Director of Food & Beverage

Our client, a hospitality ownership group, is seeking an experienced and hands-on Director of Food & Beverage to lead the culinary and beverage operations at a distinctive boutique hotel in Knoxville, Tennessee.

This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate hospitality leader who thrives in an independent, lifestyle-driven environment and understands how to deliver exceptional guest experiences while driving profitability.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in restaurant and bar operations, financial management, team development, and elevated service standards. This individual will oversee all food and beverage outlets, ensuring operational excellence, consistent quality, and a memorable guest experience.

Food & Beverage Operations

• Oversee daily operations of all food and beverage outlets, including restaurant, bar, and private events.
• Maintain exceptional standards of food quality, beverage execution, service, and overall guest satisfaction.
• Establish and implement operational procedures that drive consistency, efficiency, and profitability.
• Partner with culinary leadership on menu development, seasonal offerings, and innovative dining experiences.
• Maintain a visible, hands-on presence throughout the operation, particularly during peak service periods.

Financial Performance

• Manage departmental budgets, forecasts, labor costs, food and beverage costs, and overall profitability.
• Analyze financial performance and implement strategies to maximize revenue and operating margins.
• Monitor inventory, purchasing, vendor relationships, and cost-control initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to grow restaurant, bar, and private event revenue.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators to ensure financial and operational goals are achieved.

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, train, mentor, and develop a high-performing food and beverage team.
• Foster a positive, accountable, and service-focused workplace culture.
• Provide ongoing coaching and performance feedback to department leaders and associates.
• Establish clear expectations for service standards, productivity, and guest engagement.
• Promote collaboration between front-of-house, culinary, sales, and hotel operations teams.

Guest Experience & Revenue Growth

• Create memorable dining and beverage experiences that reflect the property's boutique identity.
• Build relationships with hotel guests, local residents, and community partners.
• Collaborate with hotel leadership and marketing teams to develop promotions, special events, and revenue-generating initiatives.
• Monitor guest feedback and proactively address service opportunities.
• Ensure all outlets maintain strong reputations for hospitality, quality, and consistency.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressive food and beverage management experience, including leadership at the Director, General Manager, or senior operational level.
• Experience in boutique hotels, lifestyle hospitality, upscale restaurants, or high-volume food and beverage operations strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of restaurant and bar operations, beverage programs, and private events.
• Proven ability to manage P&L performance, labor costs, inventory, and departmental budgets.
• Demonstrated success in building, developing, and retaining high-performing teams.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong guest-service orientation with a hands-on, detail-driven management style.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, independently minded hospitality environment.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business demands.