What does it take to be a Hospitality Leader? In an industry that never slows down, it takes utmost dedication and a mindset for continuous innovation to deliver quality guest experiences day in and out. Gulf Insider highlights leaders of the hospitality industry in Bahrain to understand what’s new, what’s next, and what makes them the best.
In this exclusive interview, we learn more about Gabriele Giorni, the General Manager of Trader Vic’s, as he shares his insights about the hospitality and F&B sectors, the key takeaways from his leadership journey, and what’s in store for guests at the award-winning restaurant in Bahrain.
Can you discuss a recent successful innovation that has made an impact on your guests/ your team/ the larger hospitality sector?
We have launched an exclusive Tropical Latino Brunch which takes place on the first Friday of every month, addressing the slow season during the Summer. From 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, guests indulge in a classic blend of food, cocktails, and the renowned ‘Trader Vic’s hospitality’. The experience is further enriched by Latin dance performances and an Afro Tropical DJ set, drawing our guests into the vibe. Their enjoyment at this once-a-month brunch is a great indicator of the format’s success.
Thanks to this promotion, we’re able to easily reach 300 diners and this number keeps increasing with every Brunch.
The Brunch has had a massive impact on our team; each member adapted and rose to the challenge, creating unique experiences for each guest profile. Their growth, adaptability, and professionalism are the hallmarks of Trader Vic’s as a leading brand.
The success of this Brunch helped us understand the demand. We’re working towards replicating the event and creating new formats to ensure our guests get the best experience while dining at Trader Vic’s.
What did you learn from this innovation and the process of implementing it?
The key to a successful Brunch event is to offer clearly defined services, to communicate these services directly with our guests, and to emphasise them through the power of our marketing and reach wider audience groups through social media.
A varied, fun, out-of-the-box offer engages guests in a more meaningful way. We’re always on the lookout for new ideas and the constant search for experiences that surprise and attract guests to Trader Vic’s. Our success hinges on our ability to offer innovation, whether it’s through our dishes, drinks, or entertainment.
Can you share a defining moment in your career that shaped your approach to restaurant management?
Obtaining my Master’s degree in F&B Management, being presented with an opportunity to serve as an F&B Director soon after, and travelling to Saudi Arabia to manage two successful new franchise concepts were the biggest moments that shaped my professional journey.
Directing myself toward Food and Beverage Management through academics made a big difference; however, the experience I’ve gained in the field over the years has been rich. I believe it is essential to start at the bottom of every role and understand the nuances of managing certain activities to be able to create effective and impactful solutions in the field.
What are your goals for the restaurant in the coming year?
New themed events, tempting promotions and most importantly, new dishes that will surprise our guests are all in-store at our tropical paradise!
Our goal and greatest pride are tied to each team member’s ability to imbibe the DNA of a hospitality professional. Through professional development, training, and instilling strong work ethics, we are constantly working towards their present and future success – wherever their careers lead them.
What future trends in hospitality do you envisage, and how is your restaurant preparing for them?
Bahrain’s F&B scene has always been vibrant and ever-evolving. What truly sets it apart from neighbouring countries is the popularity of homegrown concepts that have consistently impressed with their ability to compete with international brands.
In the coming months, Bahrain is set to welcome some global concepts into the market, presenting a new challenge for the local industry. While this may raise the bar in terms of competition, I believe several homegrown concepts will rise to the occasion and successfully hold their ground.
While the government has made significant strides in executing its tourism strategy, there is always room for improvement. One area that requires attention is diversifying the Kingdom’s visitor base. Currently, the Kingdom relies on weekend business from visitors crossing the King Fahad Causeway from Saudi Arabia. Enhancing the diversity of visitors will further enrich the tourism experience.
What, in your opinion is the one major quality every hospitality leader must possess?
Being able to lead a team, providing astounding customer care, conflict resolution, and customer relationship management form the core of hospitality and require high emotional intelligence (EQ) to be able to grasp the not-so-obvious emotional and energetic cues from the customer.
As a hotelier or hospitality management professional, sharpening your Emotional Intelligence can help you deliver exceptional service and even increase your chance of success at work.
This quality will empower the staff to build genuine connections with guests as well. Imagine a friendly concierge who anticipates your needs or a server who diffuses a tense situation with grace. Staff with high EQ can personalise service, resolve conflicts effectively, and create a welcoming atmosphere.
It encourages collaboration, communication, and a positive work environment, leading to a more productive and cohesive team. Emotional Intelligence in leadership can make you a trusted leader whom people feel safe to be around and to confide in.
Emotionally intelligent leaders inspire, motivate, and build trust with their staff, resulting in a happier and more dedicated workforce. They know intuitively when to back up and loosen their hold and when to tighten the reins over their affairs and teams.
An effective leader is also someone who leads by example or motivates others toward the highest good.
READ MORE – Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain’s Thibault De Vries on Leading with Empathy
