Denial Abnes-Restaurant Manager Portfolio

Kuwait • UAE • Canada • India

Hello, I'm

Denial Abnes

Restaurant Manager

16+ years of excellence in restaurant and hotel management across international markets. Transforming hospitality experiences through strategic leadership and operational innovation.

Strategic Leadership

Operational Excellence

Team Building

16+

years

16+

Years Experience

4

Countries

50+

Projects Led

About Me

Passionate hospitality leader with a proven track record of transforming operations, building exceptional teams, and delivering unforgettable guest experiences across diverse markets.

A Glimpse into My Journey

Watch this short video to learn more about my passion for hospitality and my approach to leadership.

My Philosophy

“Great hospitality is not just about service—it’s about creating moments that guests remember long after they leave. Success comes from empowering teams to exceed expectations every single day.”

My Journey in Hospitality

With over 16+ years of experience spanning four countries, I’ve dedicated my career to excellence in hospitality management. My journey began in India and has taken me across international markets including Kuwait, UAE, and Canada.

I specialize in operational leadership, team development, and strategic planning. My approach combines data-driven decision making with a deep understanding of guest psychology and cultural nuances across different markets.

From spearheading hotel pre-openings to navigating the challenges of a global pandemic, I thrive on transforming complex challenges into success stories. My goal is always to build resilient operations and mentor teams that deliver exceptional service, no matter the context.

Accomplishments

MBA in Hotel Management

Himalayan University

2020

Bachelor's in Business Administration

Madurai Kamaraj University

2008

Certifications & Courses

Diploma in Hotel Management

Strong base in guest relations, F&B operations, and front-of-house service.

Oct 2004

ITI/ODP

Advance Diploma in Human Resource Management

Skilled in staffing, training, and boosting team performance.

Apr 2011

Ajax

Certificate in Restaurant Management

Hands-on knowledge of cost control, menu planning, and service flow.

May 2017

Royale Institution

Food Handler Certification

Extensive knowledge of foodborne illness prevention, HACCP, and kitchen hygiene.

Sept 2024

Food Safety Training, Canada

Smart Serve

Trained in responsible alcohol service, guest safety, and regulatory compliance.

Sept 2024

Smart Serve Ontario, Canada

Supervisor Health and Safety Awareness

Practical understanding of workplace safety and risk management.

Oct 2024

Government of Ontario, Canada

WHMIS

Confident in handling hazardous materials and ensuring safe back-of-house practices.

Oct 2024

AixSafety.com, Canada

Work Experience

Food Service Supervisor/Manager

Chuck’s Road House

Sault, Canada

Sept, 2024 – Feb, 2025

Oversaw daily operations and staff activities in a high-volume restaurant, ensuring compliance with health, safety, and quality standards while fostering a positive dining experience.

Key Achievements

  • Supervised and coordinated activities of food service staff.
  • Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Maintained high standards of food quality and presentation.
  • Trained new employees and provided ongoing training for existing staff.

Core Skills Applied

Supervision

Safety Compliance

Quality Control

Staff Training

Restaurant Manager

Solo Management Co.

Mirqab, Kuwait

April, 2018 – June, 2024

Managed daily operations, ensuring seamless service and high standards of quality. Developed and implemented strategies that significantly boosted sales, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Key Achievements

  • Pioneered car dining services during COVID-19, maintaining 80% revenue.
  • Established delivery partnerships increasing reach by 150%.
  • Implemented cost-control measures reducing operational expenses by 25%.
  • Maintained 4.5+ star rating across all review platforms.

Core Skills Applied

Crisis Management

Revenue Optimization

Digital Integration

Team Leadership

Assistant General Manager

Royal Goans Beach Resort

Goa, India

April, 2016 – Aug, 2016

Led the pre-opening and reopening team, overseeing interior design, staffing, and procurement. Developed budget forecasts and established operational workflows for the newly opened resort.

Key Achievements

  • Led the pre-opening and reopening team, overseeing interior design, staffing, and procurement.
  • Developed budget forecasts and established operational workflows for the newly opened resort.
  • Assisted in all aspects of management to ensure a successful launch.

Core Skills Applied

Project Management

Budgeting

Pre-opening

Procurement

The Sapphire Comfort Hotel

Goa, India

Nov, 2013 – May, 2015

Directed all hotel operations, including guest services, housekeeping, and F&B departments. Implemented cost-control measures that improved profitability without compromising guest satisfaction.

Key Achievements

  • Directed all hotel operations, including guest services, housekeeping, and F&B departments.
  • Implemented cost-control measures that improved profitability without compromising guest satisfaction.
  • Championed a culture of excellence and continuous improvement among staff.

Core Skills Applied

Hotel Management

Cost Control

Guest Services

Leadership

Guest Service Agent

Jebel Ali Hotels & Resorts

Dubai, UAE

April, 2013 – Nov, 2013

Provided exceptional front-desk service, managing check-ins, check-outs, and guest inquiries. Resolved guest issues promptly to ensure a positive experience.

Key Achievements

  • Provided exceptional front-desk service, managing check-ins, check-outs, and guest inquiries.
  • Resolved guest issues promptly to ensure a positive experience.
  • Gained valuable experience in a high-volume, luxury resort environment.

