co-workers are awesome! Dave & Buster’s offers an attractive benefits package for many positions, including medical, dental, vision, 401K, FREE GAMES and more. POSITION SNAPSHOT: Our front desk and host position ensures Guests' initial impressions with Dave & Buster's are positive and welcoming. The front desk/host positions require a strong communicator who will guide our Guests through their retail, game rental and dining experiences. NITTY GRITTY DETAILS: • Delivers an unparalleled Guest experience through the best combination of food, drinks and games in an ideal environment for celebrating all out fun. • Acts as ambassador to the building, greeting Guests with a positive attitude and enthusiasm while coordinating game rentals, merchandise sales, and telephones. Smiles and greets Guests upon entering. • Keeps immediate supervisor promptly and fully informed of all problems or unusual matters of significance and takes prompt corrective action where necessary or suggests alternative courses of action. • Bids farewell to Guests leaving. Ensures everything was satisfactory and invites Guests to return. • Prepares for the shift by ensuring area is stocked with supplies: menus, silverware, Power cards, gift cards etc. • Reviews the cleanliness and organization of the Front Desk and Host station. • Ensures all menus are stocked and properly cleaned and maintained. • Checks for restocking of necessary supplies. • Brings all areas up to standard. • Discusses problem areas with Manager • Conducts merchandise inventory during and after shift, if applicable. • Maintains a favorable working relationship with all other company Team Members to foster and promote a cooperative and harmonious working climate that will be conducive to maximum Team Member morale, productivity and efficiency/effectiveness. • Notifies Manager of any Guest that is perceived to be unhappy. • Assists other Team Members as needed or as business dictates • Drives table turn timing by scouting open tables, bussing and cleaning tables as necessary. • Rotates seating appropriately following guidelines to ensure fairness and balance in the dining areas. • Manages flow from the front doors, efficiently helping Guests with needs and directing as needed. • Manages wait times and communicates information as needed to Guests, Team Members, and Managers. • Delivers silverware as Guests are seated. • Makes timely and accurate calculations of bill transactions. • Greets and assists Guests efficiently and with a smile while processing transactions. • Is responsible for the reconciliation of any monies from their banks. • Completes “To Go” order transactions for Guests and ensures accuracy. • Sells merchandise from the Front Desk, if applicable. • Must be friendly and able to smile frequently. • Restaurant, retail, or cashier experience preferred, but not required. • Employee needs to be able to communicate effectively with multiple Guests while generating enthusiasm for D&B. • Is dressed in accordance with dress guidelines, looking neat, clean, and professional at all times. • Must demonstrate ability to read and communicate in English. • Must be able to articulate clear greetings, requests for assistance, and farewells to Guests. • Must be skilled at calmly responding to dis‐satisfied Guests and calling issues to Manager's attention. • Must be at least 16 years of age. Requirements STUFF OUR ATTORNEYS MAKE US WRITE: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this position, the Team Member will regularly be required to: • Work days, nights, and/or weekends as required. • Work in noisy, fast paced environment with distracting conditions. • Read and write handwritten notes. • Lift and carry up to 30 pounds. • Move about facility and stand for long periods of time. • Walk or stand 100% of shift. • Reach, bend, and stoop frequently. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified in this position. As an equal opportunity employer, Dave & Buster’s is dedicated to our policy of nondiscrimination in all aspects of employment, and we comply with all Federal, State and Local laws regarding nondiscrimination. Dave and Buster's is proud to be an E-Verify Employer where required by law. Salary Range: 15 - 17 We are an equal opportunity employer and participate in E-Verify in states where required.

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