Company Overview

Cactus Restaurants Ltd.

Cactus Club Cafe is a Canadian-owned chain of premium casual restaurants founded in 1988 in North Vancouver, British Columbia. What began as a single location has grown into one of Canada’s most celebrated dining brands, operating 38 restaurants across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, with recent expansion into the United States in Boston and Miami.

The company is privately owned by the Fuller Family and employs more than 6,500 business partners across Canada. Cactus Club Cafe is renowned for its chef-driven menu developed in collaboration with world-class culinary talent, including Iron Chef winner Rob Feenie, and its commitment to “elevated everyday dining” that blends global inspiration with fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients.

Cactus Club Cafe has been repeatedly recognized as one of Canada’s top employers, earning distinctions from Great Place To Work, Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures, and Canada’s Best Managed Companies. The company culture is built on passion, purpose, and possibility, with a strong emphasis on mentorship, professional development, and community involvement.

Visit Official Website to explore their menu, locations, and brand story.

Great Place To Work Canada’s Best Managed Most Admired Culture
38
Restaurant Locations
6,500+
Team Members
38
Years in Business
150+
Current Openings

Job Details

Job Title
Front Desk Agent / Host
Company
Cactus Restaurants Ltd.
Job Type
Full-Time, Part-Time, Flexible
Experience
Entry Level – No Experience Required
Education
High School Diploma (Preferred)
Industry
Premium Casual Dining / Hospitality
Job ID
CCC-FRONTDESK-CA-2026
Date Posted
July 9, 2026

Job Description

Are you a natural people person who loves making great first impressions? Cactus Club Cafe is actively hiring Front Desk Agents to be the welcoming face of our premium casual dining experience across Canada. As a Front Desk Agent, you are the first and last point of contact for every guest, setting the tone for an exceptional dining experience from the moment they walk through our doors.

This role is ideal for individuals who are energetic, organized, and genuinely passionate about hospitality. You will manage reservations, greet and seat guests, coordinate with the service and kitchen teams, and ensure smooth front-of-house operations during every shift. Whether you are launching your hospitality career or looking to join a company that invests in its people, Cactus Club Cafe offers industry-leading training, one-on-one mentorship, and clear pathways for advancement.

Working at Cactus means being part of a team that values connection, impact, and belonging. Our Front Desk Agents are not just hosts – they are brand ambassadors who embody our mission that “Every Guest Leaves Happy.” You will gain hands-on experience in reservation management, guest relations, and restaurant operations, building skills that transfer across the entire hospitality industry.

Key Responsibilities

  • Warmly greet every guest upon arrival, creating a positive and memorable first impression that reflects the Cactus Club Cafe brand
  • Manage reservations efficiently using the restaurant’s booking system, including taking phone reservations and walk-in requests
  • Coordinate seating arrangements with the service team to optimize table turnover while maintaining guest comfort and satisfaction
  • Accurately estimate wait times for guests and communicate updates professionally during peak dining periods
  • Maintain the front desk area, lobby, and entrance in pristine condition, ensuring a polished and inviting atmosphere
  • Answer incoming phone calls promptly and professionally, handling inquiries about menus, hours, reservations, and special events
  • Assist with managing the waitlist during busy shifts, keeping guests informed and comfortable while they wait
  • Collaborate closely with servers, bartenders, and management to ensure seamless communication between front desk and floor operations
  • Handle guest concerns or special requests with empathy and escalate issues to management when necessary
  • Support private dining and event coordination by assisting with guest check-ins for group reservations and parties
  • Adhere to all company policies, health and safety standards, and provincial regulations
  • Participate in ongoing training programs, team meetings, and staff appreciation events

Qualifications & Skills

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum age of 16 years (18+ preferred for locations serving alcohol)
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with a warm, approachable demeanor
  • Ability to remain calm, organized, and professional in fast-paced, high-volume environments
  • Strong multitasking abilities to manage reservations, phone calls, and guest interactions simultaneously
  • Basic computer literacy and comfort learning reservation management software
  • Flexibility to work various shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • Professional appearance and grooming standards consistent with a premium casual dining brand
  • Legal eligibility to work in Canada

Preferred Skills

  • Previous experience in hospitality, retail, or customer-facing roles
  • Familiarity with reservation platforms such as OpenTable or similar POS-integrated systems
  • Bilingual abilities (English/French) are a strong asset, particularly for Ontario and Quebec locations
  • Problem-solving skills and the ability to think on your feet during unexpected situations
  • Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to support colleagues across all front-of-house roles
  • Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and presentation
  • Passion for food, dining culture, and delivering memorable guest experiences

Salary & Benefits

$32,000 – $41,000 CAD / Year
Based on full-time hours at $17.60 – $19.75 per hour. Part-time positions pro-rated accordingly. Tips and team profit-sharing may increase total compensation.

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks

Competitive Hourly Wage One-on-One Mentorship Flexible Scheduling Meal Discounts Cactus University Training Career Advancement Paths Employee Investment Trust Profit Sharing Education Allowance Wellness Spending Account Parental Leave Top-Up BP Insider Discounts Team Events & Celebrations Staff Appreciation Days Community Involvement

Cactus Club Cafe invests heavily in its people from day one. Front Desk Agents benefit from one-on-one mentorship from leaders who care, access to Cactus University leadership and professional development courses, and clear paths to grow within the organization. The company also offers an Employee Investment Trust that allows qualifying team members to share in company profits and become stakeholders.

