Front of House Manager - Hickory

Job Title: Front of House (FOH) Manager – Hickory

Reports To: Restaurant Manager / Food & Beverage Director
Coordinates With: Lead Server, Lead Bartender, Servers, Hosts, Bartenders, Kitchen Leadership, Support Staff
Position Type: Full-time; Exempt 

About Us:

At The Virginian Golf Club & Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards, we believe in more than just beautiful views and top-tier amenities — we believe in creating experiences that linger. Located across 1,500 acres in Virginia’s highlands, our private community blends championship golf, elegant lodging, curated cuisine, and award-winning wine into one destination you’ll never forget.

From Tom Fazio’s pristinely sculpted golf course to our boutique Inn and luxury yurts, to Hickory — our fine dining restaurant — everything we do is rooted in hospitality, nature, craftsmanship, and joy. We are growing, innovating, and deeply committed to quality in every service and encounter.

Join us, help us craft memorable moments, and be part of a team that blends country elegance with genuine warmth.

Position Overview

The Front of House Manager at Hickory provides hands-on leadership for all dining room and guest-facing operations. This role bridges the responsibilities of a senior lead server and restaurant management, with a primary focus on service execution, team leadership, and guest experience rather than back-of-house operations. The FOH Manager is actively present on the floor during service, sets the tone for hospitality, mentors front-of-house leaders, and ensures that Hickory’s standards—rooted in exceptional Appalachian-inspired dining and elevated service—are consistently delivered.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee daily front-of-house operations, ensuring smooth, efficient, and polished service during all meal periods.
• Act as the primary floor leader during service, coordinating servers, hosts, bartenders, and support staff to maintain pacing, flow, and guest satisfaction.
• Partner closely with the Lead Server and Lead Bartender to ensure alignment across dining room and bar operations.
• Train, coach, and mentor front-of-house team members, reinforcing service standards, menu knowledge, and hospitality expectations.
• Support onboarding and ongoing development of FOH staff, including performance feedback and in-the-moment coaching.
• Oversee reservations, seating strategies, and table management to balance guest experience with operational efficiency.
• Serve as the escalation point for guest concerns, resolving issues professionally and proactively to ensure positive outcomes.
• Maintain strong communication with kitchen leadership to ensure accurate order execution, appropriate pacing, and coordinated service.
• Monitor service quality, presentation, cleanliness, and adherence to Hickory’s brand and hospitality standards.
• Assist with FOH scheduling, labor planning, and coverage adjustments to align staffing with business needs.
• Oversee front-of-house side work, opening and closing procedures, and readiness of dining areas.
• Support inventory management for FOH supplies, service ware, and linens; identify needs and minimize waste.
• Uphold compliance with service-related policies, responsible alcohol service standards, and safety expectations.
• Lead by example through professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and a guest-first mindset.

Qualifications

Required:
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive experience in a high-volume, upscale, or fine dining environment, including prior leadership or supervisory responsibilities.
• Availability: Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by restaurant operations.

Preferred:
• Education: Coursework or training in hospitality management, culinary arts, or a related field.
• Experience: Background in private clubs, luxury hotels, resorts, or chef-driven dining concepts.
• Demonstrated experience serving as a floor leader or lead server in a fine dining setting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Strong understanding of front-of-house restaurant operations and service standards.
• Advanced guest service and hospitality skills, with the ability to create memorable dining experiences.
• Proven leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with guests, peers, and management.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and remain composed in fast-paced service environments.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of POS systems, reservation platforms, and service logistics.
• Professional demeanor with polished presentation and sound judgment.

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

• Fast-paced restaurant environment within a luxury inn and destination dining setting.
• Requires standing and walking for extended periods during service.
• Frequent lifting, carrying, and movement of trays, dishes, and service items (up to 25 lbs).
• Continuous interaction with guests, staff, and management.
• Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Benefits of Joining Our Team

At The Virginian Golf Club, Nicewonder Inn, and Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards, we believe our employees are the heart of our success. We’re proud to offer a supportive, rewarding workplace with benefits designed to help you thrive both personally and professionally.

Our benefits include:

• Competitive Pay – Fair wages with opportunities for growth.

• Health & Wellness – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus company-provided life insurance at no cost to you.

• Retirement Planning – 401(k) plan with company contribution.

• Paid Time Off – Vacation, holidays, and sick time to support work–life balance.

• Team Member Discounts – Special pricing on lodging, dining, and vineyard experiences.

• Beautiful Work Environment – A scenic setting across 1,500 acres of rolling hills, vineyards, and golf greens.

• Career Growth – Training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities across hospitality, golf, and agricultural operations.

• Positive Culture – Be part of a professional team that values respect, collaboration, and excellence in service.

EEO Statement

The Virginian Golf Club L.C. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.