The Maitre D’ at ama by Brad Kilgore is the orchestrator of the guest experience, balancing the chic sophistication of a high-end restaurant with the vibrant social energy of a lounge. This role is the central point of connection between the dining room, lounge, bar, and kitchen, ensuring that every guest touchpoint feels intentional, polished, and memorable. As the foremost presence on the floor, the Maitre D’ embodies elegance and authority while curating the rhythm of service, the social atmosphere, and the refined personality that defines ama .
Key ResponsibilitiesGuest Experience Leadership
Serve as the welcoming face of ama , greeting and engaging with guests upon arrival and throughout their visit. Personalize interactions to ensure that every guest feels recognized, cared for, and part of the unique social fabric of the space.Flow of Service
Direct the pacing of service with precision, balancing the needs of dining tables and lounge seating. Coordinate between the host stand, bar, and kitchen to maintain a seamless rhythm and avoid bottlenecks during peak hours.VIP & Regular Guest Relations
Anticipate and manage the needs of VIP clientele, ensuring that bespoke experiences and personalized touches are delivered consistently. Build relationships with regular guests, cultivating loyalty and recognition that aligns with the exclusivity of ama .Atmosphere & Energy
Actively curate the tone of the lounge and dining space, ensuring that the energy of the room remains vibrant but balanced. Adjust the pace, lighting, music, and seating dynamics in collaboration with management to maintain the sexy, chic environment central to ama’s brand identity.Leadership & Mentorship
Provide guidance to servers, bartenders, runners, and hosts on hospitality presence, guest engagement, and professionalism. Lead by example in communication, body language, and style, setting the tone for the team.Operational Support
Collaborate with management in pre-shift meetings, service lineups, and debriefs to align the team with daily priorities. Assist with special events, private reservations, and high-profile evenings where service precision and guest discretion are paramount.Conflict Resolution
Address guest concerns and complaints with grace, professionalism, and discretion, ensuring challenges are resolved without disruption to the overall experience.Standards & Brand Embodiment
Maintain a stylish, confident presence that reflects ama’s identity as both a restaurant and a lounge. Uphold the highest standards of service, setting the tone for how ama is experienced by guests and remembered within San Francisco’s hospitality scene.
Minimum 5+ years of experience in fine dining, luxury hospitality, or elevated lounge environments.
Strong leadership presence with refined interpersonal and communication skills.
Expertise in service pacing, guest flow, and table management within both dining and lounge settings.
Ability to adapt seamlessly between formal dining etiquette and a lively lounge atmosphere.
A natural connector with a passion for creating memorable guest experiences.
Polished appearance and stylish confidence that authentically reflects ama’s chic, sexy, and social brand identity.
Proven ability to mentor and inspire hospitality teams in high-pressure, fast-paced environments.