| | 8 HOSPITALITY BUSINESS REVIEWOCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2023KALAHARI RESORTS & CONVENTIONS INNOVATES THE CATERING INDUSTRY, ONE EVENT AT A TIMEBy Christopher Hammond, Corporate Director of Food & Beverage, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions When it comes to catering, expectations of the dining experience are heightened. At Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, we strive to take every group event, from the casual gathering to high-end experiences, to the next level. This means crafting an experience that can serve as a showstopper all on its own, with curated menus customized to each individual group's needs.Where did your passion for culinary begin?For as long as I can remember, even in my childhood, I've had an interest in cooking. From helping my mother in the kitchen at a young age to getting my first job scooping ice cream at the local parlor, I've always known I wanted a career built around food.As I grew up, I worked nearly every part-time job I could find in the Food and Beverage industry. I held roles bussing tables, dishwashing, serving, and bartending. As a bartender, I loved the creativity that went into mixology, so I knew there was one thing to do: Enroll in culinary school and extend my passion for food.Fast forward 33 years, and I've had the privilege of working for incredible brands I once only dreamed of. From a family-owned restaurant to a five-Diamond Hilton in Short Hills, NJ, I have learned about scalability and what guests expect from each dining style. Ultimately, my path led me to the resort space, where I work today as the Corporate Director of Food & Beverage for Kalahari Resorts & Conventions.How have you taken learnings from your career and applied it to the work Kalahari does today?Beyond-expectations guest experiences are Kalahari's top priority. From the moment a guest walks into our lobby to their first dip in the pool, to unwinding for a bite to eat at one of our many signature restaurants, we expect a premium experience for everyone staying with us. The catering arm of our operations is no different. Every event and convention should dazzle and amaze guests in a way Christopher HammondIN MY OPINION
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