VP of Restaurants & Bars, Kessler Hospitality
Kessler Corporate Office - FL
Orlando, Florida
Kessler Hospitality’s portfolio of artistically inspired boutique hotels boasts unique design, luxurious accommodations, enriching ambiance, and intuitive service. With properties in Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina or South Carolina, each hotel’s exquisite art, music, and cultural influences are deliberately approachable. Designed to inspire and to encourage unforgettable experiences, Kessler guests are immersed in redefined Bohemian luxury, from a cutting-edge downtown icon to a premier luxury lodge, Savannah’s entertainment destination, and an elite ski lodge. Kessler Hospitality was the founding member of the Marriott Autograph Collection, introduced with seven Autograph Collection branded hotels. Each property is a bold, original hotel carefully created with style and the individualist traveler in mind.
Location:
Founded by Richard Kessler in 1984, Kessler Collection® is a visionary hospitality brand that develops, owns and manages luxury boutique hotels, restaurants and retail. We integrate experiences throughout hotel development, ownership and third-party management ventures, creating value for our owners and loyalty from our guests.
Overview:The Vice President of Restaurants & Bars will serve as the driving force behind the Kessler family’s culinary and service vision across their distinguished portfolio. This executive leader brings deep fine‑dining expertise and an unwavering commitment to world‑class hospitality. The ideal candidate has been shaped by Forbes Five‑Star standards, Michelin‑recognized environments, Bib Gourmand or James Beard–affiliated programs and possesses a refined command of service etiquette.
They demonstrate mastery across service and beverage disciplines, including wine, spirits, and advanced pairing strategy, and are adept at overseeing complex initiatives, large‑scale inventories, and multi‑venue operations. This role requires a dynamic leader capable of guiding a team of Directors/ General managers, sommeliers, inspiring high‑performing culinary talent, and elevating every guest experience to the level of artistry that defines the Kessler brand. This leader will drive and position the Kessler culinary experiences at the forefront of luxury hospitality, ensuring every restaurant and bar within the portfolio reflects the family’s artistic vision, uncompromising standards, and signature sense of place.
Responsibilities:
- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in food & beverage, hospitality, or hotel
- Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business, or a related field (preferred).
- Must have knowledge of F&B preparation techniques, health department rules and regulations, liquor laws and regulations.
- Proven success in multi-unit F&B operations, preferably within a hotel management or luxury hospitality company.
- Strong financial acumen with expertise in budgeting, cost controls, and revenue
- Deep knowledge of industry trends, culinary innovation, and beverage
- Experience in developing and executing large-scale F&B strategies across diverse
- Must be proficient in Windows, Company approved spreadsheets and word processing.
- At least 6 years of progressive experience in a hotel or a related field; or a 4-year college degree and at least 3 years of related experience; or a 2-year college degree and 4 or more years of related experience.
- Must be proficient in Windows, Company approved spreadsheets and word processing.
- Must have knowledge of F&B preparation techniques, health department rules and regulations, liquor laws and regulations.
- Long hours sometimes required.
- Medium work - Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
- Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and written, with all level of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service oriented manner.
- Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying concerns raised by employees and guests.
- Must be able to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.
- Approach all encounters with guests and employees in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service-oriented manner.
- Attend all hotel required meetings and trainings.
- Participate in M.O.D. coverage as required.
- Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Highgate Hotel Standards, as required by scheduling, which will vary according to the needs of the hotel.
- Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, including wearing nametags.
- Comply with Highgate Hotel Standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.
- Maximize efforts towards productivity, identify problem areas and assist in implementing solutions.
- Must be effective in handling problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary.
- Must be able to understand and evaluate complex information, data, etc. from various sources to meet appropriate objectives.
- Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information.
- Perform other duties as requested by management.
- Maintain a warm and friendly demeanor at all times.