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

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.


The Sommeliers Association of India Is Crafting a New Narrative for Indian Wine

The Sommeliers Association of India Is Crafting a New Narrative for Indian Wine

Nishang Narayan

Published on June 2, 2025

The Sommeliers Association of India (SAI) isn’t just another wine club—it’s a movement. Founded in 2024 by Amrita Singh and world-renowned sommelier Mattia Antonio Cianca, SAI is India’s first national sommelier association aligned with the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI).

Their mission? To elevate Indian wine education, represent India at global sommelier contests, and create pathways for young professionals to thrive in the global hospitality space.

Inside the Article: The SAI Vision That’s Changing the Game

  • Why the absence of an Indian representative at the 2023 ASI Best Sommelier of the World contest led to the birth of SAI.
  • How international certifications like the ASI Diploma (now introduced in India) are setting new benchmarks for excellence.
  • The powerful impact of being affiliated with global platforms like JancisRobinson.com, GuildSomm, and ASI.

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  • Why pairing wine with Indian cuisine isn’t just possible—it’s revolutionary. Think regional curries, spice blends, and global wines in harmony.
  • How SAI membership is opening up access to mentorships, global internships, and exclusive wine training events across India.
  • What the future holds—positioning India as a major player in wine education, tourism, and fine-dining excellence on the global map.

The full article on SAI is out now in our June 2025 edition of Hospitality News!
Discover how this non-profit is shaking up India’s wine scene, nurturing sommelier talent, and making wine a celebration of both taste and tradition.


Shivam & Riddhi Bhagat: 200 Years of Bhagat Halwai, Served Fresh

Shivam & Riddhi Bhagat: 200 Years of Bhagat Halwai, Served Fresh

Nishang Narayan

Published on June 2, 2025

As Bhagat Halwai completes over 200 years of legacy, the iconic Agra-based sweet brand is finding its modern voice through two young, passionate leaders: Shivam Bhagat, Director, and Riddhi Bhagat, Strategic Director.

Stepping into the family business at just 19, Shivam has remained rooted in tradition while redefining how mithai connects with a new generation. Meanwhile, Riddhi brings her hospitality background and entrepreneurial drive into play—crafting mindful, wholesome offerings like “Binge on Baked,” a health-forward brand under the Bhagat Halwai umbrella. Together, they’re proving that legacy doesn’t have to mean outdated—it can mean dependable and dynamic.

Inside the Interview: How They’re Reimagining Mithai for Today’s India

In this heartwarming and forward-looking interview, Shivam and Riddhi share:

  • How a 1795 legacy brand stays fresh through seasonal specials, premium ingredients, and a blend of nostalgia and novelty.
  • Why health-conscious consumers are now at the center of product innovation—from sugar-free mithai to organic ingredients and locally sourced produce.
  • The big festive game plan—including how Bhagat Halwai scales operations, curates gifting options, and delivers joy at scale.
  • How Bhagat Halwai builds lifelong relationships, turning everyday customers into loyal patrons through flavour, service, and trust.
  • The role of creativity and strategy in taking heritage brands beyond sweets—into savouries, multi-cuisine offerings, and modern snacking.

The full interview with Shivam & Riddhi Bhagat is now out in our June 2025 issue of Hospitality News!

Don’t miss this inspiring story of two next-gen leaders keeping tradition alive—while boldly stepping into the future of food.

Read the full feature now at: https://hospitalitynews.in/e-magzines  


Flavours with Purpose: Chef Peter’s Pan-Asian Journey

Flavours with Purpose: Chef Peter’s Pan-Asian Journey

Chef Te Yuan Peter Tseng

Published on June 2, 2025

In this exclusive feature for Hospitalitynews, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Chef Te Yuan Peter Tseng, the visionary Culinary Director of Pricol Gourmet Pvt. Ltd., and the creative force behind the vibrant flavours at Soy Soi. Known to many as Chef Peter, he brings a deep sense of purpose and artistry to his cuisine, which reflects across every plate at Soy Soi and Little Soi.

In this engaging conversation, Chef Peter walks us through his culinary philosophy—one rooted in simplicity, tradition, and balance. His defining dish, Hainan Chicken Rice, reflects his belief that a humble plate, when done right, can speak volumes. As he puts it, a dish may appear minimal, but if it strikes harmony in taste and technique, it represents something much deeper.

Chef Peter also shares what makes Soy Soi stand apart in the competitive world of Pan-Asian dining. With a bold departure from the expected, the restaurant curates lesser-known regional street foods from across Southeast Asia, blending authenticity with innovation. It’s not just about flavour—it’s an experience woven together with ambience and hospitality.

The conversation dives deeper into his creative process, career-defining moments across cities like Chennai, Dubai, and Bangkok, and his vision for where Pan-Asian cuisine is headed in India. His take on “freestyle Asian” dining presents a promising outlook for evolving palates in the country.

What stands out is his thoughtful approach to leadership—where kitchen culture, mentorship, and staff well-being are prioritised as key ingredients to success.

This inspiring conversation with Chef Peter is more than a feature—it’s a masterclass in culinary creativity and team building.

To explore the full interview, grab your June Edition of Hospitalitynews or read it on our website today.