Game Café Host

About the role

We are hiring a friendly, reliable, and game-loving host to help run the guest experience at our board game café.

This is a hybrid role that combines host, game guide, cashier support, café attendant, light waiter-style service, and floor support. The ideal person is great with people, comfortable explaining games, organized, and willing to help with whatever is needed to keep the café running smoothly.

They will help guests pick and learn games, assist with self-checkout, start and manage tabs, bring snacks and drinks to tables, and make sure guests have a great experience throughout their visit.

The main focus of the role is board games and card games, with retro video games also being part of the café experience.

Responsibilities

• Welcome guests and explain how the café works
• Help guests choose board games and card games based on group size, age, experience level, time available, and interests
• Teach or explain basic game rules when needed
• Help reset games after use and make sure pieces, cards, tokens, and components are returned properly
• Support guests using retro video game stations, including basic setup, controllers, game selection, and simple troubleshooting
• Help customers complete self-checkout for snacks, drinks, merchandise, and other items
• Start and manage customer tabs when needed
• Take simple snack, drink, or café orders
• Bring snacks and drinks to guests at their tables
• Check in on guests during their visit to make sure they have what they need
• Help close out tabs and answer basic payment questions
• Keep tables, game shelves, console areas, and common spaces clean and organized
• Restock snacks, drinks, and retail items
• Help manage waitlists, reservations, table assignments, and guest flow
• Support game nights, tournaments, private events, and birthday parties
• Handle light opening and closing duties
• Communicate guest feedback, missing game pieces, damaged games, equipment issues, or inventory needs to management

Requirements

• 1+ year of customer-facing experience preferred
• Experience in hospitality, retail, cafés, restaurants, game stores, events, escape rooms, or entertainment venues is a plus
• Board game and card game knowledge is strongly preferred, but we are willing to train the right person
• Familiarity with retro video games is a plus
• Friendly, patient, and comfortable talking to guests
• Good at explaining rules clearly and simply
• Reliable, punctual, and professional
• Comfortable using tablets, checkout systems, and basic technology
• Able to multitask during busy periods
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Must be able to stand for long periods
• Must be able to lift and move boxes, games, chairs, or supplies when needed
• Must be available evenings and weekends
• Must be willing to help with cleaning, organizing, restocking, and general café operations

Preferred qualifications

• Knowledge of modern board games beyond the classics
• Interest in trading card games, tabletop RPGs, party games, or hobby gaming communities
• Familiarity with retro consoles like NES, SNES, Genesis, N64, GameCube, PlayStation, or arcade-style games
• Bilingual English and Spanish
• Experience teaching games, hosting events, or working with families and groups
• Experience with POS systems, tabs, self-checkout, or café service