A Glimpse into F&B at The Residency Towers with Sujith Kumar S

Admin

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.

Redefining Luxury Through Authentic Hospitality

Anand Nair

Published on July 1, 2026

Luxury hospitality continues to evolve, and the most successful destinations are those that seamlessly blend innovation with authenticity. In the latest edition of Hospitality News, we bring you an exclusive conversation with Anand Nair, General Manager of InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort, who shares the vision, leadership, and guest-centric philosophy that have shaped one of the region's most distinguished luxury resorts.

Since taking over the leadership of the property, Anand Nair has guided the resort through a remarkable transformation, redefining luxury while preserving the cultural heritage and coastal charm of Mahabalipuram. In this engaging feature, he offers valuable insights into how thoughtful innovation, personalised hospitality, and meaningful guest experiences continue to elevate the resort's reputation.

The conversation explores the inspiration behind the property's comprehensive reimagination, highlighting how refreshed accommodations, redesigned public spaces, enhanced dining venues, and curated recreational experiences have created a destination that resonates with today's discerning travellers. Readers will also gain a deeper understanding of how every aspect of the guest journey has been carefully designed to deliver memorable moments through personalised service and exceptional hospitality.

Anand Nair further discusses the resort's diverse offerings, from grand celebrations at the Vaibhava Ballroom and picturesque Beach Lawns to its distinctive culinary destinations, each delivering unique experiences for guests. He also shares how the resort celebrates Mahabalipuram's rich cultural and coastal identity while complementing Chennai's growing stature as a leading business and leisure destination.

Another compelling aspect of the discussion focuses on the future of hospitality, where authenticity, sustainability, wellness, and innovation are becoming increasingly important. Anand Nair also reflects on his personal philosophy of hospitality, explaining why making every guest feel genuinely valued remains the foundation of exceptional service.

This exclusive feature offers hospitality professionals, industry leaders, and travel enthusiasts an opportunity to discover the vision behind a resort that continues to redefine luxury through meaningful experiences and heartfelt service.

It was a truly insightful conversation with Anand Nair, whose perspectives highlight the evolving future of luxury hospitality and guest experiences. To read the complete interview and explore every valuable insight shared during this engaging discussion, visit the Hospitality News July Magazine on our website or grab your physical copy of the magazine.

Leadership, Luxury & Lasting Experiences at Hyatt Regency Thrissur

Vinod Kumar

Published on July 1, 2026

Every successful hotel has a story, and behind every remarkable guest experience is a leader who understands that hospitality is built on people, passion, and purpose. In the latest edition of Hospitality News, we had the privilege of featuring Vinod Kumar, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Thrissur, in an insightful conversation that explores the principles driving one of Kerala's leading luxury hospitality destinations.

With years of experience across diverse hotel markets, Vinod Kumar shares how resilience, trust, and empowering teams have shaped his leadership philosophy. Throughout the conversation, he offers valuable perspectives on what it takes to create memorable guest experiences in an increasingly competitive hospitality landscape.

The interview goes beyond leadership to uncover how Hyatt Regency Thrissur continues to distinguish itself through personalized service, authentic Kerala experiences, culinary excellence, and an unwavering commitment to exceeding guest expectations. Readers will also discover his views on the growing opportunities for premium hotels in tier-2 cities, the rising demand for destination weddings, and why cultural destinations like Thrissur are becoming increasingly attractive to both leisure and business travellers.

One of the most engaging parts of the discussion revolves around balancing technology with genuine human connection. Vinod Kumar explains how innovation should complement, not replace the warmth and personalized interactions that define exceptional hospitality. He also addresses the industry's evolving challenges, including changing guest expectations, talent retention, sustainability, operational efficiency, and the importance of continuous innovation.

The conversation further highlights what makes Hyatt Regency Thrissur a preferred venue for grand destination weddings, showcasing its expansive event spaces, personalized celebrations, curated culinary experiences, and dedicated planning expertise that transform every occasion into an unforgettable celebration.

This exclusive feature offers hospitality professionals, industry leaders, aspiring hoteliers, and travel enthusiasts an opportunity to gain meaningful insights from a seasoned leader who continues to shape guest experiences with vision and excellence.

It was truly a pleasure speaking with Vinod Kumar and learning about the strategies, values, and experiences that continue to strengthen Hyatt Regency Thrissur's position in the hospitality industry. To read the complete interview and explore every insight shared during this engaging conversation, visit the Hospitality News July Magazine on our website or grab your physical copy of the magazine.

Building India's Next Chapter in Asset-Led Hospitality: The BHVL Way

Rayan Aranha

Published on July 1, 2026

As India's hospitality sector enters a new phase of growth, success is increasingly being driven by visionary leadership, strategic investments, and a long-term approach to asset creation. In the latest edition of Hospitality News, we feature an exclusive conversation with Rayan Aranha, Vice President of Brigade Hotel Ventures Limited (BHVL), who shares valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of India's branded hospitality landscape and the company's vision for sustainable growth.

With an impressive career spanning renowned hospitality brands and extensive expertise in operations, financial planning, and hotel asset management, Rayan Aranha offers readers a comprehensive perspective on how the industry is transforming beyond traditional hotel operations. Throughout the conversation, he reflects on his leadership journey, highlighting how the transition from managing hotels to building a scalable hospitality platform has shaped his strategic outlook.

The interview explores the importance of organisational culture in creating consistent guest experiences while empowering teams across diverse hotel portfolios. Rayan also explains how BHVL differentiates itself through a disciplined owner-led approach, strong partnerships with leading global hospitality brands, and a clear focus on long-term asset value rather than short-term expansion.

Readers will also discover his views on the growing role of technology in enhancing guest experiences, improving operational efficiency, and enabling more personalised hospitality. Equally compelling is his discussion on the financial metrics that drive decision-making, including revenue optimisation, profitability, operational discipline, and sustainable performance across the company's expanding portfolio.

The conversation further examines the increasing convergence between real estate and hospitality, revealing how integrated developments are creating new opportunities for the sector. Rayan also shares BHVL's roadmap for future expansion, outlining the company's plans to strengthen its presence across South India while exploring emerging Tier-II markets through a disciplined mix of greenfield and brownfield developments.

This exclusive feature offers hospitality professionals, investors, hotel owners, and business leaders an opportunity to gain valuable insights into the strategic thinking behind one of India's leading hospitality asset owners and developers.

It was a truly enriching conversation with Rayan Aranha, whose perspectives provide a deeper understanding of the evolving hospitality landscape and the future of asset-led growth in India. To read the complete interview and explore every insight shared during this engaging discussion, visit the Hospitality News July Magazine on our website or grab your physical copy of the magazine.