Host/Hostess – Full-time / Part-time

Job Overview: Host/Hostess (Full-Time or Part-Time)

Culinary Dropout, a high-energy brand under Fox Restaurant Concepts (owned by The Cheesecake Factory), is hiring Hosts for its Nora Plaza location in Indianapolis. This isn’t your average “check-in” desk; Culinary Dropout is known for its “show-stopping” food, live music vibes, and genuine hospitality.

As a Host, you are the “Director of First Impressions,” responsible for managing the flow of the restaurant while ensuring guests feel like VIPs from the moment they walk through the door.

Key Responsibilities & Front-Door Strategy

Flow & Pace Management

• The “Gatekeeper” Role: Control the pace of the door and coordinate with managers to manage the “flow” of seating, ensuring the kitchen and servers aren’t overwhelmed.

• Tech Proficiency: Utilize OpenTable (or similar reservation systems) and POS systems to track table turns and guest wait times accurately.

• Poise Under Pressure: Maintain a calm, professional demeanor during high-volume rushes and respond to “on-the-fly” requests with ease.

Genuine Hospitality

• Guest Recognition: Go above and beyond by remembering regular guests’ names and specific seating preferences.

• Menu Knowledge: Be an expert on the menu to provide genuine recommendations while guests wait for their table.

• Presentation: Maintain a clean and organized host stand, as it serves as the guest’s first impression of the restaurant’s standards.

Requirements & Physical Demands

• Experience: Prior experience in restaurants or similar high-touch customer service environments is preferred.

• Communication: Excellent verbal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with both guests and the kitchen team.

• Physicality: * Ability to stand for long periods of time.

  • Capability to lift up to 25 pounds.

• Availability: Must be available to work weekends and some holidays.

Compensation & “Dropout” Benefits

Culinary Dropout offers one of the most robust benefit packages in the hospitality industry:

• Pay Range: $16.00 – $19.00 per hour.

• Daily Earnings: Access your pay as you earn it through Payactiv.

• Healthcare: Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available if you work at least 25 hours per week.

• Dining Discounts: 35% discount at all Fox Restaurant Concepts (Culinary Dropout, North Italia, etc.) and additional discounts at The Cheesecake Factory.

• Education: Access to tuition reimbursement to support your academic goals.

• Growth: Opportunity for career advancement across a massive family of global restaurant brands.

  The Organization & Culture In 2026, Culinary Dropout continues to be one of the most vibrant additions to the Indianapolis dining scene, known for its mantra: “Uniform-Free and Rule-Breaking.” Part of the Fox Restaurant Concepts (FRC) family, the culture is defined by “Individuality and High-Energy Hospitality.” The environment is a deliberate departure from stuffy fine dining, featuring a “come as you are” vibe where live music, yard games, and a relaxed, industrial-chic aesthetic take center stage. For employees, the culture is “Passion-Led and Lifestyle-Oriented,” encouraging staff to bring their own “flavor” to work. It’s a workplace that celebrates creativity, with team members often described as “cool, genuine people” who thrive in a fast-paced, social atmosphere.

  The Indianapolis Presence: The Nora Plaza Anchor Located in the bustling Nora neighborhood on the city’s Northside, Culinary Dropout serves as a major social hub for both residents and visitors:

  • The Location: Situated at 1320 East 86th Street (46240), the restaurant anchored the revitalization of Nora Plaza, providing a massive, open-concept space that blends an indoor dining room with a vibrant, climate-controlled patio.

  • Specialized Event Spaces: The Indy location features unique private rooms tailored for the local community, including the Canal Room (vibrant and playful) and the Meridian Room (modern elegance), making it a top choice for everything from micro-weddings to “Championship Watch Parties” during March Madness.

  • The Atmosphere: The space is designed to be the “neighborhood’s backyard,” featuring a stage for local live acts, communal tables for large groups, and a pervasive “rock-and-roll” energy.

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  Workplace & Strategic Highlights (2026)

  • Strategic 2026 Focus: “Experience-First Dining”

    • March Madness 2026: A key strategic initiative this spring is the “Championship Watch Party” campaign. From March 17 to April 4, 2026, the restaurant is leveraging Indy’s basketball culture by offering raffle entries for every visit, culminating in a $500 watch party credit for the finals on April 6.

    • Interactive Programming: Strategically, the brand is moving beyond just food and drink. In April 2026, the Indy location is hosting specialized events like Custom Sneaker Art Classes with Kicasso, blending local art culture with the restaurant experience.

  • 2026 Compensation & Roles (Indianapolis Market):

    • Kitchen Leadership: Executive Chefs in Indianapolis command salaries between $90,000 and $100,000 plus a 25% bonus opportunity, while Sous Chefs typically earn $65,000 to $75,000.

    • Hourly Front-of-House: Roles such as Servers and Bartenders benefit from a high-volume environment and a culture that encourages personality. Hosts and Back Servers typically start between $16 and $19 per hour.

    • Hourly Back-of-House: Line Cooks in the Indy market are earning $18 to $21 per hour, with Dishwashers starting around $16 to $18 per hour.

  • Comprehensive 2026 Employee Benefits:

    • The “Dropout” Perk: One of the most unique benefits is the No Uniform policy, allowing staff to work “in style” and express their personality.

    • Education & Growth: Hourly employees can earn a High School Diploma or Associate’s Degree for FREE through company-sponsored programs. After one year, they are eligible for additional tuition reimbursement.

    • Dining Discounts: “Dropouts” receive a 35% discount at all Fox Restaurant Concept locations and a 25% discount at The Cheesecake Factory.

    • Wellness Support: Includes medical, dental, and vision for those working 25+ hours, plus “Next Day Pay” via the Wages Now platform.