Halim A. Sawaya personal email
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As a visionary and results driven food & beverage leader in the hospitality sector, I have a 20+ year proven track record in creating new, high-performing business entities from feasibility study to successful launch. This includes both senior and executive level management roles in corporate and entrepreneurial settings. My success includes turning around restaurants and leading them to profitability, in addition to launching new start-ups and selling businesses successfully in the industry.My key strengths lie in the ability to develop a strategy and execute successfully, by adopting an entrepreneurial approach and capitalizing on opportunities in an ever-changing consumer market. This is combined with practical and ingenious problem solving, in addition to a business management style based on integrity, quality, and service, enabling consistent and significant success in multiple F&B concepts and franchise developments. I am very analytical in evaluating existing business units to introduce new ideas for increased profitability, exceptional customer service and quality in food delivery. I am familiar with complex finance mechanisms and high-level negotiations to raise funds and secure master franchises or launch restaurant chains. My expertise expands to include effective running of quality restaurants, retail outlets and hospitality businesses, with experience in five-star and Michelin environments, requiring the optimum level of quality, consistency and customer service across the end-to-end hospitality process. My educational background includes degrees in hotel management and business management, which have provided a base of skills to forge my career forward. I am dedicated to continued professional development and welcome any further education or training to reach maximum career potential.Via LinkedIn, I would like to increase my network of connections to share articles with similar F&B professionals to keep up to date with current trends and technology in the hospitality arena.
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Director Of OperationsValueplus Group Jun 2021 - May 2022Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesJoined this fast-growing QSR business with the clear mission to improve profitability. Carried out first an assessment of strengths and weaknesses of operations. Then, tackled the 3 pillars of performance: people & skills, processes, and cost control. Achieved significant margin and profit improvement while dovetailing with owners/founders’ overall strategy.Key accomplishments:• Profit, within 6 months, on average and over all dramatically increased.• People skills and teamwork were substantially improved enabling more consistency in delivering quality products.• Team motivation soared, underpinned by aligned compensation schemes and improved decision-making process. • Efficient kitchen operations set up, enabling further growth and protecting quality in execution and delivery.• Standard processes and quality checks and controls rolled out and embedded in support of quality and efficiency.• Menu profitability improved through revising menu cost structure and pricing.• Generated savings through cost control measures coupled with changes in supply. -
General ManagerHaagen Dazs 2003 - 2019Beirut, LebanonIn a lead role, I negotiated on behalf of investors to build a master franchise for Lebanon, defining a robust strategy for market entry and securing a number of prime franchise development locations, in preparation for roll out of a chain of retail shops across twelve shopping malls. I adapted an international concept to local taste where permissible and coordinated multi-channel marketing campaigns to increase sales. I created a software tool designed to collate and track customer satisfaction levels. I supervised a workforce of 90 staff and oversaw strict compliance with set terms for branding and quality control to drive consistency. My key contributions include:• Drove growth in franchise portfolio, from zero to $1.5m in first 12 months.• Accomplished a 5-star rating for MENA regional shops in first year of launch.• Executed a best-in-class business development plan for MENA for 2 years.• Built framework to control costs in shops portfolio and won best-in-class award.• Reduced waste to 0.5% versus a set 5% level of accepted waste by the group.• Pioneered first training centre for staff and transitioned as a training hub for MENA.• Historically recognised as the first franchisee to achieve and sustain ISO certification. -
Managing Director-OwnerTramway Beirut (Sandwich Concept Shop) 2011 - 2014Beirut, LebanonIn a parallel entrepreneurial role to Haagen-Dazs, I conceived a new fast food concept combining on demand baked (in 45 seconds) sandwiches at 99% bacteria free, using the latest technology and menus reflecting Beirut rich and diverse culinary history.My key achievements included:• Grew the business from zero to $300k annual revenue within the first 12 months.• Achieved net profit margin of 25% by balancing sales revenue against costs.• Created a new training programme and a two-hour staff onboarding process.• Aligned customary processes to standardise practices and reduced waste c.0.1%.• Delivered a high standard of quality in food taste, hygiene and customer service.• Launched a marketing plan across social media, radio and external events.
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Project ManagerMezzo Di Pasta (Franchise) 2009 - 2010Beirut, LebanonActing on behalf of a group of investors as a turnkey project consultant, I acquired the franchise and rolled out the chain concept. I created strategy and execution plan, implemented cost and quality control system, and recruited and trained staff. I took charge of full restaurant management for a year to smooth out initial teething problems, prior to handover.My key achievements included:• Implemented franchise concept of fast food pasta, despite initial reluctance.• Built the business to achieve $360k in annual revenue in first 12 months.• Established an internal management system for quality management.• Educated and upskilled six multi-disciplined employees as trainer.• Formulated a sales & marketing plan across social media channels and events.• Launched a competitor-driven fresh pasta meal to match other fast food concepts.
