This is a rare, dual-property role built for a hospitality sales professional who thrives on variety, relationships, and results. As Restaurant Sales Manager for both The Radical and Zelda Dearest, you'll represent two of Asheville's most distinctive boutique hotel experiences - each with its own personality, clientele, and F&B vision.
At The Radical, you'll tap into Asheville's creative, community-forward energy to drive private dining, bold events, and locally-rooted catering experiences. At Zelda Dearest, you'll channel elevated boutique hospitality - curating intimate, bespoke functions for guests who expect the very best in every detail.
You'll report directly to the General Manager and work in close partnership with both properties' culinary and F&B teams. This is a high-visibility role for someone ready to own their market, build lasting client relationships, and exceed revenue goals across two exceptional properties.
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The Radical
Creative Bold
Community-Rooted
A lifestyle hotel pulsing with Asheville's artistic energy. Events here have flavor, personality, and local soul. Your clients expect something different - and you'll deliver it.
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Zelda Dearest
Elevated Intimate
Curated
A boutique hotel defined by warmth, style, and intentional hospitality. Events here are refined, personal, and crafted with care. Your clients notice every detail - and so do you.
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This description is a summary of primary responsibilities. The role operates across two active hotel properties and may require schedule flexibility including evenings and weekends to support events.
Drive Revenue Across Both Properties
- Solicit, negotiate, and book new and repeat private dining, catering, and event business for both The Radical and Zelda Dearest.
- Execute property-specific sales strategies that honor the distinct brand voice and clientele of each hotel.
- Close the best-fit opportunities based on market conditions, property needs, and brand alignment.
- Meet and exceed individual and combined catering and restaurant revenue goals consistently.
- Understand the competitive landscape and position both properties compellingly against alternatives.
- Use negotiating skills and creative selling to close business and execute contracts with confidence.
Plan & Execute Exceptional Events
- Plan and detail every function with the client - space, timing, menus, A/V, themes, and all the in-between.
- Prepare proposals, contracts, and event paperwork tailored to each property's standards and style.
- Coordinate with culinary, F&B, and operations teams at each property to ensure seamless execution.
- Maintain a visible, responsive presence throughout each event lifecycle - from first inquiry through post-event follow-up.
- Upsell creatively and knowledgeably, maximizing revenue while enhancing the guest experience.
- Conduct property tours and site inspections that leave a lasting impression at both hotels.
Build Relationships in the Asheville Market
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with local businesses, event planners, corporate accounts, and community organizations.
- Represent both properties at bridal shows, networking events, and local community activations.
- Proactively identify and qualify new catering and private dining leads for both properties.
- Leverage Asheville's unique culture, food scene, and community to attract clients to both brands.
- Serve as the primary point of contact and trusted advisor for clients planning events at either property.
Report, Strategize & Collaborate
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date pipeline and activity records in Delphi or equivalent CRM.
- Prepare period-end reports and activity updates for the General Manager.
- Contribute to revenue management conversations and property-level sales strategy.
- Stay informed on market trends, food & beverage innovation, and competitor activity.
- Participate in hotel task forces, committees, and special projects as needed.
- Support all corporate and hotel initiatives as assigned.
GUEST & CLIENT EXPERIENCE
- Ensure a consistently high level of client satisfaction that builds long-term, revenue-generating relationships at both properties.
- Communicate event details clearly and proactively - verbally and in writing - with internal and external stakeholders.
- Display visible leadership in guest hospitality throughout every phase of the event process.
- Greet clients during events, hand off seamlessly to F&B teams, and remain available to resolve issues.
- Respond effectively to guest feedback, complaints, and last-minute needs with composure and resourcefulness.
- Utilize hotel systems to capture, track, and manage customer information consistently.
Experience
- 2+ years of experience in restaurant, catering, event, or hospitality sales
- Demonstrated track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets
- Experience in a hotel, boutique, or upscale F&B environment preferred
- Prior experience managing multiple accounts or properties a strong plus
- Previous leadership or mentorship experience preferred
Skills & Knowledge
- Strong verbal and written communication - you tell a compelling story for two very different audiences
- Confident closer with sharp negotiation skills and a consultative, relationship-first approach
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with Delphi or similar CRM preferred
- Knowledge of catering operations, F&B logistics, banquet coordination, and menu planning
- Creative thinker who can shift tone and strategy between a bold lifestyle brand and an elevated boutique property
- Highly organized, deadline-driven, and comfortable managing multiple events and timelines simultaneously
- Strong problem-solving skills and a calm, solutions-oriented presence under pressure
- Genuine passion for Asheville's culture, hospitality community, and food & beverage scene
This role requires frequent walking, standing, sitting, talking, and client-facing engagement across both properties. Occasional lifting up to 10 pounds. Given the nature of events-based hospitality, schedule flexibility - including evenings, weekends, and occasional irregular hours - is required.
Two properties. One incredible Asheville career.
- Represent two of Asheville's most talked-about boutique hotel experiences in a single, high-impact role
- Work with a close-knit, passionate team that values creativity, warmth, and genuine hospitality
- Sell something you're proud of - distinctive spaces, locally-inspired menus, and experiences people remember for years
- Grow within Driftwood Hospitality Management's expanding portfolio of independent and lifestyle properties
- Live and work in Asheville, NC - one of the country's most celebrated food, art, and outdoor destinations
- Competitive compensation, hotel benefits, and a culture that rewards initiative, relationships, and results
Qualifications
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Room Discounts
- Employee Food and Beverage Discounts
EEO: Driftwood Hospitality Management is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.