The recent refurbishment of the Midlands Park Hotel has brought more to the place than just its very impressive new interior.
Kevin Hennessy has taken on the role as bar manager and LaoisToday met with Kevin recently to hear all about his previous experiences and what he hopes to bring to the team at the Midlands Park Hotel.
Tell us a bit about your background in the catering industry?
I trained in hospitality in Rockwell College from 1980 to 1983. I then went on to work in New York for 12 years in the heart of Manhattan.
That was a great experience and I loved every second of it. I moved back home to Ireland in 1995 to work in Malahide as an assistant manager before moving on to Shanahan’s on the Green in the year 2000 as bar manager.
In 2003 I opened the Lemon Tree restaurant in Portlaoise on Main Street. I had four great years there and it was in height of the Celtic Tiger so the times were good. I then left there to open Seasons restaurant in the Top Square here in town from 2007 to last spring. It was a great learning experience going through the restaurant business in two very different financial times.
I experienced the highs in the Celtic Tiger years and pushed through the struggles of the recession. I then joined here in the Midlands Park just before Christmas last year.
What is the most important thing when running a busy bar?
Customers! It is so important that every customer that walks through these doors leaves with a happy experience. The staff here are also so imporant to any business, it’s imporant that the staff are well trained, and efficient to work in this busy bar.
It’s also important that we all communicate and be in good form. Staff that work well togerther makes all the difference to successful night here.
What do you hope to bring to the Midlands Park Hotel?
I hope to continue carrying on the great team spirit that is here all the time. I hope to lead the team here and always provide the best customer experience.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
I love meeting the customers, it is always great to see so many familiar faces of customers that I would have gotten to know from Seasons restaurant. It’s great to be busy. Being busy and organised makes the job much more enjoyable.
What made you want to go into this industry?
All through my summer holidays when I was young and in school back home in Longford I had a part time job in a local hotel, and I just loved it. I loved the buzz of so many people working together and that no matter what, everyday was never the same.
It was a very easy decision for me to pursue a career in this industry.
Are you looking forward to taking this position?
I have been here for over five months now, but yes I was very much so looking forward to taking this position. We have a team of about 20 people here in the bar area. So I was very excited to be part of the team.
What changes do you hope to bring?
The new refurbishment here has been brilliant. There is an exciting new bar menu that has just been changed which has been based on guest feedback.
I plan on changing the cocktail menu soon for the summer season and get customers trying different flavours. I hope to also continue to support and stock local drink producers from around the county.
What is your favourite drink to make?
Cosmopolitan! Without a doubt, and it is also a very popular drink here. Strawberry Daquiri comes in it at a strong second place.
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