After almost 25 years working across the world with Four Seasons Hotels and Private Residences, Florian Riedel is braving the Bold North and joining the Minneapolis team as our General Manager. His enthusiasm for our city, attention to detail, and commitment to our guests are just a few of the many reasons he was named one of Twin Cities Business Magazine’s “Top 100 People To Know In 2022.”
We had a chance to sit down with Florian and learn more about his love for hospitality, his excitement to raise his family in Minnesota, and what he’s looking forward to most when we open our doors next year.
Q. Please give us a brief summary of your experience working with Four Seasons.
A: I can hardly believe it – it’s been almost 25 years! I began my Four Seasons career in London where I bussed tables in our hotel restaurant. From there, I took on a variety of roles. In Germany, I was a front office manager. Then, I moved to the Bahamas to be assistant director of rooms. California was next – that was where I worked on the residences side of our business – and then in Hawaii I focused on resort management and operations before being named General Manager. I look forward to sharing this story again in the spring when we hire about 350 employees in Minneapolis. I want our new team members to know that hospitality can be an exciting and rewarding career for them too. When they join our Four Seasons team, they will be opening the door to a world of possibility.
Q. Of all the Four Seasons locations in the world to choose from, why did you decide to relocate to Minneapolis?
A: I chose Minneapolis because I see such great opportunity here. I see a bright future for this city, and I want to be part of it. My wife will tell you – she and I want our young children to be part of it too. This city has so much to offer and so does our Four Seasons team. We are going to be terrific partners. I can’t wait until our doors open in the summertime, so I can meet more downtown neighbors.
Q. What are some of the most exciting aspects about this new hotel?
A: Where do I begin?! I’m very excited about how bright and open our space is. There are floor-to-ceiling windows, a grab-and-go café that will be open to the public and natural light in every one of our event spaces. We have an amazing chef in Gavin Kaysen, and I love the open kitchen concept in his new restaurant. I’m also inspired by the incredible views from our pool deck and guest rooms. Absolutely inspiring.
Q. What is the significance of having Four Seasons open in downtown Minneapolis? What do you think will be the impact on downtown Minneapolis?
A: At Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis, you can get your morning coffee, connect to the skyway for a business meeting and then return for evening cocktails or a spa appointment. We are also just two blocks from the Mississippi and surrounded by restaurants, shopping, stadiums, theatre, art and music. This building will be a beautiful space for connection and community.