Breakthroughs and career opportunities in the F&B World: Part 2

Welcome back to The Zista Podcast, where we explore the heart of the Food & Beverage world. In this much-anticipated Part 2 of our series on breakthroughs and career opportunities within the F&B industry, we focus on the crucial combination of skill, mindset, and tools needed to succeed. We’re thrilled to welcome Gavin Vadamootoo, F&B Manager at the One&Only Resorts in Dubai, whose nine years of experience and education from the Swiss Hotel Management School have established him as a leading figure in the industry.

This episode explores the journey towards a successful career in the F&B industry in 2024, charting the necessary steps for achievement, the skills that accelerate the path to promising F&B careers, and the essential mindset and attitude for students currently embarking on their hospitality career paths.

Gavin’s insights stem from his vast experience and a profound understanding of the industry’s current dynamics and future possibilities. Aimed at providing actionable guidance, this episode reaches out to both novices and professionals in the F&B arena, emphasizing the critical skills, mindset, and tools needed for success.

Welcome back to The Zista Podcast, where we explore the pulsating heart of the Food & Beverage world. In this eagerly anticipated Part 2 of our series on breakthroughs and career opportunities within the F&B industry, we continue to peel back the layers of what it takes to not just survive but thrive in this creative field.

Today, we’re privileged to have Gavin Vadamootoo once again. As the F&B Manager at the prestigious One&Only Resorts in Dubai, Gavin brings over nine years of comprehensive experience to  the table. His academic journey at the Swiss Hotel Management School has not only honed his skills but also marked him as a standout professional in the industry. Gavin’s journey is a testament to the blend of skill, mindset, and tools needed to carve a niche in the F&B sector.

This episode explores the realities of pursuing a career in the F&B industry in 2024, charting the steps necessary for success, understanding the skills that can provide a fast track into promising F&B careers, and the mindset and attitude needed from students currently pursuing their careers in hospitality. Gavin shares his profound insights, drawing from a deep well of experience and a keen understanding of the industry’s evolving landscape and its future directions.

So, if you’re a student envisioning a future in hospitality, a professional contemplating a shift into the F&B sector, or simply someone keen on understanding what it takes to stand out in this field, this episode has something for everyone. Join us as we reveal the keys to success in the F&B industry with Gavin Vadamootoo, only on The Zista Podcast.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• Success in the Food & Beverage industry doesn’t happen overnight. It requires a deep passion for food, willingness to immerse oneself in the intricacies of the industry, and patience to progress through various roles from entry-level to senior positions.
• While many skills necessary for the industry can be learned, a positive attitude towards learning and growing is non-negotiable. The right mindset drives personal growth and the ability to navigate challenges in the industry.
• Real-world experience, including handling customer interactions, managing team dynamics, and dealing with operational challenges, is invaluable. It cannot be fast-tracked and is crucial for developing the resilience and interpersonal skills necessary for success.
• Effective communication and the ability to work well in a team are crucial for ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for guests and staff alike.

Questions 

Q1. What are the prospects of building a career in Food & Beverage in 2024?

A: Gavin highlights that the potential for a lucrative career in the Food & Beverage (F&B) industry varies, emphasizing that success often comes with time and experience. The industry’s pay scale varies widely, spanning from entry-level roles such as waiters to more senior positions, illustrating a pathway for progression. However, it’s important to set realistic expectations about the timeline for financial success, as it is unlikely to be immediate.  Crucially, Gavin points out the indispensable need for passion in F&B. A food enthusiast’s eagerness to share every aspect of a dish reflects the industry’s evolution from mere service to creating immersive dining experiences. This transformation demands a deep understanding of the operation and a commitment to offering something beyond the conventional. Furthermore, as highlighted in a previous podcast, the distinction between services enhanced by technology and those that are not, underscores the industry’s shift towards integrating storytelling and unique experiences into dining. For those passionate about food and willing to immerse themselves in the intricacies of the F&B world, the industry offers a fulfilling career path, both personally and financially, in 2024.

Q2. How can one achieve success in the Food and Beverage Industry?

A: Gavin outlines that while a variety of skills are essential for success in the food and beverage industry, they can all be learned except for one crucial attribute: attitude. He emphasizes that the drive to learn, grow, and excel must originate from the individual. Every food and beverage manager can impart skills such as interpersonal abilities, which cover how to engage with customers, collaborate with team members, and navigate conflicts with clients. Despite a lack of experience, it’s important to understand that not every guest can be approached in the same way, as each brings unique expectations and experiences. Pleasing a broad range of guests involves not just applying learned skills but also handling the occasional challenging guest with finesse. Although management courses offer strategies for addressing guest complaints and tricky situations, the foundational element is possessing the right attitude towards learning. With this mindset, acquiring knowledge and skills becomes smoother, and the ability to manage specific challenges, like guest complaints, naturally improves with on-the-job experience. Gavin stresses that operational leadership is valuable, but the real art of dealing with guest-related issues is honed through experience, a skill of the industry that no book can teach.

Q3. What skills can accelerate entry into the Food and Beverage Industry for students?

A: Gavin, speaking from his experience as a food and beverage manager, acknowledges the eagerness of many passionate individuals to quickly rise to managerial positions. He advises that while ambition and visible talent can certainly contribute to growth, the journey to understanding and managing diverse experiences cannot be expedited. He stresses the importance of gradual growth, attaining the right pace, and appreciating that all achievements come in their own time. Rapid advancement without the capacity to manage team dynamics or withstand pressure can lead to challenges, underscoring the value of experience. Gavin highlights confidence, resilience, and interpersonal skills as crucial. Mastering how to effectively communicate and interact with both guests and team members is fundamental. These skills ensure that one can meet the needs and expectations of all parties involved, laying a solid foundation for success in the industry.

Q4. From a mindset and attitude perspective, what advice would you give students pursuing a career in Hospitality?

A: Gavin underscores the invaluable experience gained through internships, whether paid or unpaid, in the food and beverage industry. He shares his own journey of choosing a hospitality school in Switzerland and taking up a restaurant job with no prior experience, emphasizing the necessity of hands-on learning. Even through mundane tasks like peeling potatoes, he realized their importance in understanding the industry’s demands. Gavin points out that the backbone of any restaurant’s success lies in its back house—the stewards and kitchen staff who ensure the cleanliness and readiness of cooking tools and spaces, highlighting that their work is as crucial as that of the front house in delivering quality dining experiences.

He advises aspiring hospitality professionals to embrace every aspect of restaurant operations, from dishwashing to understanding the use of specific cleaning chemicals and the importance of temperature in food safety and quality. Gavin stresses the significance of health and safety protocols, such as the Food Safety Management System (FSMS) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), in serving safe and high-quality food.

Furthermore, Gavin reflects on the personal sacrifices required in the hospitality industry, such as working during holidays and family occasions, emphasizing the need to find joy in creating memorable experiences for guests. He believes that a genuine passion for one’s work and a positive team spirit are visible in the service and dishes provided.

Lastly, Gavin highlights the critical role of communication in the hospitality industry. Effective communication is foundational for teamwork and problem-solving, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for both guests and staff. He encourages students to cultivate a hospitable nature, a readiness to learn from every task, and an understanding that success in hospitality involves both personal growth and the ability to work harmoniously within a team.