Director of Food & Beverage at The Breakers Palm Beach
Biography
David Thall serves as Director of Food & Beverage at The Breakers Palm Beach, the iconic oceanfront resort in Palm Beach, Florida, renowned for its dynamic culinary offerings and longstanding commitment to hospitality excellence. Since his appointment in 2025, he has led the strategic direction and daily operations of the property's expansive dining portfolio, which showcases 10 distinctive restaurants ranging from relaxed beachfront to stylishly sophisticated venues.
Overseeing a team of 375 professionals, he is instrumental in advancing The Breakers’ award-winning food and beverage program—seamlessly integrating functional precision with genuine care, while honoring the hotel's storied legacy.
His relationship with The Breakers began in 1999 as the opening General Manager of Echo, the company’s first offsite dining concept featuring the cuisines of Asia. Under his management, Echo quickly became a Palm Beach favorite, known for its superior quality, uncompromising service standards, and devoted local following. After a brief entrepreneurial leave, he rejoined The Breakers in 2013 as Director of Food & Beverage for both Echo and HMF, the resort’s acclaimed social club. His expertise and passion helped solidify both outlets as integral cornerstones of the organization's culinary identity.
Before joining The Breakers, Thall built a global career that began at the Nassau Inn in Princeton, New Jersey, and expanded through a series of supervisory roles with Planet Hollywood across both U.S. and international markets—including New York, Washington D.C., Las Vegas, Reno, Seoul, Bangkok, Singapore, Guam, and Hong Kong. Later, he oversaw operations for high-profile lifestyle ventures such as Billboard Live, a music-centric nightlife concept by Billboard Magazine, and Lone Wolf, a fine dining and cigar lounge founded by Chuck Norris and Jim Belushi.
A native of New Jersey, Thall was influenced early in life by a family culture that celebrated hospitality, where food, conversation, and meaningful connection were central. After the passing of his mother during his teenage years, he was deeply shaped by his father’s business acumen and long-term perspective—principles that continue to drive his leadership philosophy today. He holds a Hotel & Restaurant Management degree from Widener University in Pennsylvania.
Photo Link: David Thall Headshot