Food & Drink Awards 2017

www.lux.acquisition-intl.com 42 LUX - Food & Drink Awards 2017 Best Italian Restaurant 2017 - Horsham An inimitable restaurant based in Horsham, all of Carmela’s menus, interior design, marketing and concepts are created and delivered by the teams themselves, and the staff prepare their food with passion and provide an impeccable service. Francesco describes the type of guests that the restaurant usually entertains. “There are a variety of customers which enter our establishment, and guests range from families, businesses, couples, large parties for special occasions and wine and food enthusiasts. Constantly adapting to demand, our menus are updated twice a year to ensure that we make the most of the best local and seasonal produce available.” Francesco alludes to how the restaurant guarantees wonderful food and drink. A lot of investigation goes into the produce, with the owner of the restaurant conducting his own research and talking to suppliers, ensuring only the best produce is available to the restaurant. “Once the research and development is complete, intensive training is undertaken to ensure that all Kitchen staff understand the elements and creation Best Italian Restaurant 2017 - Horsham Carmela is an independent restaurant offering something different from the everyday chains. Francesco Raciti tells us more about the food on offer at the restaurant and what makes it unique. Company: Carmela Contact: Francesco Raciti Contact Email: [email protected] Address: 3 Denne Rd, Horsham, RH12 1JE, UK Phone: 01403 275375 Website: www.carmelas.co.uk FO170035 of all our dishes. The kitchen staff also work with the waiting staff and Managers to give them a good knowledge of the ingredients of the dishes and where the food comes from.” Throughout the seven years the restaurant has been in business, there has been some significant changes in the industry, as Francesco acknowledges. He discusses how the restaurant stays on top of the changes within the ever evolving food and drink industry. “Interestingly, peaks and troughs in individual wealth have led us to develop some set evening specials like Steak night and pizza night. We have also diversified what we can offer, introducing off site catering and bespoke cake design for weddings. “Keeping on top of current trends in the market is imperative to longevity and we take time to visit other restaurants to compare and give us inspiration to stay ahead of the game. We have performed two or three rebranding’s during the last seven years in order to refresh our image and make sure that we stay current.” Ultimately, Carmela possesses a large portfolio of regular customers that ensure a consistent trade, but “Constantly adapting to demand, our menus are updated twice a year to ensure that we make the most of the best local and seasonal produce available.” it is always important to look to improve, as Francesco proudly concludes. “As a business, we continue to seek new opportunities and find ways to increase turnover on a year by year basis. We have a large portfolio of regular customers that ensure a consistent trade, however, it is important to continually search for ways to entice the first-time customer. Social media plays a large part in that and we also work with a Screen Social Company where we sponsor and advertise on screens in other businesses at key focal points like tills and windows.”