- Why guest experience starts with the right team
- Recruiting for skill and personality
- AMG’s leadership development and culture-building approach
In the world of luxury hospitality, a simple truth endures: the guest experience begins and ends with people. A stunning dining room can set the stage and a visionary menu can draw applause, but it is the team that creates the lasting memories. At Altamarea Group, we don’t just see our employees as our greatest asset; we see them as the very soul of our restaurants, from the sophisticated cultural hub of 53 to the convivial neighborhood spirit of Osteria Morini. As we look toward 2025, our strategy is rooted in a deeply personal approach to building and nurturing our teams.
The Heartbeat of Hospitality: More Than Just a Meal
A brand is a promise. At Nicoletta Pizzeria, that promise is a fun, energetic experience. At Marea, it’s one of refined, transportive luxury. That promise isn’t delivered by a logo or a press release; it’s delivered by the person who greets you at the door and the server who guides you through the menu.
This is why our core values—Integrity & Respect, Excellence, and Winning Together—are the active principles that shape our culture. They are the reason the “convivial spirit of Emilia-Romagna” at Osteria Morini feels so authentic—because our team embodies that warmth. A positive, respectful internal culture is the direct source of an exceptional external guest experience.
Recruiting for Brand Identity: Finding the Right Fit for Every Family
Building a world-class team means understanding that the right fit for one of our restaurants may be different from another. We don’t just hire for a generic “hospitality gene”; we recruit for individuals who align with the unique personality of each brand.
- For a concept like 53, where we blend cuisine with art and culture, we seek team members who are not only technically skilled but are also sophisticated, culturally curious, and appreciate the fine details that create a chic lifestyle setting.
- For our Osteria Morini and Cucina Morini teams, we look for a natural warmth and an innate ability to make guests feel like family. We hire people who can create that soulful, convivial atmosphere that is the heart of the brand.
- For a brand like Nicoletta Pizzeria, we recruit for high energy, a positive attitude, and an ability to thrive in a fun, fast-paced environment.
Across all our distinct concepts, the common thread remains a genuine love and dedication for food and beverage. Whether for a fine-dining flagship or a neighborhood pizzeria, we seek people who share our passion for creating memorable moments.
The Altamarea Way: A Culture of Growth and Community
Recruiting top talent is only the beginning. Retaining and inspiring that talent across a global portfolio requires a deliberate and unwavering commitment to our culture. Our philosophy of “Winning Together” extends beyond our internal teams and into the communities we serve.
- Building Careers, Not Just Filling Jobs: We are fundamentally committed to building careers. We provide clear pathways for growth and prioritize promoting from within. For instance, a talented line cook at Ai Fiori who shows leadership potential might be mentored for a Sous Chef position, or a host at Marea with a passion for wine could be supported in their journey to become a sommelier. We invest in our people, knowing their success is our success.
- A Culture That Gives Back: “Winning Together” also means being a positive force in the local neighborhoods we call home. We are committed to being active and supportive members of our communities. This could mean our team from Nicoletta Pizzeria hosting a fundraising dinner for a neighborhood cause. This commitment to giving back is a core part of our identity and attracts team members who want to be part of something bigger.
- Empowerment with a Convivial Core: While we are serious about our commitment to excellence, we foster a supportive environment with a convivial core and an element of fun. We empower our teams with the autonomy to solve problems and delight guests. For example, we trust a server at Osteria Morini to send over a complimentary dessert to a couple celebrating an anniversary, without needing a manager’s approval. It’s about trusting our team to create those special moments that turn a great dinner into a cherished memory.
In 2025, as diners seek more authentic and personalized experiences, the human element is everything. By investing in our people, celebrating the unique identity of each of our brands, and nurturing a culture of respect and community, we ensure the Altamarea Group name remains synonymous with genuine hospitality excellence.