Francis Chege
Abu Dhabi
Summary
Senior Food & Beverage Leader with 20+ years of progressive experience across theme parks, luxury hospitality, standalone restaurants, and large-scale event operations in the UAE. Proven expertise in strategic planning, pre-openings, budgeting & forecasting, operational excellence, HACCP compliance, and multi-unit leadership. Successfully led large teams while driving revenue growth, operational efficiency, and guest satisfaction in high-volume environments.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Food & Beverage Manager
Miral Experiences
Abu Dhabi
10.2023 - Current
- Managing a diverse team of 155 colleagues
- Lead strategic direction of F&B operations across multiple outlets.
- Drive budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning initiatives.
- Oversee menu development and operational quality assurance.
- Manage inventory control systems to optimize cost efficiency.
- Lead pre-opening planning and execution for new concepts.
Food & Beverage Manager
Miral Experiences
Abu Dhabi
02.2023 - 10.2023
- Led hospitality and F&B operations across multiple units.
- Managed project planning and pre-opening execution.
- Directed budgeting and forecasting processes.
- Strengthened leadership structure and team performance.
Commercial Support Manager – Food & Beverage
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
07.2020 - 02.2023
- Oversaw both F&B and Retail operations.
- Key member of pre-opening F&B leadership team.
- Led large operational teams to exceed performance targets (120% mission achievement).
- Implemented SOPs and ensured HACCP compliance.
- Managed day-to-day operations within budget guidelines.
- Coordinated with Finance and Audit for compliance and reporting.
- Served as Park Duty Manager, overseeing full park operations.
- Organized major events including World Travel Awards, Miral Iftar, and Meet China.
- Led recruitment, performance appraisals, and succession planning.
- Drove menu redesign and guest experience enhancements.
Outlets Manager – Food & Beverage
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
03.2018 - 06.2020
- Managed 18 F&B outlets within the park.
- Part of core pre-opening leadership team.
- Controlled multi-outlet inventory and cost management.
- Developed SOPs and ensured HACCP compliance.
- Led Assistant Managers and Team Leaders.
- Coordinated park-wide operations as Duty Manager.
Restaurant General Manager
Ornina
Abu Dhabi
06.2015 - 12.2017
- Managed full restaurant P&L responsibility.
- Prepared financial reports, budgets, and forecasts.
- Led recruitment, onboarding, and employee development.
- Implemented marketing strategies to drive revenue.
- Controlled costs while maintaining premium service standards.
- Ensured operational sustainability through supplier coordination.
Restaurant Manager
IHG Hotels & Resorts – InterContinental Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
06.2013 - 05.2015
- Managed Belgian Beer Café operations.
- Led beverage program planning and promotions.
- Oversaw HACCP and Fire Life Safety compliance.
- Conducted competitor analysis and revenue optimization.
- Managed performance reviews and succession planning.
- Prepared financial reports and forecasts.
Assistant Restaurant Manager
IHG Hotels & Resorts – InterContinental Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
09.2011 - 05.2013
- Supported full outlet operations and financial reporting.
- Active HACCP and FLS team member.
- Managed beverage promotions and menu development.
- Promoted to Restaurant Manager (June 2013).
F&B Supervisor
IHG Hotels & Resorts – InterContinental Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
11.2007 - 08.2011
- Supervised multiple specialty restaurants (Italian, Brazilian, Seafood, All-Day Dining).
- Managed guest service recovery and complaint resolution.
- Supervised cash handling and banking procedures.
- Department trainer and service quality leader.
F&B Captain
Armed Forces Officers Club and Hotel
Abu Dhabi
06.2006 - 11.2007
- Supervised F&B staff during service.
- Participated in IDEX 2007 and Presidential Palace service.
- Maintained quality control and food safety standards.
F&B Attendant
Emirates Flight Catering
Dubai
08.2005 - 06.2006
- Served Emirates First Class Lounge guests.
- Participated in Dubai Airshow and Dubai ATP events.
- Ensured temperature control and food safety compliance.
Head Waiter
Kenya Railways Golf Club
Nairobi
01.2002 - 07.2004
- Supervised service operations and guest reception.
- Coordinated transport and accommodation for golfers.
F&B Attendant Trainee
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts – The Norfolk, Nairobi
Nairobi
07.2001 - 11.2001
- Trainee waiter in luxury hospitality environment.
Education
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education -
11.1999
Diploma in Hotel Management -
Kenya Utalii College
Nairobi , Kenya09.2002
Bachelor of Business Administration -
Charisma University
Turks and Caicos Island01.2019
Kenya Certificate of Primary Education -
01.1994
Skills
- Strategic Planning & Business Development
- Pre-opening & Project Management
- Budgeting, Forecasting & Cost Control
- Multi-Unit F&B Operations Management
- Retail & Commercial Operations
- HACCP & Regulatory Compliance
- SOP Development & Implementation
- Menu Engineering & Development
- Team Leadership & Talent Development
- Inventory Control & Waste Reduction
- Guest Experience & Service Excellence
- Event & Large-Scale Operations Management
Certification
- HACCP Certified
- Fire Life Safety (FLS) Training
Accomplishments
- Led pre-opening of one of the region’s largest indoor theme park F&B operations.
- Managed 18+ outlets simultaneously within budget.
- Successfully exceeded operational targets (120% performance benchmark).
- Directed large-scale international events and VIP state services.
Websites, Portfolios and Profiles
https://www.linkedin.com/in/francis-chege-30a507b1/
Languages
English
Upper Intermediate
B2
Swahili
Upper Intermediate
B2
Arabic
Beginner
A1
kikuyu
Upper Intermediate
B2
Interests
- Travelling
- Reading books
- Community support work
- Autism Support Initiative
Timeline
Senior Food & Beverage Manager
Miral Experiences
10.2023 - Current
Food & Beverage Manager
Miral Experiences
02.2023 - 10.2023
Commercial Support Manager – Food & Beverage
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
07.2020 - 02.2023
Outlets Manager – Food & Beverage
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
03.2018 - 06.2020
Restaurant General Manager
Ornina
06.2015 - 12.2017
Restaurant Manager
IHG Hotels & Resorts – InterContinental Abu Dhabi
06.2013 - 05.2015
Assistant Restaurant Manager
IHG Hotels & Resorts – InterContinental Abu Dhabi
09.2011 - 05.2013
F&B Supervisor
IHG Hotels & Resorts – InterContinental Abu Dhabi
11.2007 - 08.2011
F&B Captain
Armed Forces Officers Club and Hotel
06.2006 - 11.2007
F&B Attendant
Emirates Flight Catering
08.2005 - 06.2006
Head Waiter
Kenya Railways Golf Club
01.2002 - 07.2004
F&B Attendant Trainee
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts – The Norfolk, Nairobi
07.2001 - 11.2001
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education -
Diploma in Hotel Management -
Kenya Utalii College
Bachelor of Business Administration -
Charisma University