General Manager of Castello Italia restaurant in Carrickfergus, Fisnik Ujkaj, has won the prestigious Restauranteur of The Year award.
He scooped the accolade at the recent Institute of Hospitality Northern Ireland Awards for Professionalism. Castello Italia was also a finalist in the Hospitality Management Team of The Year category.
The Institute of Hospitality NI awards, which are the longest established hospitality awards in Northern Ireland, annually recognise professionals in the industry. Winners were presented with their accolades by TV personality Pamela Ballantine at an event in Titanic, Belfast.
Fisnik Ujkaj, General Manager at Castello Italia, which is located at 28 Scotch Quarter said he was thrilled to win the Restauranteur of the Year award.
“Winning the Restauranteur of the Year award simply wouldn’t have been possible without the fantastic team that we have at Castello Italia. When you look at the range of expertise that there is in the restaurant it’s really impressive. It is this collective insight and wisdom that comes together to create a fantastic dining experience that our customers enjoy,” he added.
He said they invest a great deal of time and effort into ensuring that they deliver an excellent dining experience.
“Customer tastes evolve and it is critical that we keep up to date with the latest developments, draw upon the best local produce and create fresh, innovative, delicious dishes.
“To our dedicated, loyal staff – thank-you! These awards recognise your ongoing drive for service excellence,” he said.
An independent panel of expert judges with backgrounds in hospitality selected the winners in the 21 award categories.
Marianne Hood, Chairperson of The Institute of Hospitality NI said the awards provide a platform to celebrate individual managers who have made a recognisable contribution.
“It makes sense for us to recognise hard working, innovative, passionate professionals – those that really do go above and beyond the call of duty,” she added.
“Every year the awards grow in popularity. It’s a huge honour to be named as a finalist and we had more people than ever enter this year, the standards were exceptional. Those who have won an award are shining examples of the high calibre of the Northern Ireland hospitality industry and we are proud of everyone who took part this year. These awards are a barometer of the health of the hospitality industry in Northern Ireland and believe me, it is thriving.”
INSTITUTE OF HOSPITALITY CATEGORY WINNERS 2019:
Restaurateur Of The Year Award sponsored by Galgorm Group: Fisnik Ujkaj from Castello Italia
Outstanding Apprentice of The Year Award sponsored by People Ist International: Kaitlin Bentz from Holiday Inn Express, Antrim
Student Management Potential Award sponsored by Stephens Catering Equipment: Dominika Murlak from Ulster University
Independent Bar Manager of The Year Award sponsored by Molson Coors: Francis McGuinness from The Devenish Complex
Business Development Manager of the Year Award sponsored by Johnsons Coffee: Leigh Heggarty from Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort
Coffee Shop / Café Manager of The Year Award sponsored by Lynas Foodservice: Shelly Harvey from Toasted Artisan Kitchen
Contract Catering Chef of the Year Award sponsored by Irwins Bakery: Stephen Chambers from Sodexo
Contract Catering Manager Of The Year Award sponsored by Recruitment Solutions NI: Angela Maguire from Mount Charles Group
General Manager of The Future sponsored by Tourism NI: Lindsay Carroll from Hastings Ballygally Castle Hotel
Front of House Manager of the Year Award sponsored by Avvio: Chrissie Carson from The Merchant Hotel, Belfast
Hospitality Management Team of The Year Award sponsored by Firmus Energy: Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort
Hotel Chef of The Year Award sponsored by Get Fresh: John Whyte from Armagh City Hotel
Hotelier of the Year sponsored by MKB Law: Brian Tracey from Maldron Belfast International Airport
Housekeeping Manager of the Year Award sponsored by Lilliput Services: Monika Wieczorek from Galgorm Spa and Gold Resort
Human Resource Manager of the Year Award Sponsored by GenTech Specialist Recruitment Solutions: Lauren McAteer, Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort
Lecturer Of The Year Award sponsored by The Institute of Hospitality: Ruth Doherty from South Eastern Regional College
Operational Manager of the Year, Sponsored by Direct Wine Shipments: Stacy Feeney from Crowne Plaza Belfast
Restaurant Chef of The Year Award sponsored by Henderson Foodservice: Daniel Harvey from Havana Bank Square.
Supplier Of The Year Award sponsored by Institute of Hospitality NI: Gerry White, Jawbox Gin
The Unsung Hero Award sponsored by Net Affinity: Jacqueline Thompson Sodexo
Outstanding Contribution to the Hospitality Industry sponsored by NI Jobs com Michael Deane
