Company Overview
Little America, Salt Lake City is one of several properties within Grand America Hotels & Resorts. Grand America Hotels & Resorts is a collection of destinations across the American West. Built with intention, shaped by the land, and preserved by the people who keep the spirit of our mission alive. For generations, travelers have ventured across the America West, drawn by wide-open landscapes, mountain air, and the promise of what’s just beyond the next turn. We’ve walked those same roads, inspired by desert light and prairie skies, by peaks that touch the clouds and cities where the West was built. In the places that moved us most, we created something lasting; hotels and resorts where the journey pauses, where you can settle in and belong, if only for a night.
Position Summary
The Director of Food and Beverage leads the full dining experience at Little America, Salt Lake City, from the first cup of coffee to the last course of an evening celebration. This role shapes the culture, creativity, and operational excellence of all food and beverage outlets, including the Restaurant, Lounge, Room Service, Kitchen, and Catering operations. As a member of the Hotel Executive Committee, the Director contributes to the broader vision of the property and ensures that every guest encounter reflects the warmth, authenticity, and sense of place that defines Grand America Hotels & Resorts.
Essential Responsibilities
- People & Culture Lead, inspire, and develop a talented team that takes pride in genuine hospitality. Oversee the full employee lifecycle, recruiting, onboarding, coaching, performance development, and, when necessary, corrective action, with a commitment to fairness, dignity, and growth.
- Financial Stewardship Develop and manage the division's annual budget, business plan, and financial forecasts. Set ambitious yet attainable goals and lead the team toward exceeding them, balancing fiscal responsibility with investment in quality and guest experience.
- Operational Excellence Champion consistent standards across all F&B operations, ensuring compliance with company SOPs, health and sanitation regulations, and all applicable federal, state, and local requirements, including Utah Liquor Laws and employee certification standards. Maintain all outlets and equipment to the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and functionality.
- Guest Experience & Hospitality Foster a culture where every guest feels genuinely welcomed and cared for. Address guest concerns with empathy and urgency, turning moments of friction into opportunities to deepen loyalty and trust.
- Culinary & Outlet Identity Collaborate with the culinary team to develop menus, promotions, and seasonal offerings that reflect the character of the American West and the local Salt Lake City community. Drive initiatives that attract both in-house guests and local diners, growing revenue while strengthening the outlet's identity and reputation.
- Safety & Risk Management Champion a culture of safety throughout all food and beverage spaces. Lead accident prevention efforts to protect guests, employees, and the property, ensuring a workplace where everyone can do their best work safely.
- Additional Responsibilities
- Contribute to a special projects, task forces, and cross-departmental initiatives as needed. Occasional travel within the United States may be required for corporate training or collaborative meetings.
- This role calls for flexible scheduling, typically 40&-50 hours across a five-day work week. Our busiest and most meaningful days: Thanksgiving, Easter, Mother's Day, and the Christmas and New Year's holiday stretch, are all hands-on deck, and the Director's presence on those days sets the tone for the entire team.
- Performs other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
- SERV Safe Food Manager Certification (or equivalent state-recognized food safety certification), current and in good standing
- Utah Food Handler Permit, as required by the Salt Lake Valley Health Department
- TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) Certification or equivalent responsible alcohol service training
- Utah Alcohol Beverage Control (DABC) Licensure awareness and compliance knowledge; direct experience managing operations under Utah Liquor Laws strongly preferred
- CPR / First Aid Certification preferred
- Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent professional experience considered
- Minimum of 5&-7 years of progressive food and beverage leadership experience, with at least 3 years in a Director Level or equivalent role within a full-service or luxury hotel environment
Equal Opportunity Statement
Little America Salt Lake City is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.