Mohamed Amar’s Post

Fine-dining restaurants in the Middle East can spend millions on chandeliers, marble floors, and menus fancier than a royal wedding. But then… the waiter forgets your order. Do you also feel like service can make or break a restaurant? This is Day 15 of 30 in my Strategy Consulting series. “Staff Training Gap” Here’s the problem. Many restaurants in the Middle East treat staff training as a one-time event, not an ongoing investment. But luxury is not just about food or design. It’s about how guests are welcomed, guided, and cared for. If you’re paying premium prices, don’t you expect the staff to feel like hosts, not just order-takers? One fix. Build continuous training programs. Roleplay guest scenarios, teach cultural sensitivity, and align service style with brand values. When staff are trained like ambassadors, the restaurant feels consistently premium. Follow for Day 16 where we’ll talk about how fine-dining restaurants in the Middle East can actually use data instead of just guessing. And tell me, have you ever had an amazing meal ruined by poor service?

Advantages of working in a luxury restaurant as a chef ; Working as a chef in a luxury restaurant offers professional growth through exposure to high-quality ingredients, advanced techniques, and a demanding environment that fosters speed, precision, and consistency. It provides the opportunity to hone skills, receive training on wine and other elements of fine dining, and work alongside talented professionals, which can advance your career and provide rewarding experiences. Professional Development: Skill Advancement: You'll work with the finest ingredients and learn advanced techniques, pushing you to cook perfectly and consistently. Training: Luxury establishments often provide training in areas like wine knowledge and high-end plating, broadening your culinary expertise. Mentorship: You'll have the chance to learn from experienced and talented chefs, which can significantly accelerate your career. Career Opportunities: Networking: Working in a prestigious restaurant can open doors to future opportunities within the competitive culinary world. Specialization: Fine dining demands a high level of specialization, allowing you to become an expert in a particular area of cuisine. Resume Building: Experience at a high-end restaurant is highly valued and can make you a more attractive candidate for future roles. Work Environment: High Standards: Expect non-negotiable standards for quality, freshness, and perfection in every dish. Efficiency: The need for speed, precision, and consistency is paramount, fine-tuning every kitchen process. Resources: You'll have access to excellent resources, from premium ingredients to well-equipped kitchens, allowing you to focus on cooking. Personal Growth: Discipline and Resilience: The fast-paced and demanding nature of a luxury kitchen environment builds discipline and the ability to thrive under pressure. Satisfaction: There's a unique satisfaction in creating delicious and beautiful dishes and knowing your work is appreciated in a special occasion atmosphere. #chefs #cooks

If anyone is interested in developing their skills in New Restaurant Openings, a quick thought based on my experience that might be helpful. 💬 Here are some tips for developing this skill:

A good restaurant manager doesn’t need to shout or run from table to table. The real work is already done before the first guest walks in. ✔️ Systems are ready ✔️ Team is trained ✔️ Standards are set When food is served hot, staff is confident, and guests leave with a smile—that’s not luck. That’s preparation. For me, management is not about controlling every move. It’s about creating an environment where the team can perform at their best, even if I step back. Calm, steady, and focused—that’s when true hospitality shines.

What is a Chef in the Hospitality Industry? In the hospitality industry, a chef is far more than someone who cooks. A chef is an artist, a manager, and a leader who turns ingredients into memorable experiences. Food is one of the strongest connections between a guest and a brand, and the chef stands at the heart of that connection. A professional chef: Creates Experiences: Every dish tells a story and reflects the culture of the establishment. Leads Teams: Chefs train, guide, and inspire kitchen staff to work with precision and passion. Drives Standards: From food safety to presentation, a chef sets the benchmark for quality. Adds Value: A great chef elevates a restaurant, hotel, or resort by shaping its reputation through taste and consistency. In hospitality, the role of a chef is not just to feed but to delight, surprise, and create loyalty. The dining experience is often what guests remember most, and behind that experience is always the creativity and discipline of a chef. #Hospitality #ChefLife #FoodIndustry #HospitalityManagement #Leadership #Teamwork #KitchenLife #RestaurantIndustry #HospitalityProfessionals #CareerGrowth #CustomerExperience #CulinaryExcellence #FoodAndBeverage #HospitalityCareers #WorkCulture #GlobalHospitality #ProfessionalGrowth #Inspiration #PassionForFood #LinkedInCommunity

Take this knowledge as an advantage from a Long time experience CHEF 👨🍳 Love you guys 🙏💝🫴Future Chefs 👍 👇 Reducing food cost isn’t just about saving money—it’s about elevating efficiency, sustainability, and profitability across the entire kitchen operation. This infographic by @VipinGujela highlights 7 essential strategies every chef and F&B leader should master—from portion control and inventory audits to seasonal sourcing and staff training. In luxury hospitality, precision and planning are the true ingredients of success. #LuxuryCulinary #FoodCostControl #ChefLeadership #MenuEngineering #KitchenEfficiency #HospitalityExcellence #SustainableCuisine #InventoryManagement #BuffetDesign #ProfessionalChef #LinkedInChefs #GulfHospitality #MaedCooks

