Peer Perspectives
Meet Molly Peterson, the Director of Food & Beverage, Hampton Inn Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront
For Molly Peterson, hospitality isn’t just a profession—it’s a rhythm, a lifestyle, and a long-standing love for the kitchen that started at age 16. Her first job was washing dishes at her boyfriend’s family restaurant, Cheelo’s Café, a short-lived but unforgettable experience.
“There were a bunch of crazy hippy servers,” Molly recalls, laughing. “I remember a server explaining to the manager why she no-showed her shift—she said the stars weren’t aligned. I just giggled and thought, is this what everyone does?”
That moment may have sparked a question, but it also sparked something deeper: a sense of belonging. From that point forward, Molly knew she was meant to be in Food & Beverage. Over the years, she’s worked in nearly every F&B role imaginable, building a career grounded in teamwork, high energy, and making people feel seen and served.
Today, as the Director of Food & Beverage at Hampton Inn Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront, Molly leads the charge across daily breakfast service, weddings, special events, banquets, and the beloved Tides Beach Bar & Grille.
“My favorite moments are when everything is working correctly,” she says with a smile. “The shutters go up without help from maintenance, the POS systems are behaving, and we have a full staff. But more than that, I love seeing returning guests and regulars at Tides who are genuinely excited to be back and ask, ‘Do you still have my favorite drink?’ That’s what fuels my passion—making memories for people.”
Each day for Molly is different—but always full. Her mornings often begin by checking on breakfast service and the team, reviewing orders, and ensuring upcoming events are fully prepped. From there, it’s all about the details: room setups, staffing schedules, inventory, and putting out fires (sometimes literally).
“It’s a giant wheel of tasks,” she says. “And it only works because of the team. Paulie and Billy are rock stars. I’d be lost without them. It’s taken me four years to get to this point, and staff retention has been a huge part of it. What guests don’t always see is the level of coordination it takes behind the scenes to make everything feel seamless.”
Molly leads with empathy, gratitude, and a deep respect for her team’s lives beyond the hotel.
“I really try to listen when someone brings me a problem, and I do everything I can to honor time-off requests. Work isn’t everything—family is. I try to lead by example and treat everyone the way I’d want to be treated.”
Her passion for hospitality extends far beyond the kitchen. She’s obsessed with trying new cuisines, loves creating themed menus for events, and thrives on delivering those personalized, unforgettable moments—whether it’s the perfect cocktail at the Tiki bar or a custom buffet that brings a guest’s vision to life.
“What keeps me passionate is being able to make someone’s day. That’s the magic of hospitality.”
When she’s not managing F&B at the hotel, Molly’s likely digging in the dirt or soaking up sunshine.
“I love gardening and the beach! I’m obsessed with Zinnias—and chickens. We recently got six Rhode Island Red hens, and they’ll start laying eggs in August. I’m also always on the lookout for new cuisines to try, especially when I travel.”
Reflecting on her time with Newport, Molly credits the team and leadership for helping her grow not only as a professional but as a person.
“Being part of the Newport team has helped me develop flexibility, empathy, and strategic thinking in such a fast-paced environment. The support and collaboration across departments have really shaped how I mentor others and approach challenges.”
From sunrise breakfasts to beachfront weddings, Molly’s heart is in every detail. And if you ask anyone at the Hampton Inn Jacksonville Beach Oceanfront, they’ll tell you the same: success is something Molly serves up daily—with passion, grit, and a whole lot of heart.
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