Loading...
You have Successfully logged In !
Already have an account? Login
By clicking Register you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Don't have an account?Register
Enter your E-mail address below, We will send the verification code
Please enter the code send to
Didn't receive the email?Click to resend
Your password has been successfully reset!.
Please login again to access your account.
An OTP has been sent to
Enter the 4-digit code
Published on October 4, 2023
What motivated you to pursue a career in hospitality, and what led you to your current role at The Residency Towers?
I chose a career in hospitality because of my passion for exploring diverse cuisines and destinations, as well as my love of meeting people. My current role at The Residency Towers compliments my personality perfectly. This is my second stint at the company, and I am very familiar with its brand foundation and philosophy. I applied for this role because it offers a unique opportunity to combine my operational expertise with my passion for project refurbishment. It is a wonderful experience that is helping me to grow professionally.
Could you describe the typical responsibilities and daily tasks that fall under the purview of an FNB Manager in a hotel of this caliber?
As an F&B manager, I ensure that all of our outlets are ready to serve guests according to their requirements and needs, with an extreme focus on customer service and the ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently to make the guest experience memorable. Apart from day-to-day operations, every day is a challenge because we never know what to expect, but that's also what makes the job so rewarding and there's always something new to learn.
What strategies do you employ to optimize cost control and resource management in the FNB department while maintaining quality standards?
As a brand, we implement and ensure that cost-control strategies are maintained in many areas, such as food, beverage, water, and power. For example, we control the portioning of food at our restaurants and bulk book ingredients in batches to minimize waste. In other areas, we have adopted paperless practices, such as using digital software to collect customer feedback and providing digital menus in rooms and restaurants. Additionally, we have installed sensor lights in public areas and sensor taps in washrooms to reduce our energy and water consumption. These measures help us to achieve significant cost savings.
How do you stay updated with the latest food and beverage trends, and how do you incorporate them into your menu offerings?
I stay up-to-date on the latest F&B trends by actively following major brands and bloggers digitally, and by attending events happening in Chennai and other major metros like Bangalore and Mumbai. I also have the opportunity to oversee the F&B operations at our flagship resort in the Maldives, which has helped me to understand the diversity of international cuisines. I use this knowledge to collaborate with our culinary director to develop experimental and process-driven menus that reflect the latest trends.
What steps do you take to maintain compliance with food safety and health regulations in your FNB operations?
We have partnered with a third-party vendor called Parikshan to conduct quality audits of our food and beverage operations six days a week for three hours each day. Their audit covers the receiving area, where they check the quality of incoming materials, the first-in-first-out process, and the upkeep of our cold rooms and storage areas. They also provide us with regular reports on any areas where improvement is needed. In addition to these audits, we test the quality of our water every month. We also have one certified FasTrack trainer per 10 staff members.
In your opinion, what sets The Residency Towers apart from other hotels in Chennai in terms of its food and beverage offerings?
The Residency Towers was opened in 2003, when major brands were beginning to enter the Chennai market. Despite the competition, the hotel's F&B outlets have remained consistently popular. The hotel's buffet restaurant, Main Street, is always packed with customers. The popular Bike & Barrel resto bar has a 24-hour license, and the hotel is also known for its huge banqueting space with ample car parking.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your career in the hospitality industry, and how has it shaped your personal and professional life?
This industry has helped me immensely to develop my people management skills. I currently manage and train around 90 associates from different parts of the country, which gives me more confidence and a composed way of handling things. At the same time, I have built strong relationships with our regular customers, who appreciate the recognition and genuine feeling of home away from home that we offer.
This interview is exclusively published on Hospitalitynews.in.
Galgotias University Students Take Indian Innovation to Glob...
Galgotias University is witnessing a growing wave of student...
TOQUO Launches ‘Around Asia in 10 Cocktails’ with Omakase Fo...
TOQUO has launched a new immersive dining concept titled ‘Ar...
Sheraton Grand Bangalore Celebrates Crafted Cocktails and Su...
Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway is bringin...
Cordelia Cruises Returns to Chennai for Fifth Season with In...
Cordelia Cruises is set to return to Chennai for its fifth c...
Published on June 1, 2026
As Indian destination weddings continue to gain global prominence, hospitality brands are creating experiences that seamlessly blend cultural traditions with international luxury. In an exclusive conversation with Hospitality News, Yashwini Naik, Global Account Director – Sales at Shangri-La, shares her perspectives on the evolving landscape of luxury destination weddings and the vision behind Bandhan by Shangri-La.
During the interaction, Yashwini reflects on the inspiration that led to the creation of Bandhan by Shangri-La and how the brand has grown into a dedicated platform for Indian couples seeking culturally authentic celebrations across some of the world's most sought-after destinations.
