Zara Limited

Highly experienced hospitality professional with 15 years in restaurant management, culinary arts, and business leadership. Proven track record as Front of House staff, Assistant Chef, and currently General Manager at The Cat's Pyjamas. Skilled in team management, customer service, inventory control, bar operations, and driving sales growth. Passionate about delivering exceptional dining experiences and leading high-performing teams.

General Manager at The Cat's Pyjamas (2021-01 – Present)

General Manager responsible for overall restaurant operations, staff management, and customer satisfaction

• Streamlined staff rotas to optimise efficiency.
• Increased table turnover rate with efficient floor management.
• Implemented new menus, improved dining experience.
• Enhanced customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving complaints promptly.
• Trained new team members, enhanced service quality.
• Ensured compliance to health and safety regulations for safe dining environment.
• Effectively managed payroll and HR processes, including paperwork completion for new hires and terminations.
• Led by example in providing customers with attentive, professional restaurant service.
• Coordinated Front of House and Back of House staff ahead of events for smooth execution to maximise guest satisfaction.
• Liaised with kitchen teams to develop innovative, seasonal menus for maximised customer appeal.

Starter Chef at Abids Restaurant (2019-12 – 2021-01)

Starter Chef responsible for food preparation, kitchen management, and maintaining quality standards

• Ensured top-notch quality with rigorous ingredient selection.
• Upheld high health and safety standards in all food preparations.
• Streamlined cooking processes by maintaining organised workstations.
• Managed kitchen staff for efficient food preparation and service.
• Monitored inventory levels to prevent unnecessary wastage.
• Implemented strict hygiene standards, restaurant ratings improved.
• Trained and guided kitchen staff to meet quality and safety standards, reducing risks and promoting continued success.
• Inspected completed work and stations to verify conformance with standards.

Supervisor at Abids Restaurant (2016-07 – 2021-01)

Supervisor overseeing daily restaurant operations, staff coordination, and event management

• Established effective communication channels between front and back of house teams for smoother operation.
• Provided leadership during busy periods to maintain excellent service levels despite high volumes of guests.
• Organised special events and private functions, showcasing the establishment's versatility and adaptability.
• Coordinated daily restaurant operations, ensuring high quality service delivery at all times.
• Trained new staff members, leading to improved service standards.
• Sourced products locally for improved cost-efficiency and sustainability.

Waiter at Aagrah Restaurant (2011-06 – 2015-10)

Waiter providing excellent customer service and table management

• Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to queries and requests.
• Accommodated special dietary requests, enhancing customer dining experience.
• Helped reduce waiting times by swiftly clearing tables after use.
• Liaised with kitchen staff for prompt order delivery to customers.
• Managed table settings for optimal dining experience.
• Assisted in food preparation, resulting in timely service delivery.
• Delivered excellent customer service through friendly and polite interaction.
• Totalled bills for customers and accepted payment via cash and card payments.

Bachelor of Business Administration in Accountancy – University of Bradford