The Business of Hospitality : Every Detail Counts
This
day, was a special day, it was our last day of our trip. This last excursion
was about a business which every detail counts, for sure, I talk about the
business of Hospitality.
To begin with, we started this day at 10:50 am with our teacher Mrs. Beck who have been to New York for her business. We went directly to Foodease in Water Tower Place for lunch, after we met all in the lobby of The Buckingham. However, we had to dress more professionally for this day, because as I said, every detail counts especially in hospitality, and mainly because we had to go to a luxury hotel, the Drake Hotel.
After arrived to Foodease, I was very impressed of all kind of food we can get. Each restaurants within Foodease are specialized in one kind of food as hamburgers, vegetable dishes, chinese or italian food. It was tough to choose, because all restaurants seemed good !
Finally, I decided to take a hamburger as almost my classmates. I know it was not very original, but it was a good burger, so I don’t regret my choice. During we ate, chef Janet Kirker had joined us to talk about her business, and how she was arrived as an Executive Chef of Foodease. She said that thanks to her mentor, she learned more about culinary skills, and now, she will has a mentee who will learn through her. I think it is looks like a kind of legacy, a transfer of knowledge.
After the lunch, we went to the Drake Hotel which we met Shaun Rajah who is the Senior Catering Manager of the hotel. He showed us some important rooms as a room which people can celebrate their wedding. This room is so incredible, we would have thought that we were in a fairytale castle. All details have its importance, each detail counts, and it is due to values of the hotel because they pay attention to comfort and welfare of their customers. That is the key to create a good and strong relationship with clients, and to incite them to come an other time or to tell to their networking how they like so far the hotel.
We had also the chance to meet the French Chef Herve Cuyeu in the kitchen. I was so glad to speak with a french native who decided to move to US, because thanks to him we had learned more concerning difficulties to work in a foreign country. I was so suprised that he forgets some French words because he was born and spent his chilhood in France, but I think it is normal to forget how to speak if you don’t practice.
And to the end of the day, we went to Hendrickx, a Belgian Bakery which we are welcomed by the co-owner Dominique. She told us that the beginnings were tough because the US market is not the same as Belgium. Even if she did a business plan, the reality was not what she expected. So, she had to adapt her plan, and change what she would like to do at the beginning. Adaptation is one of the key of success in business.
Finally, this day was filled with emotion, because this day concludes our trip with Mrs Beck and the end of our excursions. Thanks to this day and days before, we have learned more concerning Chicago in general, but also some interesting jobs, and new concepts as mentoring, volunteering and networking. For all of things, I would like to thank Mrs Beck and all people who spent their time for us.
Hi Charles,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you this day was a special day for all of us I think, it was our last day of ParisChicagoSafari. As you said these last excursions allow us to realize the importance of each detail between a business and customers. For the restaurant it was the vast choice of meal and for the hotel it was the details of the rooms. All these last excursions taught us a lot about adaptation, relationship and leadership and your article describe well the point seen during the two weeks of visit. Moreover you underline the fact that theses excursions allow us to know more about the city of Chicago and I totally agree. We learn and discover a lot during the two weeks. But if you have to choose, what was your favorite excursion ?
I am glad that your are as the same way of mind as me. Currently we are students, but what happen when we will be an adult. We will confront with people who judge you all the time and each details will count.
ReplyDeleteAll excursions were awesome, each days were a new aventure. So I don't think I have a favorite excursion, because we have learn more and more each days.
Hi Charles,
ReplyDeleteI was really impressed too by all kind of food we can get at Foodease. Each restaurants was very appetizing. I took 20 min to choose !
I was very impressed about the detail from the Drake hotel. You're right when you said that all details have an importance in the hotel ! Every detail counts! The relationship with the client must be very strong for keep the contact and keep the good impressed of the hotel.
It's very amazing to see the buisiness plan to Hendrickx's bakery change with the years. Because this company must be adapted with the american's customer.
Charles, do you see yourself create a company in the United State?