From Branding to Bar Design: Four Seasons’ VP of F&B on Why Life’s Too Short to Have a Bad Meal

On this episode of Suite Success, host Katie Cline welcomes Michael Doneff, Vice President of Global Food and Beverage Concept and Brand Development for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. From his Midwestern roots in Minnesota to overseeing Michelin-starred restaurants in France, Michael shares the unexpected journey that shaped his taste—and his career. You’ll hear why simplicity trumps spectacle, what the most overlooked item on a room service menu might be, and how to know when a chef (or bartender) really knows their stuff. Michael also challenges the outdated notion that a hotel bar or a hotel restaurant is just an amenity. When done right, these are sought-after, destination-worthy venues that just happen to be located within a hotel—crafted with care, driven by storytelling, and infused with a genuine sense of place. Whether you’re dreaming up your next concept or just craving a better cocktail, this conversation serves up inspiration, flavor, and a reminder that the best hospitality should always be delicious. Connect with Michael: Four Seasons Website - ⁠Link⁠ Four Seasons Instagram - Link Michael's LinkedIn - ⁠Link⁠ Thank you to this week's sponsors! Lodgify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lodgify.com/?afmc=28y⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use code SUITE20 for 20% off all annual plans FeedCheck Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FeedCheck.co/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to book a demo! Flytographer Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠flytographer.com/SuiteSuccess⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for $25 off your first shoot! Links: Apple Podcasts - ⁠⁠Link⁠⁠ Spotify - ⁠⁠Link⁠⁠ Suite Success Website - ⁠⁠Link⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Connect with Katie⁠⁠  — Suite Success is part of the ⁠⁠Hospitality.FM⁠⁠ podcast network and a Hospitality.FM Original. If you like this podcast, then you'll also love our other podcasts directly on Hospitality.FM! Thank you to all of the ⁠⁠Hospitality.⁠⁠FM Partners that help make this show possible, and if you like this show, please leave us a review and share it on your network!