Hawke's Bay Hospitality Awards: Making diners feel at home

Meet the Eftpos Specialists Front of House Personality finalists

Service with a smile is something every diner looks for in a front-of-house personality, but it is extra panache and flair that makes for a winning combination.
All four finalists in the Eftpos Specialists Front of House Personality category at the Hawke's Bay Hospitality Awards have the balance down to a fine art.
Rebecca Rameka of Pacifica is fairly new to the industry, with only five years' experience but believes a knack for connecting with people and the ability to pick things up on the job has helped her get where she is today.
"You have to have an innate hospitable nature, but I'm proof that you can be taught as well."
Understanding what customers wanted and how to meet those needs was also important, she said.
"[It's about] being a good liaison between my staff and the customers."
Mission Restaurant's Ewald Jaritz attributes his success to having well-trained staff around him.
"I think to have people around you that know what they are doing is really important, so that you can get on with being a maitre d' and not be putting out fires all the time."
He agreed being the best was a mix of training and talent.
"I think you certainly need flair and dedication, but there is certainly a lot to be learnt."
Shane Pugh says a positive front-of-house personality is something that shapes the Vidal Estate Winery Restaurant brand.
"It is about giving that customer that true food and wine experience, which we offer here.
"It all comes down to personality, you can be taught the basics of table service but personality makes all the difference."
For Sue Wylam, of the Clifton Bay Cafe, being a maitre d' is about being natural and making people feel at home.
"I think it's mostly the kind of person you are that makes a good front of house - it's certainly a vocation.
"It comes down to customer service and making sure people enjoy their time."