Director of Food & Beverage in Palm Desert, California at DSRT Surf

DSRT SURF isn't a traditional workplace, and we're not looking for traditional people

We're building a fast-growing hospitality and lifestyle brand where surf culture, guest experience, and high performance come together in a way that hasn't been done before. We're looking for people who thrive in energetic environments, take pride in their work, and want to help build something special from the ground up.

This is a fully on-site role in Palm Desert, California.

What You'll Do

The Director of Food & Beverage owns the full F&B vision at DSRT SURF — from concept and menu development through staffing, vendor relationships, and day-to-day operations post-launch. This is a ground-up builder role for someone who has taken a restaurant or venue F&B program through a full pre-opening cycle and is ready to do it again at a venue of this scale.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead all F&B pre-opening planning including concept development, permitting, health department licensing, city approvals, floor plan and kitchen layout coordination, and full operational readiness through launch
• Design and execute menus across all F&B outlets — poolside, casual, premium, private events, and catering
• Build all standard operating procedures, service standards, and training programs from scratch
• Own full P&L accountability across all F&B revenue lines including food, beverage, and private events
• Build and manage departmental budgets, labor models, and cost of goods frameworks
• Source and manage all vendor, purveyor, and supplier relationships
• Recruit, hire, and build the full F&B team from management through hourly staff
• Lead all F&B training programs and establish a culture of hospitality, consistency, and accountability
• Coordinate kitchen buildout and equipment procurement in collaboration with operations leadership
• Establish inventory management, ordering systems, and waste reduction protocols
• Design and execute F&B programming for private events, group bookings, and special activations
• Partner with marketing on seasonal promotions, launch campaigns, and experiential programming
• Monitor performance KPIs and report to VP/GM with clear analysis and action plans
• Ensure full compliance with California health codes, ABC licensing, and food safety requirements

What You Bring

• 8+ years of progressive F&B leadership experience, with 3+ years at the Director level or equivalent
• Demonstrated experience leading an F&B program through a full pre-opening and launch cycle
• Hands-on menu development experience with strong culinary knowledge and costing skills
• Proven P&L management in a high-volume hospitality or entertainment venue environment
• Experience building and leading teams from the ground up
• Working knowledge of California health codes, ABC licensing, and food safety regulations
• Experience in resort, entertainment venue, or experiential hospitality strongly preferred
• Familiarity with POS systems, inventory platforms, and scheduling tools
• Strong communication, organizational, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Ability to lead in a fast-paced, startup environment where priorities move quickly
• STOKE

Who You Are

The right person for this role is a builder. You've done this before — taken a concept from an empty kitchen to a full operation — and you want to do it again at a venue with this kind of visibility and scale. You are detail-oriented without losing sight of the big picture, and you're as comfortable in a planning meeting as you are on the floor during a packed launch weekend.

• A proven operator who thrives in startup and pre-opening environments
• Equal parts strategic thinker and hands-on executor
• Calm under pressure with strong problem-solving instincts
• Passionate about both great food and great hospitality
• Collaborative and communicative across departments
• Solutions-focused with a strong sense of ownership
• High energy, adaptable, and genuinely stoked to build something new

Compensation

This is a full-time, exempt salaried position. The anticipated compensation range for this role is $90,000-$115,000 annually. Actual compensation will be based on experience, qualifications, skills, and business needs.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Surf privileges

Physical RequirementsAbility to remain on your feet and move throughout operational areas for extended periods

• Ability to work in a high-energy, fast-paced hospitality environment
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 40 pounds
• Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments

Schedule Expectations

This is a full-time salaried position. Flexibility to work mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events is required based on operational needs, particularly during the pre-opening and launch phases.

Why DSRT SURF

This is a rare opportunity to build a world-class F&B program from scratch at one of the most unique hospitality venues in the country. You'll have real ownership, real visibility, and the chance to leave a lasting mark on something that hasn't been done before. If you're energized by building — not just running — this is the role for you.

Equal Opportunity Employer

DSRT SURF is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

DSRT SURF provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Applicants requiring accommodation during the hiring process should notify the company.

At-Will Employment Statement

This job description is not intended to create a contract of employment. Employment with DSRT SURF is at will, which means either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law.

Work Location

This is a fully on-site role in Palm Desert, California.