Varun Kumar Pushpakaran Nair

Experience

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  Le meridien

  Dec 2007 - May 2008

  Butler
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  Itc fortune

  Jul 2008 - Oct 2009

  Room service captain
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  IHG

  Nov 2009 - Mar 2013

  Head Bartender
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  Armani Hotel Dubai

  Apr 2013 - Aug 2024

  Currently working as a Restaurant and Beverage Manager from April 2020 with the responsibility of Armani Mediterraneo Restaurant and all the 9 outlets beverage operations in Armani Hotel Dubai• Staff Management: Supervising and managing a team, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.• Operations Oversight: Ensuring smooth day-to-day operations, including maintaining high standards of service, quality, and cleanliness.• Customer Service: Guaranteeing excellent customer experiences by resolving complaints, maintaining guest satisfaction, and ensuring consistent service standards.• Inventory and Stock Management: Monitoring and managing inventory levels, ordering supplies, and ensuring cost-effective practices.• Menu Development and Pricing: Collaborating with chefs and other stakeholders to create menus and pricing strategies that balance profitability with customer satisfaction.• Financial Management: Budgeting, cost control, and analyzing financial reports to ensure financial targets are met.• Compliance and Safety: Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, as well as alcohol and food service laws.• Marketing and Promotion: Developing and executing strategies to promote the outlets, attract customers, and increase revenue.• Relationship Management: Building relationships with suppliers, stakeholders, and other departments within the hotel to ensure smooth coordination.• Continuous Improvement: Identifying areas for improvement, implementing changes, and adapting to market trends to enhance the business. Show less Worked as an Assistant Restaurant Manager and Sommelier In Armani Hashi, Japanese restaurant, Armani Deli, Italian Restaurant and Armani Amal, Indian restaurant during 2016-2020 in Armani Hotel, Dubai, UAE• Wine Selection and Pairing: Curating wine lists, selecting wines that complement the cuisine, and guiding customers in wine selection and food pairings.• Cellar Management: Overseeing the wine cellar, including storage, organization, and ensuring the quality and authenticity of the wine selection.• Staff Training: Educating staff about wine, conducting training sessions, and ensuring they can confidently discuss and sell wine to guests.• Customer Engagement: Interacting with guests to understand their preferences, offering recommendations, and enhancing their dining experience through wine.• Vendor Relations: Building relationships with wine suppliers and negotiating purchasing agreements to maintain quality and optimize costs. Show less • Beverage Preparation: Creating and serving a wide range of beverages, including cocktails, mocktails, and other drinks as per standard recipes.• Quality Control: Ensuring drinks are prepared with consistency, meeting quality standards, and aligning with the establishment’s expectations.• Inventory Management: Tracking and managing bar inventory, including ordering supplies, stock rotation, and minimizing wastage.• Customer Service: Providing exceptional service, engaging with customers, taking orders, and recommending drinks based on preferences.• Training and Supervision: Training and supervising bar staff, including bartenders and barbacks, to maintain service excellence and uphold standards.• Bar Set-Up and Maintenance: Organizing the bar area, ensuring cleanliness, and handling equipment maintenance and repairs.• Menu Development and Pricing: Collaborating with management to create drink menus, deciding on pricing strategies, and assessing popularity to adjust offerings. Show less

  • Restaurant and Beverage manager

    Apr 2020 - Aug 2024

  • Assistant Manager and Sommelier in Armani/Hashi, Japanese Cuisine and Armani/Amal, Indian Cuisine

    Nov 2015 - Mar 2020

  • Senior Bartender

    Apr 2013 - Oct 2015