News & Views

“Thank you for your interest in Turning Tables.  The business is currently taking a break while Margaret spends some time back in the industry in a management role at Furneaux Lodge.  Watch this space for future updates!!”

Telecom Masterclass featuring Fernando Peire of The Ivy, London

On Monday 23 August 2010, I was lucky enough to be one of the attendees at a presentation from Fernando Peire, one of the Directors at the acclaimed Ivy in London.  He had been invited out as a guest of the Restaurant Association to share some of his knowledge with interested hospitality professionals here in NZ as part of the annual Telecom Masterclass series.

The session that I attended was entitled “Great Staff Makes for Great Custom - Develop your staff and they will develop your business” and during his two hour presentation he shared some of the tips and tricks that they use at The Ivy to develop their team.  Some of the key points that I took away from his presentation are noted below:

  • Staff are your biggest asset so recruit the best that you can - don’t be lazy and just settle for the first person to walk through your door!!
  • Employ staff who are the right fit for your business - personality is more important than skills.  Some of the traits that they look for in a front of house staff member at The Ivy are charming, kind, thoughtful, generous, show empathy, sharers vs takers and emotional involvement.
  • Take time at the interview stage to find out something about the person - not just about their skills.
  • Invest time in training - nuture your staff and be firm but fair.  Remember how exhausting it can be for a new staff member - allow them time to absorb all the new information as well as the new atmosphere, new workmates and new customers!!
  • Sit down with your staff on a regular basis - find out how they are going - promote open communication and the sharing of ideas.
  • Remember to lead by example - while you are watching the staff you can bet they are watching you!!
  • Need to make your staff feel they matter so in turn they will make the customers feel the same - this leads to memorable dining experiences for our guests.

Thanks Fernando for an enlightening and entertaining presentation.

Useful and Informative Websites

Have noted below some useful websites I have come across recently:

Events for the Diary

  • Sunday 29 May 2011 - 7pm to late - The Auckland Hospitality Social Event of the Year - don’t miss out!!  Award ceremony at Sky City and the after party at The Studio on K Road.  See you there!!
  • Tuesday 7 June 2011 - 1pm to 6.30pm - Euro Vintage Road Show - Level 5 Aotea Centre, Auckland  RSVP to roadshow@eurovintage.co.nz
  • Thursday 23 June 2011 - Trade Tasting from 2pm to 4pm - Hot Reds Hawkes Bay - The Floating Pavilion, Viaduct Harbour
  • Sunday 26 June 2011 - 1pm to 6pm - First Glass Wine Options Competition.  Crowne Plaza, Albert Street, Auckland.  Enter online at www.first-glass.co.nz
  • 17-19 July 2011 - NZ Culinary Fare - the premier hospitality competition for chefs and front of house staff - view the competition schedule at www.restaurantnz.co.nz.  See you there - I’m competing in the Top Sommelier competition - gulp!!

“Thank you for sharing your time and knowledge on Tuesday with the presentation; Front of House Induction.  The presentation was a great success and the feedback has been very positive and stimulating.  Once again you have made an impact as you continue to inspire those wanting to learn more about our industry.”

Marisa Bidois, Manager, Taste