For qualifying positions, Cactus provides a wellness spending account, pregnancy and parental leave top-up, and an education allowance to support continuous learning in business, leadership, and hospitality. The culture is fun, supportive, and built on genuine connection.

Job Location

Cactus Club Cafe operates 38 restaurants across Canada with Front Desk Agent positions available in major metropolitan areas and growing suburban markets. Current hiring locations include:

Primary Hiring Regions:
British Columbia: Vancouver (Coal Harbour, English Bay, Bentall 5, Sherway Gardens), Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Kelowna, Victoria
Alberta: Calgary, Edmonton
Saskatchewan: Saskatoon
Ontario: Toronto (First Canadian Place, Yonge Sheppard Centre), Mississauga
United States (New): Boston, Miami

Many locations feature stunning architectural design, rooftop patios, waterfront views, and private dining spaces. Cactus Club Cafe is actively expanding, with new restaurants opening regularly – creating even more opportunities for Front Desk Agents to join growing teams.

How to Apply

Ready to become part of the Cactus community? Follow these steps to apply for a Front Desk Agent position:

  • Visit the Official Cactus Careers Portal: Navigate to the Cactus Club Cafe hiring page to browse all available Front Desk Agent and host positions across Canada and the United States.
  • Select Your Preferred Location: Use the location filter to find openings in your city or province. With 38 locations and growing, there is likely a restaurant hiring near you.
  • Submit Your Online Application: Complete the application form with your resume, contact details, and availability. Highlight any customer service, hospitality, or reservation management experience.
  • Complete the Initial Screening: Qualified candidates will be contacted for a brief phone or video screening to discuss your interest in the role and availability.
  • In-Person Interview: Successful applicants will be invited to an interview at the restaurant location, where you will meet the management team and learn more about the Cactus culture.
  • Onboarding & Training: Once hired, you will begin Cactus Club Cafe’s industry-leading training program, including shadow shifts, mentorship pairing, and orientation to reservation systems and brand standards.

Summary

Why Choose Cactus Club Cafe?

Cactus Club Cafe offers more than a job – it offers a hospitality career with one of Canada’s most admired restaurant brands. Front Desk Agent positions start at competitive hourly wages of $17.60 to $19.75, with the potential for tips, profit-sharing, and rapid advancement into supervisory and management roles.

The company’s award-winning culture, recognized by Great Place To Work and Canada’s Best Managed Companies, is built on genuine care for its people. From one-on-one mentorship and Cactus University training to flexible scheduling and meal discounts, every benefit is designed to help you thrive both professionally and personally.

With 38 locations across Canada and ambitious expansion into the United States, Cactus Club Cafe represents stability, growth, and excitement in the hospitality industry. If you are passionate about people, driven by purpose, and ready to be part of a team that raises the bar every day, apply now and discover what it means to bleed green.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need previous restaurant or hospitality experience to apply?
No, previous experience is not required for Front Desk Agent positions. Cactus Club Cafe provides comprehensive in-house training for all new hires. However, any prior customer service, retail, or hospitality experience is considered an asset and may help you advance more quickly within the company.
What is the typical shift length and schedule for a Front Desk Agent?
Front Desk Agent shifts typically range from 4 to 8 hours depending on the location and business volume. Cactus Club Cafe offers flexible scheduling to accommodate students, individuals with other commitments, and those seeking full-time hours. Evening and weekend availability is generally required due to peak dining periods.
What does the training program involve?
New Front Desk Agents participate in Cactus Club Cafe’s industry-leading training program, which includes shadow shifts with experienced team members, reservation system training, brand standards orientation, and customer service excellence modules. You will also be paired with a mentor who provides ongoing guidance and support as you grow in your role.
Are there opportunities for career advancement from the Front Desk?
Absolutely. Cactus Club Cafe is committed to promoting from within. Front Desk Agents can advance to Lead Host, Service Support, Server, Bartender, and eventually into management roles such as Floor Manager or General Manager. The company offers Cactus University leadership courses, personalized development plans, and education allowances to support your career growth.
What is the dress code for Front Desk Agents?
Cactus Club Cafe maintains a polished, professional appearance standard that reflects its premium casual brand. Front Desk Agents are typically provided with a branded uniform or dress code guidelines. The company emphasizes clean, contemporary presentation that aligns with its upscale yet approachable dining atmosphere.
Do Front Desk Agents receive tips?
While Front Desk Agents are primarily hourly wage positions, some locations may include tip pooling or gratuity sharing arrangements depending on provincial regulations and restaurant policy. Additionally, qualifying team members can participate in the Cactus Employee Investment Trust and profit-sharing programs, which provide financial rewards tied to the company’s success.
How long does the hiring process take?
The hiring process typically takes 1 to 2 weeks from application to offer. After submitting your application online, qualified candidates are usually contacted within 3 to 5 business days for an initial screening. In-person interviews are scheduled shortly after, and successful candidates can often start within one week of accepting an offer.
What makes Cactus Club Cafe different from other restaurant employers?
Cactus Club Cafe stands apart through its award-winning culture, chef-driven culinary program, and genuine investment in people. Unlike typical restaurant jobs, Cactus offers structured mentorship, professional development through Cactus University, profit-sharing opportunities, wellness spending accounts, and a fun, supportive workplace recognized by Great Place To Work and Canada’s Best Managed Companies. The brand’s commitment to “elevated everyday dining” extends to how it treats its team members.