Chief Operating Officer - RDG

RDG introduces its first restaurant-concept brand, MILA, which offers guests a culinary journey through exquisite MediterrAsian cuisine, opened in January 2020 in Miami Beach. Combining genuine hospitality, fine dining, and a sophisticated nightlife atmosphere, MILA has quickly become a premier destination within Miami's upscale social scene.

At RDG, we are a collective of individuals dedicated to excellence and the art of sensory engagement. We embrace the rhythms of life and are motivated by the thrill of adventure. Our core principles focus on providing customers with immersive experiences, organic design, and a refined culinary journey.

DREAM IT
MILA has exceeded expectations in its initial two years, achieving remarkable success despite pandemic-related challenges and securing the #5 spot in The Restaurant Business Top 100 ranking. Building on this success, RDG has expanded into new concepts, including AVA MediterrAegean in Winter Park, Florida, CASA NEOS on the Miami River, Claudie (opened Feb 2025), and MM, a Membership Community. Upcoming projects include AVA’s second location in Coconut Grove and Casa Neos Lounge (Fall 2025), Noora and HONŌ Japanese Steakhouse (Spring 2026).

BUILD IT
RDG's distinguished brand portfolio and exclusive membership program aim to create a network of venues and experiences that offer a unique lifestyle to guests and members in Florida. Our goal is to establish RDG as a leader in the luxury restaurant industry in the United States.

GROW IT
RDG has demonstrated rapid growth and is poised for significant economic expansion globally. We are actively exploring national markets such as New York City, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, and international markets including Paris, London, Dubai, and Mexico City for potential expansion opportunities.

Summary:

Riviera Dining Group is seeking an experienced, strategic, and hands-on Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead all aspects of operational execution across its growing portfolio of premier hospitality concepts. This executive position will be responsible for ensuring operational excellence, aligning cross-departmental teams, and delivering an exceptional guest experience at every level. This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). 

DIRECT REPORTS:

      •     VP, Operations

      •     Director, Operations 

      •     Director, Maintenance

      •     Director, Beverage 

      •     Director, IT 

      •     Director, Hospitality & Service 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The COO role will evolve in two key phases:

      •     Phase 1: Operational leadership of all existing venues and oversight of core support departments.

      •     Phase 2: Strategic management of new restaurant development, including construction and launch 

                            operations. 

Phase 1: Operational Leadership 

1.⁠ ⁠Multi-Unit Restaurant Operations

      •     Lead all day-to-day operational functions across RDG venues, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and 

                           elevated service delivery.

      •     Guide and develop the VP and Director of Operations to enforce accountability and drive strong P&L         

                           results.

2.⁠ ⁠Maintenance & Facilities Management

      •     Oversee the Maintenance and Engineering team to ensure all properties meet RDG standards for 

                           safety, aesthetics, and functionality.

      •    Implement preventive maintenance protocols and ensure rapid-response capabilities.

3.⁠ ⁠Sales, Events & Guest-Facing Revenue Channels

      •     Partner with the Chief Sales Officer to optimize sales, private events, reservations, and 

                           guest flow strategies.

      •     Ensure seamless alignment between sales, service, and operations.

4.⁠ ⁠Beverage Program Oversight

      •     Support the Beverage Director in maintaining quality, profitability, and brand alignment across

                           wine, cocktail, and non-alcoholic offerings

      •     Help scale beverage strategy across new and existing venues

5.⁠ ⁠Hospitality, Guest Relations & Satisfaction

      •     Champion a guest-first culture by overseeing the hospitality and guest relations teams.

      •     Establish and track KPIs related to feedback, retention, and satisfaction scores.

      •     Build and uphold a consistent service culture rooted in excellence.

6.⁠ ⁠Operational People & Culture Initiatives (in collaboration with Chief People Officer)

      •     Partner with the CPO on operational people-related functions including venue workforce 

                           planning, team engagement, performance management and learning & 

           development to optimize continuing education across all operational teams.

      •  .      In collaboration with the CPO & CEO, support organizational design and annual succession planning 

                           initiatives within the operation. 

Phase 2: Construction & New Openings

7.⁠ ⁠Venue Development & Construction Oversight

      •     Lead new opening projects from planning through operational handover.

      •     Liaise with Design, Architecture, and Project Management teams to ensure concepts are built on 

                           time, on budget, and to operational spec.

      •     Align pre-opening planning with hiring, training, and marketing rollouts.

Requirements/Qualifications:

• 15 years of progressive leadership experience as a COO, or Sr. VP, Operations in upscale/luxury or fine dining multi-unit hospitality or restaurant operations required. 
•  Bachelor’s degree in business administration, hospitality or related field of study or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience is required. (MS or MBA desirable)
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and deliver high-performance results.
• Track record of successful venue openings, scaling operations, and leading change.
• Experience working alongside and in collaboration with HR, Construction, Design, and Marketing teams.
• Entrepreneurial, proactive, and solution-oriented leader desired. 
• Must operate with a high degree of confidentiality and trust.
• Demonstrated solid business acumen; problem-solving skills and exhibit high emotional Influence and strategic thinking skills.
•  Adept at working in a demanding, deadline-driven environment with a task-driven focus
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to successfully troubleshoot and resolve barriers.  

Physical Demands And Work Environment:

•     General office assignments-(typing) which could lead to repetitive motion. 
•     Ability to adapt to variable music levels or outside temperature elements. 
•     Willing to work a flexible schedule inclusive of days, nights, weekends and holidays. 
•     Ability to travel both domestic and international as needed.