Celebrity Maitre D' Fred Sirieix is set to leave London Hilton restaurant, Galvin at Windows, after 14 years to pursue what he says will be 'another adventure'.
He made the announcement on Instagram: 'The time has come to say good bye to all my friends and colleagues after an incredible 14 years journey @galvinatwindows.'
'I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me over the years and helped us create amazing experiences and deliver excellence to all our wonderful guests on the 28th floor @londonhiltonpl
'I will always remember what you did - your selfless hospitality, kindness, hard-work, focus, professionalism and dedication. Thank YOU!'
Sirieix moved to the UK from France to work at Pierre Koffmann's La Tante Claire, before taking on the position at Galvin at Windows. He joined the restaurant in 2006 and helped maintain its Michelin star for 13 years.
The general manager is best known for First Dates, and also Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip, and Snackmasters.
Sirieix also founded National Waiters' Day, a campaign to promote the hospitality sector and more specifically front of house professions across the UK.
He added today on the social media platform: 'Customer service is what I do.
It is both my passion and profession. For me service is like a religion and a way of life.
'There is no doubt in my mind that no matter the business, sector or industry service is the only differentiator when it comes to creating customer loyalty and ensuring business survival.
'There are no advanced levels in service. It’s all about the basics and these are the same anywhere because it is about delivering on the brand‘s promise, exceeding the customer’s expectations and making them feel special.
'Service has two clear distinctive parts :
#SERVICE (ie what we do). This is about the processes, standards and every single touch points on the well defined and thought out customer journey.
#HOSPITALITY (ie how we make people feel). This is about a customer first attitude. Precision, attention to details, urgency, care, consistency, smiles and a never ending focus on quality.
'To deliver great customer experiences in a restaurant, car dealership, retail, real estate, on board a plane, ship, call centre or in a bank these two parts must be consciously delivered simultaneously.
'Memorable customer service is not just about service it is (or should be) every business sole raison d'être and obsession #customerfirst #artofservice'
image: fred_sirieix