When Alfonce first joined Artcaffé in 2008 as a waiter, he quickly proved himself to be an asset to the Westgate branch’s team. In the bustling milieu of the restaurant, Alfonce shined like a star among the waiters, his exceptional customer service and attention to detail elevating him to a place of admiration and respect. His demeanor, both welcoming and soothing, imbued his guests with a sense of comfort and familiarity. Possessing an encyclopedic knowledge of the menu, Alfonce effortlessly guided his patrons to culinary delights, ensuring that their dining experience was nothing short of exceptional. His outstanding customer service skills,
work ethic, and amiability earned him recognition from his superiors, leading him to take on more responsibilities, including training new staff and managing inventory.
“My heart lies at our Westgate branch, that’s where my journey started. I started my career with Artcaffé and felt supported by the management team from the beginning. They saw something in me and progressively entrusted me with more responsibilities as the brand grew and innovated beyond the Artcaffé we know. From a hospitality management graduate straight out of college, I’ve climbed the ranks from waiter to supervisor to branch manager, regional manager and now general manager. I’ve grown with the brand. It’s my family now, no one wants you to fail and you always have the support you need.”
Artcaffé’s dedication to promoting from within provided Alfonce with the necessary training and support to progress in his career. He steadily climbed the ranks and was eventually promoted to supervisor in 2011. He continued to work diligently, managing day-to-day operations, staff training, and inventory as he moved to new branches.
His love for Artcaffé is also evident in the way he talks about the different branches of the restaurant. He notes that each location has its own unique character and charm, from the grande feel of the Westminster branch to the stunning views of The Address and Artcaffé Market on Rhapta Road. Alfonce’s personal favourites on the menu are the prawn tagliatelle and the steak with mushroom sauce, and he is a passionate coffee drinker. His commitment to the brand is not only professional but also personal, as he feels a connection to Artcaffé’s offerings.
For young people starting a career in the hospitality industry, Alfonce’s advice
is to have patience, integrity, and a willingness to learn continuously. He hopes that Artcaffé will eventually become an Africa-wide brand, given its commitment to promoting from within and providing exceptional service, which indicates that the restaurant chain is well on its way to achieving that goal.
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