Restaurant Reception Manager

Location Type: On-site

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 Reception Manager is the first and last point of contact for guests, ensuring a warm welcome and a memorable dining experience. This role oversees the front desk and host team, manages reservations, maintains service standards, and ensures seamless coordination between guests and service staff. The ideal candidate is highly organized, has a passion for hospitality, and thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Guest Experience & Service Excellence

• Serve as the first and last point of contact for all guests, ensuring a warm and professional welcome and farewell.
• Oversee and manage reservations, table assignments, and waitlists to optimize seating and minimize wait times.
• Ensure a smooth and efficient check-in process for all guests, including VIPs and special requests.
• Maintain a high standard of hospitality by proactively anticipating and addressing guest needs.
• Address guest complaints and concerns effectively, working closely with operations management to ensure timely resolution and guest satisfaction.
• Communicate guest feedback to management for continuous improvement and operational enhancements.

Front Desk & Host Team Leadership

• Train, mentor, and manage the host team to uphold exceptional hospitality standards.
• Develop and implement front desk training programs and certification processes.
• Maintain and enforce professional grooming and uniform standards for the host team.
• Conduct daily pre-shift meetings with hosts to review VIPs, reservations, and service priorities.
• Ensure hosts maintain an inviting and well-organized reception area.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, communication, and continuous learning.

Operational Management & Coordination

• Oversee and coordinate the daily reservation system to maximize efficiency and guest satisfaction.
• Monitor and update guest preferences, special requests, and VIP details in the system.
• Attend pre-shift meetings with management to discuss service flow and operational needs.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping of “late seated” guests and follow up to ensure guest satisfaction.
• Collaborate with operations management to improve service flow, resolve guest issues, and enhance overall guest experience.
• Maintain open communication with the kitchen and service teams to manage seating flow and optimize the dining experience.
• Prepare and manage the weekly host schedule, ensuring adequate coverage and timely posting.
• Ensure all overtime requests are pre-approved by management.

Requirements/Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years in a high-end restaurant, hotel, or hospitality setting, with leadership experience required.
• Skills: Strong organizational, communication, and leadership abilities.
• Tech Savvy: Experience with reservation management systems (Resy, OpenTable, SevenRooms, etc.).
• Guest-Focused: Ability to handle guest concerns with diplomacy and professionalism while working with management for resolution.
• Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Professionalism: Maintains a polished and welcoming demeanor at all times.