The Academy of Food & Wine Service (AFWS) has today launched its 2013 UK Restaurant Manager of the Year competition and is inviting entries from across the industry,
All restaurant managers, regardless of the sector they work in, are eligible to enter the competition which will test their business aptitude and service skills against those of their peers. The competition offers managers a fantastic opportunity to raise their profile in the industry, as well as that of their establishment.
“The competition last year attracted entries from high street restaurants, contract catering and pubs. We want to encourage an even broader range of managers to enter so that the competition becomes truly pan-industry,” said AFWS executive director John Croft.
“We are looking for restaurant managers who possess great people skills, sound management ability, business acumen and a strong focus on customer service. These are the basic attributes required of managers from every sector of the industry so we are urging more to come forward to demonstrate those abilities.”
As part of the prize the winner will travel to New York to spend time at Daniel Boulud’s Dinex Group of restaurants, gaining a unique insight into the running of various departments. The runner-up will receive a place at the renowned business summer school run by the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, sponsored by the Savoy Educational Trust.
Last year’s competition was won by Peter McAlister of the Culloden Estate and Spa in Belfast with TGI’s general manager Paul Taylor emerging as a strong runner-up.
The competition is open to anyone working in the UK hospitality industry. Entrants, who do not have to be AFWS members the first year they enter, will initially be asked to complete an entry form. The semi-final will be held during August, with the final at London’s Westbury hotel on 7 October 2013.
The closing date for entries is 26 July 2013. Please contact the Academy on 01276 417 896 to register your interest or email Daniel@afws.co.uk.
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For further information or comment please contact Linda Pettit at Tilburstow Media Partners on 01342 832866, mobile 07973 789853 or Linda@tilburstowmedia.co.uk.
Editor’s notes
About the Academy. The Academy of Food and Wine Service (AFWS) established in 1988, is the professional body for front-of-house service. It is dedicated to improving the status and awareness of food and beverage service as a viable career choice, raising standards across the industry, and by encouraging teamwork to foster good relations with other industry sectors. The Academy can offer advice and training to anyone following, or considering, a career as a sommelier, wine waiter, waiter, bar manager or restaurant manager.