Core Skills Applied

Front-desk Operations

Guest Relations

Problem Solving

Luxury Service

Assistant F&B Manager

Heritage Village Resort

Goa, India

Sept, 2010 – Jan, 2013

Supported the F&B Manager in overseeing restaurant, bar, and banquet operations. Contributed to menu planning and pricing strategies.

Key Achievements

  • Supported the F&B Manager in overseeing restaurant, bar, and banquet operations.
  • Contributed to menu planning and pricing strategies.
  • Managed staff schedules and supervised service quality.

Core Skills Applied

F&B Management

Menu Planning

Banquet Operations

Service Quality

Restaurant Manager

Club Mahindra Resort

Goa, India

Nov, 2006 – June, 2010

Managed a high-volume resort restaurant, focusing on operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Trained and mentored a team of servers and kitchen staff.

Key Achievements

  • Managed a high-volume resort restaurant, focusing on operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
  • Trained and mentored a team of servers and kitchen staff.
  • Played a key role in inventory control and food cost management.

Core Skills Applied

Restaurant Operations

Team Mentoring

Inventory Control

Customer Satisfaction

Restaurant Supervisor

Hotel Failaka

Goa, India

Nov, 2004 – Oct, 2006

Supervised dining room staff to ensure excellent service delivery. Handled guest complaints and provided on-the-floor support during peak hours.

Key Achievements

  • Supervised dining room staff to ensure excellent service delivery.
  • Handled guest complaints and provided on-the-floor support during peak hours.
  • Assisted with opening and closing procedures.

Core Skills Applied

Dining Supervision

Guest Complaint Resolution

Peak Hour Management

Service Delivery

Skills & Expertise

A comprehensive skill set built through years of hands-on experience in diverse hospitality environments across international markets.

Core Competencies

95

Food Costing & Quality Control

Expert in menu engineering, cost optimization, and quality assurance systems.

Proficiency Level

95%

Beginner

Expert

92

Training & Development

Comprehensive staff development programs and leadership mentoring.

Proficiency Level

92%

Beginner

Expert

88

Strategic Orientation

Long-term planning, market analysis, and competitive positioning.

Proficiency Level

88%

Beginner

Expert

90

Financial Planning & Budgeting

Advanced financial modeling, P&L management, and revenue optimization.

Proficiency Level

90%

Beginner

Expert

96

Customer Service Excellence

Creating exceptional guest experiences and service recovery strategies.

Proficiency Level

96%

Beginner

Expert

94

Operations Management

End-to-end operational efficiency and process optimization.

Proficiency Level

94%

Beginner

Expert

Areas of Specialization

Culinary Operations

Menu Development

Kitchen Management

Food Safety

Vendor Relations

Risk Management

Crisis Leadership

Compliance

Safety Protocols

Insurance Management

International Markets

Cultural Adaptation

Multi-Currency Operations

Local Regulations

Cross-Cultural Teams

Continuous Learning

Industry Trends

Technology Adoption

Best Practices

Innovation Implementation

Notable Projects

100%

Launch Target Met

50+

Staff Hired & Trained

15%

Cost Savings

Reopening Royal Goans Beach Club

Royal Goans Group

Spearheaded the complete pre-opening phase, from interior design concepts and staffing to purchasing and comprehensive budget forecasting, ensuring a successful and seamless launch.

Key Achievements

Skills Applied

Project Management

Budgeting

Team Leadership

Procurement

Operational Planning

80%

Revenue Maintained

3

New Services

2

Partnerships

COVID-19 Revenue Recovery Strategy

Solo Management Co.

Pioneered innovative service delivery methods during the pandemic, maintaining business continuity and customer relationships by introducing car dining and forging strategic delivery partnerships.

Key Achievements

Skills Applied

Crisis Leadership

Digital Innovation

Partnership Development

Service Design

Revenue Management

32%

Sales Increase

25%

Cost Reduction

+40%

Staff Efficiency

Abu Hasaniya Restaurant Turnaround

Solo Management Co.

Led operational improvements for a newly opened restaurant, implementing strategic changes to boost sales and operational efficiency.

Key Achievements

Skills Applied

Operations Optimization

Menu Engineering

Marketing Strategy

Quality Management

Financial Analysis

+10%

Avg. Target Exceeded

3

Consecutive Months

Top

Performer

Sustained Sales Excellence at Pizzabar

Pizzabar, Threesixty Mall

Demonstrated exceptional performance by consistently surpassing monthly sales targets for three consecutive months at Pizzabar in Threesixty Mall, significantly contributing to revenue growth.

Key Achievements

Skills Applied

Sales Leadership

Team Motivation

Upselling Techniques

Performance Tracking

Customer Engagement

20%

Occupancy Increase

+15%

F&B Sales Growth

30+

New Partnerships

Strategic Growth at The Sapphire Comfort Hotel

The Sapphire Comfort Hotel

As General Manager, I engineered a multi-faceted strategy to drive revenue and market presence. By forging strategic alliances with key OTAs and TMCs, and launching targeted promotional campaigns, I significantly boosted both room occupancy and F&B sales.

Key Achievements

Skills Applied

Strategic Partnerships

Revenue Growth

Event Management

Promotional Campaigns

P&L Management

Let's Connect

Ready to discuss opportunities in hospitality management? I’d love to hear about your projects and explore how we can work together.

Send a Message

I'd love to hear from you. Let's start a conversation.

Contact Information

Multiple ways to reach me

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