Interview

Methodical and Motivating Leader

Atul Sunder, General Manager, Suzy Q by 1522, Bengaluru

Armed with a degree in Hotel Management from Mumbai, Atul Sunder holds wide experience in working with well known F&B brands like Olive group, 1Q1 Kitchen & Bar, and more. This journey has led to him being the General Manager of Suzy Q by 1522. He strives to ensure authenticity and quality in every dish that he recreates. He also knows his wines, is an avid mixologist and is constantly on the lookout for different ingredients and infusions, experimenting with them to create exceptional cocktails. He closely manages all aspects of the team and operations to ensure smooth and efficient functionality. He believes that being systematic and planning in detail in advance is the way to achieve long lasting success. A cricket enthusiast, he loves to travel in his free time. In an exclusive interview with Sharmila Chand, he talks about the USP of his brand and more …

What you enjoy the most being heading the Food & Beverage team?

I personally enjoy interaction with different interesting people I get to meet on a daily basis. It’s a very hands-on role that requires one to be prepared for anything, which keeps you on your feet constantly.

What kind of challenges you face in your job?

Well challenges are only opportunities to learn and improve. For example• Hiring the right manpower, Efficient Training and Retention of employees. • Accuracy in Financial & Inventory Management. • Business Marketing and Customer Engagement. • Awareness of F&B Trends and to build unique and exciting brands. • Consistent and healthy relationship with various vendors.

If you could change one thing about your job, what would it be?

Personally, I’m more of an operation and production oriented person rather than handling paperwork and extensive technological processes. So if I could reduce anything significantly, it would be this.

What kind of pressures have you encountered at work?

I believe in remaining calm throughout any situation, hence I wouldn’t say that there are any major pressures that I encounter.

What tips or insights you provide to strengthen your team?

My belief is that as a manager, one must hear everyone out and take all suggestions. This in turn makes them feel more responsible for their own role and motivates them because they know their opinions are taken seriously. This also makes each segment of the team function more effectively, individually and as a group.

Finally, how is your experience at the present job?

It has been an amazing journey. There are always ups and downs, but the overall experience has been a positive one. My directors Chethan Hegde and Anirudh Kheny are so invested in the brands themselves, along with their massive support, it is an amazing work environment. What excites me most is the scale of operations and functionality that we maintain. There is also so much more lined up ahead and that gives me a lot of inspiration to keep growing and building more fun and quirky brands across the country.

What is the USP of your brand?

Suzy Q is a brand with a whole lot of personality and sass. Suzy Q has an extensive menu that offers a unique and relaxed way to enjoy comfort food. A playful and enjoyable environment in which the ambience and the food, combined with a stellar cocktail program, produce an exceptional experience with unique segments such as Indian Cocktails. Even the cutlery, crockery, bill folders and tissue boxes are distinctively custom made and crafted to suit the brand. All of the above points sets it apart from the usual and makes it unlike any other.

What is your working philosophy?

To relentlessly grow in experience in a disciplined way and inspire others to do the same. Also to be organised and well planned in detail to foresee future issues and constraints.

What is your take on how best to cope with challenges of the present pandemic times?

Post pandemic, now that people are stepping out again, we need to be at the top of our game and ensure that all safety measures are in place. It is critical that we make our guests feel comfortable and ensure that they have a good experience. They should also feel that they are getting their value for money with regard to their food, drinks and overall experience.