Kiwi Dabold is director of food and beverage and general manager at Coastal Farmer, an oceanfront restaurant inside the newly renovated Dune House Hotel & Spa.
Tell us about your role as director of food and beverage and general manager at Coastal Farmer.
I oversee the food and beverage experience across Dune House Hotel & Spa, including our signature restaurant, Coastal Farmer. My role touches everything from the vision behind our farm-forward, tide-to-table menu to the day-to-day service that brings it to life. I work closely with our chefs, service teams and local purveyors to make sure every detail feels thoughtful, welcoming and true to who we are.
Tell us about your background, especially as it applies to your career.
I’ve spent nearly two decades in hospitality leadership. I began my career at The Ritz-Carlton, where I learned the foundations of luxury service through front office operations and guest relations. I later moved into talent acquisition and recruitment, which gave me a deeper understanding of how important it is to find, develop and retain the right people.
In 2017, I joined RH and eventually helped open and lead RH Rooftop Restaurant Jacksonville, a high-volume luxury dining operation serving thousands of guests each week. Along the way, I supported restaurant openings across the United States, Canada and France and had the opportunity to train and mentor dozens of leaders.
Coastal Farmer is the next chapter for me. I’m enjoying the opportunity to take everything I’ve learned and use it to create something special for this area. It’s truly an honor and a privilege.
What do you like best about what you do?
What I love most is bringing people together and creating a culture where everyone genuinely cares about one another, the work they do and the people we serve. There’s nothing better than watching individuals grow into a team and seeing their pride come through in the way they welcome guests. No two days are ever the same, and that’s part of the excitement. In one day, I might walk the floor, meet with a purveyor, welcome a new guest, taste a menu item and celebrate a win with the team. That mix of people, food and fast-paced energy is what keeps me inspired.
What is a typical day like for you?
There really is no typical day in hospitality, and that’s one of the things I enjoy most about it.
Most days start with connecting with the team, reviewing the day ahead and making sure everyone feels supported and set up for success. From there, I might be meeting with a local purveyor, reviewing a menu item, coaching the team or spending time with guests.
I also spend time checking in across our F&B outlets from banquets and pool service to our upcoming concepts like Café Dune, Sea Turtle Scoops and Soothsayer. I like staying close to all areas of the operation so I can support the teams and help ensure a consistent guest experience. For me, it’s about being present in the details because that’s where hospitality comes to life.
Are you from this area originally, or did you settle here from somewhere else? If the latter, what brought you to this community?
I’m Florida born and raised, but I moved to Northeast Florida from South Florida almost six years ago to open RH Jacksonville at St. Johns Town Center.
What began as a career opportunity quickly became much more. I fell in love with the coastal lifestyle, the warmth of the people and the strong sense of community here. It has truly become home, and I feel fortunate that my career has given me the opportunity to continue building meaningful connections in this community.
What do you like best about living here?
I love the easygoing coastal lifestyle. Being close to the beach and spending time outdoors bring a natural balance to life. There’s also always somewhere new to explore, whether it’s a local restaurant, a neighborhood event or a quiet spot by the water. Most of all, I appreciate how friendly and welcoming people are.
How do you like to spend your free time?
When I’m not at work, I spend most of my time with my family, including my husband, our three girls and our dog. We’re very active and love being outdoors together. My husband enjoys surfing, and our youngest is into skateboarding, so we’re often outside taking advantage of the coastal lifestyle we’re lucky to have here.
My husband and I both work in hospitality, so it’s also natural for us to enjoy going out to eat and drink. We love discovering new restaurants, trying different places and experiencing great food and service. For us, it’s a fun way to unwind, stay connected and continue exploring everything the local community has to offer.
What's next for you and Coastal Farmer?
Right now, it’s all about settling into our rhythm and making sure every guest who walks through our doors feels the passion, ease and warmth of our team. Ultimately, we want Coastal Farmer to become a staple of Atlantic Beach, a second home for locals and the first place they bring visiting friends. We hope to build lasting relationships with our regulars while becoming a must-visit destination for out-of-town guests whenever they return to the area.
