Food and Beverage Manager

Compensation Type

Highgate Hotels

Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company with over $15 billion of assets under management and a global portfolio of more than 400 hotels spanning North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

With a 30-year track record as an innovator in the hospitality industry, this forward-thinking company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate continues to demonstrate success in developing a diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts, featuring contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value.

With an executive team of seasoned hospitality leaders and corporate offices worldwide, Highgate is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. www.highgate.com

Location

La Quinta Chicago Downtown

Overview

La Quinta Chicago Downtown is seeking an experienced and motivated Food & Beverage Manager to lead the development, launch, and daily operations of a brand-new restaurant and bar concept within the hotel.

This role is an exciting opportunity for a creative and hands-on leader to help shape the vision, atmosphere, and guest experience for a new downtown Chicago dining destination.

As the sole department leader, the Food & Beverage Manager will oversee all aspects of the hotel’s food and beverage operations—including concept development, staffing, training, service standards, and profitability. This leader will build a culture focused on excellence, collaboration, and guest satisfaction while ensuring seamless execution across all dining outlets as well as supporting banquet operations in 1,500 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Responsibilities

• Concept Development: Collaborate with ownership and leadership to design, position, and launch a new restaurant and bar concept aligned with the La Quinta brand and the downtown Chicago market.

• Operations Leadership: Oversee all food and beverage operations, including restaurant, bar, breakfast service, and any catering or banquet offerings.

• Team Management: Recruit, train, and lead a high-performing team; set clear expectations, foster accountability, and develop associates for growth.

• Guest Experience: Ensure exceptional service, product quality, and hospitality in every guest interaction.

• Financial Management: Develop and manage departmental budgets, control costs, and drive revenue performance through innovative menus, promotions, and programming.

• Brand & Compliance: Maintain brand standards, cleanliness, and safety compliance with all health and regulatory requirements.

• Vendor & Inventory Management: Manage supplier relationships, purchasing, inventory, and cost controls.

• Marketing Collaboration: Partner with hotel and corporate marketing teams to promote the restaurant and bar, build local awareness, and create on-brand events or activations.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of progressive food and beverage leadership experience, preferably in a hotel or upscale casual restaurant setting.

• Proven experience in concept development, restaurant openings, or program design.

• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to inspire and direct a diverse team.

• Exceptional organizational and financial acumen with experience managing budgets and P&L performance.

• Deep understanding of current food, beverage, and service trends, especially in urban and hotel environments.

• ServSafe certification (or ability to obtain). BASSET certification preferred.

• Able to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment
• Able to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and all holidays