As you arrive amid the lush and rolling hills of historic Franklin, Tennessee, you find yourself breathing more deeply, feeling more at ease. It is as though you have been transported to a simpler time, when the pace of life was more mindful, more deliberate. A vast expanse of farmland surrounds you, with greenhouses on one side, and rows of heritage crops, orchards, and gardens on the other.

A working farm. An inviting inn. Dining and spa experiences that honor the cycles of nature and incorporate its bounty. This is Southall, an extraordinary resort where experiences are meant to be savored.

The Lead Host/Hostess is the first and lasting impression of our guest experience in our Green Michelin Star restaurant, January. This individual sets the tone for every guest interaction, offering a warm welcome, managing the flow of service with precision, and embodying Southall’s spirit of gracious hospitality. This role is both strategic and service-driven: part concierge, part conductor, and wholly dedicated to excellence.

LEAD HOST / HOSTESS

OUR ROLE

• Greet each guest with warmth, sincerity, and attentiveness
• Manage the arrival, seating, and farewell of guests in a polished and gracious manner
• Recognize return guests and personalize interactions accordingly
• Handle guest concerns with professionalism and follow through to resolution
• Maintain the reservation book (Tock) with accuracy and foresight
• Proactively manage walk-ins and waitlists with thoughtful pacing and table allocation
• Coordinate with the culinary and service teams to ensure smooth pacing and flow of service
• Communicate special occasions, allergies, and preferences to the service team
• Train, coach, and supervise all host stand team members
• Lead daily pre-shift briefings focused on cover counts, VIPs, and table strategy
• Collaborate with restaurant leadership on floor plans and guest seating strategies
• Maintain a pristine host stand area that reflects the elegance of the property
• Update guest profiles with relevant notes to enhance future experiences
• Communicate with Concierge and Guest Services teams regarding in-house guests
• Track large party inquiries and special requests to support private dining operations
• Other duties as assigned by Southall Leadership

OUR TOP CANDIDATE

• Holds 2+ years of experience in a luxury or fine dining host/hostess role, with supervisory responsibilities preferred

• Shares our deep commitment to hospitality and guest-centered service

• Has fluency in OpenTable, Resy, Tock or similar reservation management software

• Effectively communicates and prioritizes in a fast-paced environment

• Holds themselves with a high degree of professionalism

OUR BENEFITS

• Competitive compensation package

• Medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, company-provided life insurance

• Generous paid time off accruals

• 9 paid holidays annually

• Weekly pay

• 401k and company match

• Education reimbursement

• Best-in-class Employee Assistance Program

• Free weekly outdoor activities and wellness classes

• 30% internal discounts

• Fresh and free daily meal

• Bountiful internal growth opportunities

OUR TEAM

Assembled intentionally with dynamic expertise, the Southall team is offered the unique opportunity to learn humbly with, and from, each other. We invest in a growth mindset and take it upon ourselves to strengthen our knowledge and grit daily. We honor the cycles of nature, get our hands dirty and taste the earth’s bounty in an effort to connect with the land.

We plan with purpose, seeing past the present day and seeking to consider the planet with each step. We embrace a blend of ancient techniques and modern technologies in our practice of sustainability. We celebrate ingenuity and resourcefulness and approach our roles through the eyes of an entrepreneur, looking beyond our respective corners to the big picture.

Acting with intention, we approach each day with gratitude for the opportunity to serve our guests and each other. A humble holder of our Michelin Key, our team strives to provide a level of luxury that feels effortless and sincere. The Southall team cares for our visitors with the same caliber of kindness and respect as we care for the humans that work alongside us.

Southall Farm and Inn is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Southall provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender, national origin, status as a protected veteran, disability or any other classification protected by law. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs.