Job Description

What is Slow Dials?

Slow Dials is a new hospitality concept coming to the East Village, with a target soft opening in September 2026. It is a time-ticketed “analog lounge” or experimental third space that brings people together without defaulting to eating, drinking, awkward silences, or staring at phones. Guests purchase either a 45- or 90- minute session, in which they can enjoy complimentary drip coffee and tea, low-pressure activities from our library (e.g., reading a short story, doing a crossword, practicing embroidery, etc.), and a guaranteed and comfortable seat in an atmospheric setting.

The space combines the utility of a coffee shop, the atmosphere of a retro living room, and the fun and lightly social aspects of an activity venue or art studio. Above all, guests always know how long they’re staying, what they’ll pay, and that there will be something to do when they get there. While the activity offerings and mood may shift with the seasons, the experience is always the same: simple, fun, and inviting. The way third spaces are meant to be.

Why join the team?

We’re looking for a full-time Lead Host to help run the day-to-day of Slow Dials and learn and grow with the space. In this role, you will be a steady presence on the floor: hosting guests, assisting with running sessions, keeping the space calm, stocked, and organized, and helping develop the systems and small team that make it work. This role starts hourly with a path to a full-time salaried management position.

Most importantly, this is a role for someone who is comfortable making and learning from mistakes, being part of something new, and growing alongside a team. At Slow Dials, we genuinely believe that, with honesty, empathy, and humility (and the ability to have fun along the way), anything can be achieved. If that sounds appealing to you, please continue reading below and consider applying for this role.

What do the responsibilities include?

Floor support
• Host, orient, and seat guests; monitor sessions; and keep the space calm, tidy, and welcoming
• Keep the self-serve coffee and tea station stocked and presentable throughout the day (note: coffee runs on a fully automated bean-to-cup machine, so the role requires keeping beans, milk, and supplies topped up and overseeing its automatic cleaning/descaling cycles)
• Pour and serve soft drinks (and beer/wine once available), and plate light bites (no cooking)
• Keep the activity library neat, organized, and complete, including restocking materials and prepping kits (pens, stationery, embroidery materials, etc.) so everything is clean and ready for the next guest
• Handle the start-and-end-of-session flow so each visit feels smooth and intentional. Sessions will be supported by a simple in-house pager device that helps with managing end-of-session notifications to guests
• Uphold a guest experience that feels warm, calm, and intentional
Operations support
• Support daily operations and help keep the space clean, organized, and running properly
• Handle opening and closing duties, including cash/POS reconciliation and end-of-shift checklists
• Assist with coordinating deliveries, supplies, repairs, and vendors as needed
• Help refine operating routines, checklists, and workflows
• Communicate clearly with ownership about what’s working and what needs attention
Team and feedback support
• Assist with building and managing weekly staff schedules based on business needs
• Help onboard and train new hires, and support an empathetic, fair, and accountable team culture
• Cover shifts and step in during peak times or callouts, as needed
• Assist with gathering and implementing feedback from team members
• Help collect guest feedback and turn it into replicable improvements for the guest experience
Inventory
• Assist with tracking inventory, monitoring par levels, and flagging reorder needs
• Keep the beverage station and activity supplies stocked
• Help prevent stockouts, over-ordering, and waste
Cleaning and upkeep
• Perform and oversee routine cleaning of the coffee area, tea station, and guest-facing areas
• Reset the space between sessions and keep everything guest-ready throughout the day
• Maintain the organization and cleanliness of the space in accordance with NY Department of Health standards

Will there be paid training before and after opening?

Yes, you’ll receive paid, hands-on training before opening and ongoing support after, including:
• Full training on the coffee and tea systems and light food/beverage service
• Training on the in-house device that supports session timing and the guest experience
• Onboarding on our hosting approach, session flow, activity library, and the start-and-end-of-session ritual
• Clear checklists, routines, and systems so you’re never guessing
• General hands-on support from the owner

Who is the ideal candidate?

You would be great for this role if you are:
• Experienced in a café, restaurant, hospitality, retail, or other event/lifestyle setting, ideally with some supervisory or lead responsibility
• Genuinely excited by the idea of third spaces and fostering human connection
• Honest, empathetic, and humble—you are inclined to do the right thing, consider how others feel, and have a desire to learn from your experiences
• Comfortable taking ownership over tasks and working closely with a founder in an early-stage environment where systems are still being built
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to assist with managing schedules, inventory, and daily operations
• A good team player who is calm, steady under pressure, and willing to be hands-on during a shift

What are the requirements?

• 2+ years of hospitality, café, restaurant, retail, or event experience; some scheduling, training, or team-lead experience strongly preferred
• Comfortable with POS systems, spreadsheets, email, and basic scheduling tools
• Availability to work weekends, occasional evenings, and events as needed
• Able to stand for extended periods and lift up to ~25 lbs (supplies, deliveries)
• Able to communicate clearly with guests and team
• NYC-based and able to commute reliably to the East Village
• NYC Food Protection Certificate, or willingness to obtain one within 30 days of hire

What is the compensation and other benefits?

The compensation is $28 per hour with the expectation of 35 to 40 hours per week. Please note that Slow Dials is a no-tip operation, which means base pay is set intentionally to reflect the full, stable value of the role. Additionally, this position starts hourly with a target to transition into a full-time, salaried manager role between months 6 and 12, based on individual performance and business stability. In addition to hourly pay, the position includes:
• Eligibility for performance bonuses
• Predictable schedules posted at least two weeks in advance
• Paid training during onboarding and after opening
• Free sessions for you and up to two guests each month, plus complimentary on-shift drinks and snacks
• Upon transition to the salaried role, an employer contribution toward health insurance
• Overtime and sick leave paid in accordance with applicable law, plus all standard NYC protections (workers’ comp, disability, paid family leave)

How to Apply

Job Categories: Other. Job Types: Full-Time. Job Tags: bonus eligible, floor lead, full-time, innovative, and path to salaried. Salaries: Hourly.

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