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Managing Director-OwnerArabica (Cafe - Restaurant) 2008 - 2010Beirut, LebanonI spearheaded the launch of a new stand-alone restaurant concept in the Lebanese casual dining sector and drove further development in fusion cuisine, combining traditional with European fare. I oversaw a portfolio of outlets in serving circa 500 customers per day at peak times, prior to successful business sale.My key achievements included:• Developed and fulfilled strategy to generate $1.8m p.a. in first 12 months.• Delivered net profit of 20% and zero waste levels in smoothie production.• Upskilled and performance led a workforce of 30 employees via training.• Introduced the corporate card concept to boost sales at lunchtime.
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Managing Director-OwnerWooden Bakery 2006 - 2009Jubayl, Mount Lebanon, LebanonOn recognizing a trend in the market and securing an investor, I launched a franchise development concept, which combined Lebanese bakery and fast food products. I designed the project from location selection and lease negotiations to branding and business set-up. I built two teams encompassing 35 staff in total and delivered training to operate on shift schedules. I defined the retail plan in the Byblos region to match franchise development rate. I liaised with communities via innovative marketing plans across media to secure family and social events.My key achievements included:• Strategically led the franchise portfolio to generate $2.5m in first 12 months.• Achieved 12% net profit focusing on customer service and low margin products.• Secured a sizeable lump sum and percentage of sales for unit, prior to sale at profit. -
Managing Director-OwnerCafé Del Centro (Café - Restaurant) 1999 - 2006Beirut, LebanonAs an entrepreneur, I established one of the first casual dining stand-alone restaurants with ambient, alfresco dining space in the famous Parliament Square in downtown Beirut. I designed an international menu, which was continuously adapted to the latest trend in taste. I created recurrent events for live music and entertainment etc, whilst making the restaurant a key attraction in downtown Beirut.My key achievements included:• Grew business to $3m pa revenue within first year and average net profit of 25%.• Educated 40 staff to deliver a high standard of service in serving c.1000 customers.
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Operations DirectorIdarat Group 1997 - 2003Beirut LebanonFollowing concept development, I strategically directed a portfolio of prestigious star restaurants, specializing in French, Chinese, American, Cuban and Lebanese cuisine, in addition to entertainment and exclusive nightclubs. I identified and deployed a new management system for cost control and stock inventory for the group. I set-up and delivered on ambitious budgets, communication plans and marketing campaigns to maximize returns for each restaurant.My key achievements included:• Oversaw a multi branded portfolio with overall annual revenue up to $7.5m.• Delivered high standards of excellence in service, food and hygiene via a training hub.• Engendered average net profit of 20% across portfolio and delivered high-profile weddings.
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Conferences, Sales & Planning CoordinatorLenôtre - Le Pré Catelan (Two Michelin Stars Restaurant & Banquet Venue) 1995 - 1997Paris Area, FranceFollowing in-depth professional training, I operated as part of an exclusive two Michelin Star restaurant and banquet venue to ensure high standards of service, whereby I adapted to both kitchen and front of house roles. I transitioned to lead the organization and arrange various conferences, events and weddings at the chateau Gaston Lenôtre, one of the most luxurious venues in Paris.My key achievements included:• Won the respect and appreciation of supervisors, resulting in fast promotion.• Adopted a proactive approach, consistency and prestige customer service.
Halim A. Sawaya Skills
Halim A. Sawaya Education Details
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Honnor -
Business Administration And Management, General -
High School Diploma
Frequently Asked Questions about Halim A. Sawaya
What is Halim A. Sawaya's role at the current company?
Halim A. Sawaya's current role is Director of Operations / General Management / Entrepreneur.
What is Halim A. Sawaya's email address?
Halim A. Sawaya's email address is ha****@****ail.com
What schools did Halim A. Sawaya attend?
Halim A. Sawaya attended Cmh Academy, Saint Joseph University Of Beirut, Collège Notre-Dame De Jamhour.
What skills is Halim A. Sawaya known for?
Halim A. Sawaya has skills like New Business Development, Business Planning, Business Strategy, Strategic Planning, Budgets, Marketing Strategy, Team Building, Team Leadership, Marketing.
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