ROMAN KRABEL , DARE TO BE DIFFERENT
I have been working since I was 16 , and as a teenager the easiest place to get a job was in the bars and restaurants starting with washing up ! I do think it ’ s important to star with basics . I realized that I enjoyed it and was good at it , and decided to become a certified Chef and certified Restaurant Manager .
What have you always enjoyed about the hospitality industry ?
I enjoy the variation the hospitality industry offers . It ’ s both challenging and rewarding with every day being different . As a General Manager , you have a real opportunity to make difference to both customers and their experience , but also to staff and their work satisfaction .
What do you enjoy most about your job ?
Dealing with people , be it customers or staff ; this can be most rewarding . I remember how much my General Managers influenced me and my development , as a young employee . I was given this unique opportunity , and I want to give back to my staff , by helping them develop and grow . My staff ’ s success is indeed my success .
When you dine in a restaurant , what else do you look at besides the menu ?
Actually , I look at many things , such as : the concept of the restaurant , then design and size , the atmosphere , the type of guests and their behavior as well as the behavior and selling skills of the employees . And of course , the food must be good , tasty and presented well . Essentially , I look at the whole package . Of course , it really depends on the guests ’ expectations . At times , you may want to be spoiled by the quality of food and service . On other occasions , the atmosphere and environment is very exciting and the food and service may not be the most important thing .
What are the most challenging issues you are facing on your current job ?
When you work in a competitive city such as Accra , you have to pay attention to what is changing around you . We live in such a fast-moving world ; the
2017 | Business Times Africa 31