Interview with Robert Krzak
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertkrzak/
Do you see a change in how restaurant managers will advance their careers after Covid?
There will be some great opportunities for restaurant managers of all levels after COVID passes. Many restaurant owners and national companies have drastically cut back management at the unit level and eliminated many middle management (multi-unit) positions. There will be a major search for talent in May, or June as the vaccine becomes widespread and dining bans are lifted.
Strong unit level managers will have a quicker growth track to a multi-unit position, as companies bring back multi-unit positions.
What impact do you believe Covid 19 will leave on the hospitality industry?
Hopefully, one major impact will be an increase in the level of service given to guests. Restaurant owners will be quick to show their appreciation to their guests as they return and service staff will welcome the opportunity to bend over backwards to take care of dine in guests.
The restaurant industry will also have to address the increased demand for easy take-out or curbside pick-up. Once a rarity, may households have switched to bringing in dinner from restaurants weekly. Design and layout changes for easy pick-up will be necessary at the front door.
Lastly, the industry needs to take steps to avoid being the target of government shut downs. Increased attention to cleanliness and sanitation will be seen and appreciated by the public.
What sector of the hospitality industry do you expect to recover the quickest after the world returns to normal?
Fast Casual and Quick Service restaurants have done well during the pandemic. Many have shown increased sales. Full service restaurants able to pivot quickly to carry out meals have been able to maintain their customer base and should do what they can to switch those guests back to dine in.
What are the strongest changes the hospitality industry must do to survive Covid 19?
Learning to adjust, pivot, and realize the hospitality industry, as we knew it last year, will never be the same. Restaurants, hotels, country clubs, casinos, have all learned to get by with less staff. Heavy mid-management levels have been trimmed. More attention will need to be paid to guests.
Do you have any advice for restaurant managers?
If you are out of work, start interviewing now! Employers will not be interested in speaking with restaurant managers who sat around, collecting unemployment. Employers want people who are passionate about service and about the hospitality industry. Get to work! Every new position is a learning experience. Being active and a contributor is good for mental health as well.
Do you have any advice for job hunters in the hospitality industry?
Just like restaurant managers, hospitality managers (whether hotels, casinos, country clubs) need to be out there interviewing. Taking a position which might be a step down from a previous role, won’t necessarily be seen negatively especially due to all the cuts from COVID.
How is geckohospitality changing to meet the new challenges and serving their clients and candidates.
The franchise partners and recruiters at Gecko Hospitality have been working through COVID. We’ve been working with more quick service and fast casual clients, as they have seen an increase in sales. Our recruiters have been consistently interviewing restaurant and hospitality professionals. These managers are added to our database, so we are ready, when the hiring frenzy begins, to provide talented, pre-screened managers.
Many larger restaurant and hospitality companies have drastically cut recruiting & HR departments. Gecko Hospitality is preparing to fill those roles, by providing candidates directly to mid-level managers who have been thrown the task of hiring unit level managers. We are also speaking with and interviewing those recruiters and HR staff who have been displaced. As companies get back on track, there will be a need to refill those positions.