Meet Ammu, Senior Restaurant Manager at Pancake Parlour
Jun 26, 2023
Meet Ammu Singh. Ammu is Senior Restaurant Manager at The Pancake Parlour in Melbourne and is this month’s employer of choice!
About Ammu:
Tell us a bit about yourself – how did you get into hospitality?
I have always been passionate about hospitality and making people feel welcome. Growing up in India, hospitality was a big part of our culture, and I was always fascinated by the way that people could come together and enjoy each other's company over a good meal or a shared experience. When I moved to Australia in 2007, I started working for The Pancake Parlour at the Eastland restaurant as a kitchen hand. I was lucky enough to have some great mentors at The Pancake Parlour who helped me along the way to become a chef, from kitchen hand to the restaurant manager and now to senior restaurant manager. I have now been working at The Pancake Parlour for the past 15 years. For me, hospitality is all about creating a sense of community and making people feel like they belong. Whether it's welcoming guests to a restaurant or working behind the scenes to ensure that everything runs smoothly, I love being a part of this Pancake Parlour family, and I'm excited to see where it takes me next.
How did you find yourself in your current role?
I found myself as a senior manager through hard work, dedication, and a passion for leadership. Over the years, I have gained valuable experience and skills that have helped me excel in my career. I have always been committed to learning and growing in my role, which has been key to my success. As a senior manager, I am proud to lead my team with integrity, empathy, and a focus on achieving our goals. It's a challenging but rewarding role, and I feel privileged to be able to make a positive impact on the Pancake Parlour company and its employees.
About working at The Pancake Parlour :
What do you love most about working in your venue?
I love training new chefs/cooks, waiters, baristas, supervisors, and restaurant managers at Malvern East and Knox Pancake Parlour. It’s always rewarding to see the team members learn and grow in their roles; I find that taking the time to properly train new staff members pays off in the long run, as they can confidently tackle any challenges that come their way.
What skills have you developed since working in this role?
Leadership is one of the most important skills I have developed since working as a senior manager. I have learned how to inspire and motivate my team and delegate tasks effectively. I have also gained a variety of valuable skills that have helped me not only in my job but also in my personal life. Another important skill I have learned is time management. With the fast-paced nature of the restaurant, I have developed the ability to prioritize and manage my time efficiently to ensure that tasks are completed on time and to a high standard. Additionally, I have gained excellent communication skills through working with customers and colleagues alike. This has helped me to build strong relationships with those around me and has also enabled me to effectively convey information and ideas to others. Lastly, I have become proficient in problem-solving due to the unpredictable nature of the job. Whether it be dealing with a difficult customer or resolving a last-minute issue, I have learned to think quickly and creatively to find the best solution. Overall, working at Pancake Parlour has allowed me to develop invaluable skills that I will carry with me throughout my career.
What advice would you give someone considering a hospitality career with The Pancake Parlour?
If you are looking for opportunities, The Pancake Parlour is the go-to place. Who would have thought a kitchen hand could become a Senior restaurant manager? If you check the history, our CEO and People and Culture Managers started out as waitresses, and the Director of Food and Beverage and Building and Maintenance Managers both started in the kitchens. I love being a part of a family-owned business with lots of opportunities and looking after the staff members. If you are willing to go above and beyond for the customers and respect the company’s team and values, you are about to join a perfect place. Come and join us 😊
About the hospo industry:
What changes in the hospo environment/culture have you noticed?
Over the past few years, there have been significant changes in the environment and culture of the hospitality industry. With more emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendliness, many restaurants have implemented eco-friendly products, reducing waste and sourcing local and organic ingredients. Additionally, there has been a shift towards inclusivity and diversity, with more businesses promoting equality and creating safe spaces for all customers and employees. These changes have not only improved the reputation of the hospitality industry but also created a more positive and welcoming atmosphere for everyone involved.
What do you love most about working in hospitality?
What I most love about working at Pancake Parlour is the opportunity to make people's experiences memorable. It's amazing to see the joy on someone's face when they receive exceptional service or have a perfect meal. I also love the fast-paced environment and the constant challenge to exceed expectations. Working with a diverse group and providing a welcoming atmosphere for all guests is incredibly rewarding. Overall, working in hospitality allows me to connect with people and create positive moments they will remember forever.
A big thanks to Ammu for his hospitality insights! If you want to start your hospitality journey, Barcats is the place to start! Create your staff profile here.
Want to work at amazing venues just like The Pancake Parlour? See here for available roles at the most iconic Aussie venues.