A deep insight into the future of hospitality — my conversation with the Food and Beverage Manager at Hilton (Surfers Paradise). Today, I had the pleasure of interviewing Peter Jamison, the Food and Beverage Manager at Hilton Surfers Paradise, where I discovered the magic behind Le Petit Chef — a dining experience that seamlessly blends technology and gastronomy. Peter shared a fascinating insight: while technology can elevate the dining experience and bring stories to life, it can never replace the warmth of genuine hospitality. The future belongs to those who can blend both seamlessly. He also highlighted the importance of creative thinking, adaptability, and emotional intelligence — qualities that empower hospitality professionals to embrace innovation while staying deeply connected with their guests on a human level. As the leader of Oak Leaf Education Institute, this message truly resonated with me. Our mission is to empower students with both technical excellence and creative confidence, preparing them to thrive in a future where innovation and human touch go hand in hand. A heartfelt thank you to Peter Jamison for taking the time to share his insights this afternoon — it was an inspiring conversation about where the world of hospitality is heading. #InnovationInHospitality #LePetitChef #TechnologyAndFood #FutureChefs #OakLeafInstitute #HospitalityLeadership

If anyone is interested in developing their skills in Customer Service, a quick thought based on my experience that might be helpful. 💬 Here are some tips for developing this skill: I first developed my Customers Service skills during my studies in Culinary Arts – Gastronomic Cuisine. Working closely with guests in a restaurant and hotel environment taught me how important communication, patience, and attention to detail are in creating a positive dining experience. I've learned that great customer service is not only about serving food, but also about making people feel welcome and valued. My tip for developing this skill: always stay calm, smile, and listen – every guest deserves your best attitude.

How to Become a Highly Professional Waiter Becoming a truly professional waiter is about much more than just taking orders and serving food. It requires a blend of specific skills, attitude, and continuous learning. 1. Master the Foundational Skills (Technical Knowledge) The first step is mastering the basics of service: * Menu Expertise: You must know every item on the menu, including ingredients, preparation methods, potential allergens (like gluten or nuts), and the appropriate accompaniments. You should be able to make thoughtful recommendations. * Table Service Etiquette: Learn the correct way to approach a table, present the menu, take orders (often starting with the ladies first), serve from the left, clear from the right, and handle plates and cutlery with grace. * POS System Proficiency: Be fast and accurate when entering orders into the Point of Sale (POS) system to prevent kitchen mistakes and ensure correct billing. Wine/Beverage Knowledge: Understand basic wine pairings, common cocktails, and coffee service. 2. Develop Critical Soft Skills (Attitude & Interaction) Your interpersonal skills are what transform a good server into a great professional: * Exceptional Communication: Use clear, articulate language. Listen actively to the customer's needs and repeat the order back to ensure accuracy. Maintain a warm, genuine, and professional smile. Attention to Detail: Observe your tables constantly. Refill water glasses before they are empty, notice when a guest is looking for you, and clear finished dishes promptly. Anticipate their needs instead of waiting to be asked. Composure Under Pressure: The restaurant industry is fast-paced. Learn to remain calm, polite, and efficient even when the dining room is busy or a customer is difficult. Never let stress show on your face. Teamwork: A professional waiter supports the entire front-of-house and kitchen staff. Help your colleagues, communicate clearly with the kitchen, and see the entire dining room as your responsibility. 3. Focus on Guest Experience. True professionalism comes from making the dining experience memorable: Personalised Service: Use the guest's name if you know it. Acknowledge special occasions. Problem Resolution: When a mistake happens, own it immediately, apologise sincerely, and offer a concrete solution. Handle complaints gracefully. Suggestive Selling: This isn't about pushing products; it's about enhancing the meal. Professionally suggest a popular appetizer, a matching wine, or a signature dessert that you genuinely think the guest will enjoy. 4. Continuous Growth Professionalism is an ongoing process: Seek Feedback: Ask managers or senior colleagues for honest feedback on your service. Stay Updated: Read industry publications, take online courses on food/wine, and learn about new trends in dining. Maintain Appearance: Always ensure your uniform is spotless, pressed, and that you maintain a neat, clean, and professional personal appearance

🌟 Top 6 Attributes of Food & Beverage Service Staff 🌟 By https://lnkd.in/gyWyYZC3 Working in the Food & Beverage (F&B) industry requires more than just serving food — it’s about creating memorable guest experiences through professionalism, care, and hospitality. Here are the Top 6 Attributes every F&B service staff must master 👇 ⸻ 👉✅ 1. Impeccable Hygiene Cleanliness is the foundation of professionalism. Maintaining top hygiene standards builds trust and confidence among guests, ensuring they feel safe and comfortable. ⸻ 👉✅ 2. Professional Appearance Your appearance reflects your brand standards. A neat uniform, well-groomed look, and confident posture leave a lasting impression on guests. Remember, you represent your establishment! ⸻ 👉✅ 3. Effective Communication Clear and polite communication creates excellent guest experiences. Listening carefully, understanding guest needs, and responding appropriately make every service interaction smoother and more pleasant. ⸻ 👉✅ 4. Attention to Detail In hospitality, every small detail counts. From correct table settings to perfect food presentation — precision ensures quality and minimizes errors. ⸻ 👉✅ 5. Positive Attitude A cheerful smile and optimistic approach can transform the dining atmosphere. Optimism creates a welcoming environment, making guests feel valued and relaxed. ⸻ 👉✅ 6. Problem-Solving Skills Unexpected situations arise all the time in service — a true professional uses quick thinking to find effective solutions, ensuring smooth and seamless operations. ⸻ ✨ In the world of hospitality, excellence is achieved through the perfect blend of skill, attitude, and attention. These six attributes form the backbone of great service that guests will always remember. #FoodAndBeverage #HospitalityExcellence #ServiceWithSmile #FandBStaff #ProfessionalService #HotelManagement #HospitalityIndustry #GuestExperience #TeamHospitality #ServiceStandards