About SEA Hospitality Consultants
Gian Franco's story began in an Italian family-owned restaurant business. From there he moved into the culinary field by doing in-house training at various hotels in Port Elizabeth. Franco wanted to broaden his horizon and field of expertise, thus decided to move overseas. England, being one of the world's finest culinary destinations, was an obvious choice. Franco then started gaining valuable experience in various hotels & restaurants in England, before moving solely to fine dining restaurants. While working with top agencies in England he was placed in Michelin graded restaurants where he obtained his most reputable training and expertise while working with world renowned chefs.
After a few years an opportunity arose which enabled Franco to move back into the hotel sphere where he took up an Assistant General Manager post. After running Front of House and Food & Beverage services with much success, he was promoted to the well-deserved position of General Manager.
Franco eventually decided to bring his vast amount of knowledge and experience home, and moved back to South Africa, where he and his wife also decided it was time to start a family. Once moving home he and his wife undertook the journey of opening a 10 bedroom Guest House, which successfully operated for a number of years. In 2004 his late father in law Miles Young, a well-known and accredited grading assessor with more than 40 years experience, introduced Franco to the Tourism Grading Council.
Miles went on to mentor Franco which allowed him to progress further into the industry, and eventually took over from Miles using the knowledge and insight gained in quality assurance within the hospitality field. Over the past 10 years Franco has had the privilege of stepping into Mile's shoes and has grown a substantial client base, which today allows him to uphold the largest portfolio within the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA). This is in addition to receiving second position in the TGCSA Service Excellence Awards, for two consecutive years.
Franco says, " My many years of work and hospitality experience in South Africa and abroad has allowed me to see many different types of establishments ranging from Backpackers, Guest Houses, B&B's, Hotels, Game Lodges, Conference Facilities, Restaurants and other unique establishments. Combined with the knowledge I have acquired with Tourism Grading, I have seen a demand for assistance and guidance in a number of areas. Firstly in the setting up of new establishments, guidance is often needed in improving the establishments' start-up quality, advice on suppliers, marketing strategies, in-house management and training programs etc. Secondly within existing establishments, assistance is often required to help the owner to implement systems whereby they receive instant return on investments. For example menus, room costings, staff recruitment and training etc. I have therefore noted the beneficial value in starting a consultation service. Thus SEA Hospitality Consultants became a reality and the company was born."
Franco further states, "I have noticed a lack of support, as well as a lack of Consulting Services available to the Hospitality industry in South Africa. Therefore starting SEA Hospitality Consultants, will allow my passion for the industry to be fulfilled through helping establishments reach their full potential in numerous ways. I bring a wealth of knowledge from key suppliers ranging from local government departments (signage, licenses etc) to amenity suppliers and much more, all of who have been carefully selected and proven to uphold only the highest quality standards and affordable pricing. I have built up relationships with a number of suppliers to ensure direct contact thus eliminating the middle man."
Franco and his team are proud to officially launch the opening of SEA Hospitality Consultants, and look forward to providing you and your establishment with guaranteed professionalism and excellence.
