A day in the life of Prima Gusto Manager

Margaret Magennis is the Manager of Prima Gusto bistro based on Harry’s Road. The mother of five who lives in Dromore has worked in the catering industry since completing her studies at catering college 30 years ago.

If I am working an early shift, when I arrive the first thing I will do is switch on all the appliances and machines and get myself organised and then speak to the staff. I will then make sure the coffee machine is at the right temperature.

The scones, which are baked freshly each day, tray bakes and cakes go into the counter out front and then I will discuss the plan of action for the day and I have a meeting with the chefs to discuss what meals and specials will be available to the customers.

We only use fresh ingredients and we try to source as much home grown produce as possible.

The breakfast orders will then start coming in and that will keep us all busy for most of the morning. The lunch rush begins around 12 noon.

Throughout the day I will be taking orders and overseeing staff. I am very fortunate to have a good team as they all know their role and what has to be done.

As manager I spend a lot of time talking to customers and making sure everything is running smoothly.

After the busy lunch time rush I will try and do some paperwork - there is always plenty to do behind the scenes such as sorting out rotas. I’ve also been really busy working on the launch of weekend evening openings. This has involved working on advertising and promotional leaflets and thinking of ways to make it a success. At the moment we are running a booking system for the evenings and it is proving very popular. I have to keep on top of placing orders with suppliers and I regularly have meetings with the owner and keep him up to date. I also have a close relationship with the head chef who keeps me informed of what’s happening in the kitchen and any new ideas for menus he has come up with.

At around 4.30pm the staff start to clean the premises and make sure all the equipment is sanitised. Then at 5pm, once the shop is closed, we will all sit down and discuss the day. I have a checklist to go through and once everything is completed the staff and I will head home .

I really love working here. I have a great boss who encourages me to tell him my ideas for the business and the staff are great too. This makes for a great working life when everyone pulls together.

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