Driskill Hotel Director of Food & Beverage

Description

At McGuire Moorman Lambert Hospitality (MML), our mission is to create some of the world's most memorable hospitality experiences—where food, design, service, and storytelling come together seamlessly. Led by Larry McGuire, Tom Moorman, and Liz Lambert, MML is known for its refined, character-driven approach to hospitality, rooted in creativity, quality, and a deep sense of place.

Opened in 1886, The Driskill is Austin's most storied hotel and a landmark of downtown on Sixth Street. In partnership with Hyatt, MML operates the hotel's restaurants and bars—including the Driskill Grill and Driskill Bar, The Victorian Room, 1886 Café & Bakery, and In-Room Dining—bringing new energy to some of the city's most beloved rooms while honoring their history.

What We Are Looking For:

We are seeking a Director of Food & Beverage to lead MML's restaurant and bar operations at The Driskill. This senior leadership role has primary oversight of the Driskill Grill and Driskill Bar—the heart of the program—while also guiding The Victorian Room, 1886 Café & Bakery, and In-Room Dining.

The ideal candidate is a polished, hands-on operator with a proven track record in luxury hotel or high-volume, multi-outlet restaurant environments. They are an exceptionally clear communicator who builds trust and alignment across their own teams, MML leadership, and our partners at Hyatt. They bring the same care to a guest's evening in the Grill as they do to a P&L review or a cross-team planning meeting.

Why You'll Want to Work for MML:

- Competitive salary + bonus potential
- Paid time off and parental leave
- Medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and pet insurance
- 401(k) retirement benefits
- Beverage education reimbursement
- Employee discounts at MML hotels, restaurants, and retail
- Relocation assistance
- Advancement opportunities within a growing hospitality group

What You'll Do:

- Lead the Driskill Grill and Driskill Bar as the program's primary focus, setting the standard for service, atmosphere, and financial performance across both rooms.
- Provide leadership across The Victorian Room, 1886 Café & Bakery, and In-Room Dining, ensuring each outlet delivers a consistent, elevated experience true to its own character.
- Serve as the key communication link between outlet teams, MML leadership, and the Hyatt hotel team, sharing clear, timely updates and keeping everyone aligned on priorities, guest feedback, and performance.
- Partner closely with Hyatt leadership on hotel-wide coordination, including occupancy and group forecasts, guest recovery, in-room dining standards, and special events.
- Partner with the Executive Chef and beverage leadership to develop menus, seasonal offerings, and programming that reflect creativity, quality, and profitability.
- Recruit, coach, and develop outlet managers and team members, building a culture of accountability, warmth, and continuous growth.
- Lead daily pre-shift meetings and weekly F&B leadership meetings, and provide regular reporting to MML leadership.
- Own financial performance through budgeting, forecasting, labor management, and cost controls, with a sharp focus on driving revenue in the Grill and Bar.
- Manage vendor relationships, purchasing, and inventory systems to support efficient operations and responsible cost management.
- Collaborate with MML Marketing and Hyatt Sales & Marketing on promotions, community events, and partnerships that grow The Driskill's reputation as an Austin destination.
- Ensure compliance with all health, safety, sanitation, alcohol service, and labor regulations, while maintaining exceptional standards of cleanliness and presentation.
- Serve as a visible leader on the floor, resolving issues proactively and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations across all outlets.

Requirements

- Experience: 8–10+ years of progressive food and beverage leadership, ideally within luxury or lifestyle hotels, or multi-outlet, high-volume restaurant environments. Candidates with a background in third-party hotel F&B management or split F&B/Rooms management structures preferred.
- Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication; able to translate between operators, ownership, and hotel partners with clarity, tact, and follow-through.
- Partnership: Experience working within a management or partnership structure (e.g., restaurant operator inside a branded hotel) strongly preferred.
- Leadership: Proven ability to recruit, develop, motivate, and retain high-performing teams while fostering a positive and collaborative culture.
- Operations Expertise: Deep experience across front-of-house, beverage, and restaurant operations, with a strong grasp of luxury service standards and menu development.
- Financial Acumen: Demonstrated success managing budgets, forecasting, labor costs, cost controls, and revenue strategies.
- Adaptability: A strategic, hands-on leader who balances long-term vision with the day-to-day demands of a fast-paced, historic property.

Physical Requirements:

- Essential Functions: Must meet the physical requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.
- Communication: Regularly required to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Manual Dexterity: Frequently use hands and fingers to handle, operate, or feel objects, tools, and equipment.
- Mobility: Frequently stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
- Environmental Exposure: Regular exposure to heat, steam, and cold commonly found in food and beverage operations.
- Lifting: Occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.
- Vision: Requires close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Work Environment: Noise level is typically moderate.

If an offer is accepted for this position, you must successfully complete a comprehensive background check. This process may include verification of employment history, education, criminal records, and other job-related information. By applying for this position, you acknowledge and agree to the background check process as a condition of employment.

MML Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.