Assistant Dining Room Manager - Blackberry Farm

About the Role

Support the Dining Room Manager in leading the nightly operations of The Barn at Blackberry Farm, delivering an exceptional fine dining experience that reflects Blackberry's standards of legendary hospitality, culinary excellence, and world-class wine service. This leader ensures seamless front-of-house operations, develops team members, maintains service standards, and creates memorable guest experiences while fostering a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The role encompasses dinner service, bar operations, special events, wine service, and coordination with culinary and beverage teams.

Responsibilities

Guest Experience

• Deliver personalized, anticipatory hospitality to every guest.
• Resolve guest concerns with professionalism and discretion.
• Monitor pacing and dining times to ensure an exceptional multi-course dining experience.
• Manage seating assignments and dining room flow.
• Gather guest feedback and communicate opportunities for improvement.
• Build meaningful relationships with returning guests and owners.

Dining Room Operations

• Assist in managing all nightly front-of-house operations.
• Lead daily pre-shift lineups and communicate menus, wine features, VIP guests, and operational updates.
• Oversee restaurant opening, service, and closing procedures.
• Ensure proper room setup, cleanliness, and presentation.
• Coordinate floor plans and service assignments.
• Support group events and special culinary experiences.

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise dining room supervisors, captains, servers, support staff, and hosts.
• Coach team members through active floor leadership and real-time feedback.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, training, and continued education.
• Foster a positive, accountable, and collaborative work environment aligned with Blackberry culture.
• Support performance evaluations and employee development.
• Coordinate staffing levels and daily scheduling needs.

Wine & Beverage Support

• Partner closely with Sommeliers to execute Blackberry Farm's award-winning wine program.
• Support wine service standards and beverage education as needed.
• Reinforce proper handling and presentation of premium wines and spirits.
• Promote continual wine knowledge among service staff.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Communicate operational updates across departments.
• Assist with inventory of china, glassware, silver, and linens.
• Monitor labor utilization and operational efficiency.
• Complete daily reports and service documentation.
• Participate in department meetings and manager meetings.

Requirements

• 2–3 years of management experience in an upscale or luxury restaurant.
• Must comply with all company policies and procedures.
• Regular and consistent attendance is required.
• Ability to work well with team members and managers and interact with guests.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of wine and spirits.
• Computer experience: word processing, spreadsheets, property management systems.
• Hospitality degree desired but not required.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Strong listening and interpretive skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with guests, managers, and team members.
• Understanding of property management cashiering procedures.
• Ability to comprehend budgeting issues and labor calculations.
• Ability to exercise judgment and make decisions based on job knowledge and company goals.

Physical Demands

• Ability to be on your feet for long periods of time.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to safely operate a company vehicle or golf cart.

Work Environment

• Restaurant, dining room, bar, wait staff, and kitchen environments.
• Must be able to work outdoors in extreme heat, cold, rain, and all-weather conditions.