She also discusses changing wedding preferences among modern Indian couples, the rising popularity of destinations such as Sri Lanka, and the growing demand for personalized, experience-led celebrations that go beyond traditional wedding formats. The conversation further explores how Shangri-La balances bespoke experiences with consistent service excellence across its global portfolio.
Sustainability, another key focus area, also features prominently in the discussion, with Yashwini highlighting how environmentally conscious practices are being integrated into luxury weddings without compromising grandeur or guest experience.
Looking ahead, she shares her vision for the future of Bandhan by Shangri-La and offers valuable insights into how Indian destination weddings are expected to evolve on the global stage.
Our conversation with Yashwini Naik provides a compelling look at the trends shaping one of hospitality's fastest-growing segments. Read the complete interview in the June edition of Hospitality News Magazine, available on our website and in print.
With over three decades of experience in hospitality and nearly 25 years with The Residency Hotels Group, Gopinath Balasundaram has played a pivotal role in shaping one of South India's most respected hospitality brands. In an exclusive conversation with Hospitality News, he shares valuable insights into the group's journey, leadership philosophy, and future vision.
During the interaction, Gopinath reflects on how The Residency Hotels Group has established itself as a benchmark for hospitality excellence through its commitment to “Hospitality with Heart,” blending personalised service, operational consistency, and continuous innovation. He discusses the group's longstanding focus on guest-centric experiences and the importance of preserving individuality across its portfolio while maintaining luxury standards.
The conversation also highlights the brand's investment in technology, modern infrastructure, and manpower development. From intelligent room automation systems and advanced guest comfort features to innovative service solutions, Gopinath offers a glimpse into how technology is enhancing the guest experience while supporting operational efficiency.
Sharing perspectives on international luxury hospitality, he speaks about the group's association with The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort and how the property exemplifies refined luxury, sustainability, and globally recognised service standards.
Looking ahead, Gopinath outlines the group's ambitious growth roadmap, including major developments in Chennai, Madurai, Mysuru, and the Maldives. He also reflects on the defining milestones that shaped his leadership journey, including several successful hotel pre-openings and the evolution of the group's guest-first culture.
The discussion offers an insightful look into the changing dynamics of hospitality, the importance of innovation, and the opportunities that lie ahead for Indian hotel brands.
Our conversation with Gopinath Balasundaram provides readers with valuable perspectives on leadership, growth, and the future of hospitality. To read the complete interview, visit the June edition of Hospitality News Magazine on our website or explore the full feature in our print edition.
Published on May 4, 2026
Fine Acers, a recognised name in hospitality-led real estate, has partnered with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to introduce the Dolce brand in India, marking a significant step as the country’s tourism and hospitality sector is projected to reach USD 59 billion by 2028. Reflecting on this milestone, Dinesh Yadav, Founder & MD of Fine Acers highlights how the collaboration aligns with rising demand for premium leisure travel, destination weddings, and experiential stays. With existing resorts in Jaipur, Pushkar, and Goa, the company currently operates 200 rooms across three properties and plans to add 700 more keys over the next three years across Jaipur, Jawai, Udaipur, Pushkar, and Coorg, backed by an investment of around ₹600 crore. This expansion will take the total inventory to 1500 rooms across seven properties.
The introduction of Dolce by Wyndham comes at a time when India’s luxury hospitality segment faces a supply gap, with only around 29,000 luxury rooms available nationwide. Positioned to bridge this gap, Dolce integrates business, leisure, and large-scale event capabilities, making it ideal for high-demand markets like Goa and Udaipur, known for strong occupancy rates and wedding-driven demand. Fine Acers’ sale-and-leaseback model supports growth by enabling investors to purchase around 70% of its inventory, which is leased back and professionally managed, offering attractive returns without operational involvement, a model gaining traction among HNIs and NRIs seeking financial and experiential value. Backed by strong industry fundamentals, with hotel demand projected to grow at 10.8% annually against 8% supply growth, the company is expanding into high-demand destinations with a vision to surpass 1500 keys by 2030 and establish itself as a leading player in resort and lifestyle hospitality, while destination weddings and MICE remain central to the strategy, supported by India’s USD 130 billion wedding industry, driving memorable guest experiences and sustained growth.
This engaging exchange offers a glimpse into the evolving landscape of India’s luxury hospitality sector and the strategic vision driving Fine Acers forward. It was truly a great conversation with Dinesh Yadav, and readers can explore the complete feature in the Hospitality News May Magazine, available on our website and in print.
A platform dedicated to showcase the skills and creativity of hospitality professionals. Share your articles, videos and other content related to the industry and get recognized for your unique perspective and expertise. By posting your content and gaining likes from your own community, we'll categorize your talents and expose them to the hospitality world. Join our community of passionate hospitality professionals and let your talent shine!.
Already have an account?Login
By clicking you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Subscribe for ₹2,000 and receive our monthly magazine for one year (12 months) from the coming month and save 2 months cost.