Behind the Scenes: Operations and Innovations with Shahjakhan

Admin

Published on February 6, 2024

In his illustrious career, Shahjakhan embarked on his professional journey at Abu Palace, which has now transformed into Abu Sarovar. A dedicated tenure of four and a half years at Abu Sarovar laid the foundation for his career progression. Subsequently, he transitioned to Airport Radisson, a renowned international Carlson brand, where he dedicated five years to honing his skills.

The next chapter of Shahjakhan's career unfolded at Indriya Nasalai during its pre-opening phase, where he played a pivotal role for five years. Following this, he contributed to the success of Residency Towers for one year, focusing on Food and Beverage service. The journey continued as he assumed a role at Somerset for an impressive four and a half years.

Culminating his diverse experiences, Shahjakhan currently serves as the General Manager at Big Bull Lounge, where he has held this position for almost five years, showcasing his unwavering commitment to the industry.

"We prioritize meaningful interactions with our team, conducting briefings both before and after operations," he said while talking about the day-to-day operations he had to make to ensure the smooth functioning of Big Bull. Their preoperational briefings help them discuss reservations, headcount, anticipated traffic, and resource allocation. "By understanding what is available and not available, we strategically guide our team to efficiently execute their tasks. Postoperational debriefings further enhance our approach, allowing us to reflect on the operation and identify areas for improvement," he added. 

They call their bartenders "barchefs," affectionately. Similar to how a chef crafts a menu, they meticulously create a drinks menu, earning them this unique title. "In Tamil Nadu, obtaining Breezers is a challenge, unlike in Pondicherry. To address this, our beverage team innovatively curated a menu featuring what we call "BPL Breezer." This homemade creation comes in enticing flavors like cranberry, kiwi, and blueberry. Despite our efforts to secure a Breezer's license, the Tamil Nadu government did not permit it. Undeterred, we took matters into our own hands, crafting and serving this homemade delight," he said. 

Their standout is Chicago's deep-dish pizza. While pizzas are ubiquitous, their stands out with a distinctive feature—it boasts half a kilogram of cheese on a single pizza. "This unique touch has become our signature, setting our pizza apart from the rest," he stated.

Watch the complete interview at HospitalityNews Official YouTube Channel.


Creating a Home Away from Home: Maitry Upreti on Vita Student

Creating a Home Away from Home: Maitry Upreti on Vita Student

Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 4, 2024

Vita Student, a renowned name in the realm of student accommodation, offers a luxurious and comfortable living experience for students across the UK and beyond. With a commitment to providing exceptional facilities and services, Vita Student has become the preferred choice for discerning students seeking a premium living environment.

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"International students often share similar needs when studying abroad: they seek safety, a welcoming environment, and opportunities to thrive—whether that’s meeting new people, maximizing their university experience, or getting a head start in their careers. That’s precisely what Vita Student provides," Maitry Upreti, Head of Business Growth, Vita Student, shares.

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"Vita Student, traditionally marketed through agents in India, recognizes both the opportunities and challenges in this space. The key lies in effectively demonstrating the unique value Vita Student offers to those choosing to study in the UK or Spain, setting it apart from other accommodation options," she says while elaborating on the vision they have implemented for Vita Student’s expansion into India.

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Vita Student is quickly becoming a top choice for Indian students studying abroad, offering an ideal balance of work and leisure through its impressive range of amenities. Social hub spaces, private dining rooms, and dedicated study areas ensure students can maximize their academic experience while enjoying a vibrant community life. With 24-hour access, manned security, and key card entry, Vita Student prioritizes safety, providing peace of mind for students and their families.

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"My focus and passion lie in introducing the Vita Student brand to those searching for accommodation, helping them understand that choosing Vita can lead to a better overall experience and outcome compared to other options in the same city," the Head of Business Growth declares.

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There is more to this conversation with Maitry Upreti, and to get more exclusive scoop, visit the link: September Issue [Catch her interview on Page 32.]


Taking Off with Encalm: A Conversation with Vikas Sharma

Taking Off with Encalm: A Conversation with Vikas Sharma

Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 4, 2024

"Airports can be overwhelming, and my goal was to create an oasis of calm where travelers could relax and truly enjoy their transit," Vikas Sharma, CEO, Encalm Hospitality, opens with his pleasant statement. Encalm Hospitality, a renowned name in the hospitality industry, is committed to providing exceptional experiences to its guests. With a strong focus on comfort, luxury, and personalized service, Encalm has established itself as a leading choice for discerning travelers.

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"We introduced our Meet & Assist service, ‘Atithya,’ at Delhi, Hyderabad, and Manohar International Airports in Goa. This service offers personalized assistance, ensuring that each guest’s transit is both memorable and hassle-free. Additionally, we launched the ‘Encalm Lounge,’ providing travelers with an exclusive space to unwind before their flights," he says. Encalm masterfully blends luxury with practicality, offering a sophisticated travel experience that addresses both indulgent desires and functional needs.

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"In the ‘Encalm Lounge,’ the focus shifts to creating an environment that radiates comfort and exclusivity. From the carefully selected amenities to the thoughtfully crafted ambiance, every element is designed to offer our guests a tranquil and relaxing retreat," says the CEO while talking about meeting the high standards that Encalm is known for.

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Since its inception, Encalm has been committed to redefining the travel experience, with some of the most rewarding moments stemming from the heartfelt feedback of travelers. The pinnacle of Encalm's journey so far has been the launch of Encalm Privé, a grand 30,000 sq. ft. lounge with a capacity for over 550 guests. This lounge, which features everything from a gaming zone to a fitness center, premium beverages, and sleeping pods, sets a new standard for luxury in airport hospitality.

"As we continue to expand our services to airports in more cities, our commitment remains unwavering," Vikas Sharma says. And we can be rest assured the new expansions will hold the sentiment true to their hearts.

Catch the complete interview exclusively on our September Issue, out now. Link: September Magazine 
[Find his interview on Page 42.]


The Art of Curating Unforgettable Experiences—A Conversation with Tamarind Global’s AVP

The Art of Curating Unforgettable Experiences—A Conversation with Tamarind Global’s AVP

Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 4, 2024

"I've always believed that the work you do and the environment where you spend a significant portion of your time should be inspiring, a place where you bring energy and passion every day," says Anjali Tolani, Assistant Vice President - Weddings at Tamarind Global. Tamarind Global stands as a premier destination and event management company with a distinguished history of crafting extraordinary experiences. Deeply rooted in India while maintaining a global perspective, the company specializes in delivering bespoke solutions tailored to the unique needs of both individual and corporate clients. 

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Now, decorating the AVP Chair, Anjali Tolani, interestingly, comes with a background of pharmaceutical studies. "...a choice made before I had fully clarified my future ambitions," she says about her education. Starting as a Medical Representative, and exploring areas such as advertising, banking, and eventually becoming a General Manager at a wellness resort, she found her way into the travel industry. 

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She also had her fair share of challenges navigating the industry which now feels like her second home. "The first major challenge arose with the advent of online travel companies, which dramatically transformed how people book travel and accommodations. The second significant challenge occurred during the pandemic, when business slumped and competition intensified—not just from industry peers but also from hotels seeking to establish direct connections with clients," she says. Fast forward, Tamarind has emerged as a stronger brand weathering all these challenges. 

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Find more exclusive scoops about the AVP and Tamarind Global at the exclusive interview here: September Issue [Find the interview at page 28.]

Image Credits: Tamarind Global Official Website