Restaurant Director of Service

Location Type: Not Specified

Industry:

Company: Riviera Dining Group

RDG introduces its first restaurant-concept brand, MILA, which offers guests a culinary journey through exquisite MediterrAsian cuisine, opened in January 2020 in Miami Beach. Combining genuine hospitality, fine dining, and a sophisticated nightlife atmosphere, MILA has quickly become a premier destination within Miami’s upscale social scene.

At RDG, we are a collective of individuals dedicated to excellence and the art of sensory engagement. We embrace the rhythms of life and are motivated by the thrill of adventure. Our core principles focus on providing customers with immersive experiences, organic design, and a refined culinary journey.

DREAM IT
MILA has exceeded expectations in its initial two years, achieving remarkable success despite pandemic-related challenges, and securing the #5 spot in The Restaurant Business Top 100 ranking. Building on this success, RDG has expanded into new concepts including AVA MediterrAegean in Winter Park, Florida, CASA NEOS on the Miami River (opened June 2024), and MM, a Membership Community. Upcoming projects include NOORA and Claudie (scheduled for fall 2024), AVA’s second location in Coconut Grove (2025), and HONŌ Japanese Steakhouse (2026).

BUILD IT
RDG’s distinguished brand portfolio and exclusive membership program aim to create a network of venues and experiences that offer a unique lifestyle to guests and members in Florida. Our goal is to establish RDG as a leader in the luxury restaurant industry in the United States.

GROW IT
RDG has demonstrated rapid growth and is poised for significant economic expansion globally. We are actively exploring national markets such as New York City, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, and international markets including Paris, London, Dubai, and Mexico City for potential expansion opportunities.

Summary:

The Restaurant Director of Service will serve as the bridge between Operations and Learning & Development (L&D), ensuring exceptional guest experiences through service audits, training refinements, and accountability measures. This role requires an expert in fine dining service operations with a strong background in Michelin-starred restaurants or luxury 5-star hotel dining, coupled with experience in high-volume environments.

This position will report to the Senior Director, Operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Existing Restaurant Operations

Service Audits & Standards Compliance

1. Conduct regular service audits (both announced and unannounced) to evaluate FOH performance, staff engagement, and adherence to luxury hospitality standards.
2. Develop detailed recap reports with actionable insights and recommendations for venue leadership.
3. Ensure all FOH team members maintain exceptional service standards, aligning with Michelin-level expectations.

Training & Development

1. Collaborate with Learning & Development (L&D) and Operations teams to refine training programs and enhance service accountability.
2. Evaluate FOH staff performance and identify areas for improvement, implementing tailored coaching strategies.
3. Oversee Train-the-Trainer programs to ensure consistent execution across locations.
4. Lead service training for restaurant leadership teams, focusing on guest engagement, upselling, and luxury service etiquette.

Operational Excellence & Guest Experience

1. Work closely with Executive Chefs and BOH teams to ensure seamless FOH-BOH synergy.
2. Monitor guest feedback, service metrics, and industry benchmarks to implement continuous improvement initiatives.
3. Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations at all venues.
4. Partner with HR and L&D to drive staff retention, development, and overall team excellence.

Business & Financial Strategy

1. Identify opportunities for revenue growth, including upselling techniques, beverage pairing strategies, and enhanced guest engagement initiatives.
2. Work with venue leaders to balance cost efficiencies without compromising service quality.

Future Buildout Operations

Pre-Opening Strategy & Execution

1. Collaborate with ownership, designers, and contractors to optimize FOH layouts for flow, efficiency, and guest experience.
2. Develop service workflows, SOPs, and training protocols for new locations.
3. Lead pre-opening service simulations, mock service runs, and grand opening execution plans.
4. Ensure seamless integration of service technology (POS systems, reservation platforms, and guest data tools).

Cross-Functional Collaboration

1. Partner with Chief People Officer and L&D to establish new hire orientation, onboarding, and training programs.
2. Work with Marketing, Culinary, and Operations to align guest experience strategies across touchpoints.

Requirements/Qualifications:

• 10+ years of leadership experience in luxury fine dining, Michelin-starred restaurants, or high-end 5-star hotel F&B operations. Senior GM or Director, Operations is preferred.

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management, Hospitality or related field of study or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience is desired.

• Proven track record in multi-unit management, restaurant openings, and high-volume operations.
• Expertise in service training, guest engagement, and hospitality excellence at an elite level.
• Strong background in restaurant buildouts and new opening execution.
• Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to coordinate pre-opening critical paths.
• Proficiency in restaurant management software, POS systems, and data-driven service improvements.
• Certification in food safety and alcohol service (ServSafe, TIPS, or equivalent).
• Superior verbal and written communication skills (Bilingual in Spanish is a plus).
• Must have solid business acumen; problem-solving skills, and exhibit high emotional intelligence, influence, and strategic thinking skills.
• Strong leadership skills with ability to influence behavior and outcomes.
• Adept at working in demanding, deadline-driven environment with a task-driven focus.
• Accustomed to serving as a Change Agent – highly adaptable, dependable with an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Flexible schedule, including availability for travel, nights, and weekends.