Home » HOTEL NEWS » Mission Resort + Club In Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida, Welcomes Dennis Riley As Director Of Food & Beverage To Enhance Dining Offerings
Published on
September 5, 2025
MMI Hotel Group has recently appointed Dennis Riley as the new Director of Food & Beverage for the Mission Resort + Club, an illustrious property in their portfolio. His new responsibilities include supervision of all culinary operations in the resort. With Riley’s appointment, they begin the new chapter for the resort evolution using his more than 25 years of experience hospitality as well as the resort domains to make more progress. In fact, previously he has fulfilled different leadership roles at prominent resorts. So, his entry is supposed to further bolster the position of the resort with his profound mastery in the culinary sphere, as well as enhance their ongoing success in attracting guests to Howey-in-the-Hills, a scenic area of Florida.
Riley’s Extensive Experience in Hospitality Leadership
Dennis Riley’s career in the hospitality industry is both extensive and impressive. Before joining Mission Resort + Club, Riley served as the Director of Food & Beverage at The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort in St. Simons Island, Georgia. He also has a rich history of leadership at notable resorts such as The Guest House at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, and Casa Ybel Resort in Sanibel, Florida. His career also includes a significant role at The Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Florida, where he honed his expertise in menu engineering, inventory management, and delivering exceptional guest service. With this wealth of knowledge, Riley is well-positioned to elevate Mission Resort + Club’s culinary offerings and lead the resort’s food & beverage team to new heights.
Riley’s experience in various high-end resort environments will be invaluable as he oversees not only the resort’s dining outlets but also its catering services. The resort is currently undergoing a series of enhancement projects to revitalise its key dining spots, such as the Conquistador Bar & Restaurant (formerly La Margarita and El Conquistador) and the Grove House (formerly Nicker’s Clubhouse), making these transformations a key focus for Riley as he takes on his new role.
Enhancing Mission Resort + Club’s Dining Experience
As Director of Food & Beverage, Riley’s primary responsibility will be overseeing the entire food and beverage operations at Mission Resort + Club, with a focus on ensuring the highest standards of service, food quality, and guest satisfaction. One of the key areas of development under Riley’s leadership is the Conquistador Bar & Restaurant, a popular venue that serves as a social hub for both resort guests and locals. The Grove House, which is undergoing renovations to enhance its facilities, will also benefit from Riley’s expertise in creating dining experiences that cater to a wide range of preferences, from casual meals to more refined dining options.
In addition to improving the in-house dining options, Riley will oversee Conquistador Catering, which handles events such as weddings, meetings, and other special occasions. By fine-tuning the resort’s catering services, Riley aims to increase its reputation as a top destination for destination weddings, corporate retreats, and family gatherings. With Florida’s attractive climate, Mission Resort + Club is a prime location for outdoor events, and Riley’s leadership will ensure that these events are complemented by exceptional food and service.
A Return to Florida and a Focus on Community Engagement
Originally from Florida, Riley’s return to the state with his wife and daughter holds personal significance. His local knowledge and connection to the community will help him build relationships with local suppliers, vendors, and businesses. This connection to the community is crucial for creating an authentic and localised dining experience at Mission Resort + Club. As he settles into his role, Riley plans to build strong ties with the surrounding Lake County community, which will not only help grow the resort’s local appeal but also foster partnerships that benefit both the resort and the area’s economy.
Outside of his professional duties, Riley is passionate about cooking and playing tennis, two interests that will no doubt enhance his personal connection to both guests and the wider community. His enthusiasm for food and leisure activities will allow him to bring a well-rounded perspective to his new role and provide a memorable, multifaceted experience for all who visit the resort.
Strengthening Mission Resort + Club’s Appeal in Florida’s Competitive Market
Mission Resort + Club’s appointment of Dennis Riley reflects its ongoing commitment to offering exceptional experiences to its guests. Florida’s competitive hospitality market requires constant innovation and attention to detail, and Riley’s wealth of experience and expertise will help the resort stay at the forefront of this industry. By enhancing the food and beverage offering, Riley’s leadership will undoubtedly help position the resort as a premier destination for those seeking both relaxation and fine dining in the heart of Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida.
His focus on improving food quality, streamlining operations, and introducing unique experiences will help the resort attract not only domestic travellers but also international guests seeking an unforgettable getaway. The resort’s proximity to central Florida’s popular attractions, combined with Riley’s expert management, will ensure that Mission Resort + Club continues to grow in popularity and remains an integral part of Florida’s tourism sector.
Dennis Riley’s Leadership Marks a New Era for Mission Resort + Club
Dennis Riley entry as the new Director of Food & Beverage at the Mission Resort & Club in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida, opens new possibilities for the Resort and Club. Riley with his immense experience of working in luxury resorts is poised to elevate the resort’s offerings and lead the team to new heights. In fact, his strategy will not only boost leisure activities of resort, but will also turn help maintain the resort’s reputation for outstanding dining and event hosting in the area. Mission Resort and Club, with the new addition of Riley, will surely not disappoint the guests as it’s going to expanded the food and beverage offerings ensuring memorable stay for everyone.
Dining and Cooking