Exclusive Interview | Ishaan Sarkar, Chief Business Officer - Food Services, Quess Corp
/“I look for individuals who are not only skilled but also passionate about what they do. Attributes like integrity, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn are non-negotiable. I also value creativity and the ability to think outside the box, as these are critical for driving innovation in our field.”
Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?
My journey in the food services industry began with a passion for culinary arts and a keen interest in creating memorable dining experiences. Over the years, I honed my skills in various leadership roles across renowned organizations. The turning point was when I joined Quess Corp, where I had the opportunity to lead and transform Quess Food Services (QFS). The role allowed me to blend my business acumen with my love for food, enabling me to drive innovation and excellence across our services.
What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
Success in the food services industry demands a blend of creativity, resilience, and a deep understanding of customer needs. It’s about staying ahead of trends, constantly innovating, and ensuring exceptional service quality. Building strong relationships with clients and partners, along with fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the team, are crucial elements that contribute to long-term success.
What does the future look like?
The future of the food services industry is exciting, with technology playing a pivotal role in reshaping how we operate. For QFS, the focus will be on expanding our footprint through strategic initiatives like QSRs, RTE, and Cloud Kitchens. Personally, I am committed to driving this transformation, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed industry standards. The goal is to position QFS as a leader in the food services sector, known for innovation, quality, and customer-centric solutions.
What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring?
When hiring, I look for individuals who are not only skilled but also passionate about what they do. Attributes like integrity, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn are non-negotiable. I also value creativity and the ability to think outside the box, as these are critical for driving innovation in our field. A team player with a customer-first mindset is essential, as collaboration and client satisfaction are at the core of our operations.
What is your favourite interview question & why?
One of my favorite interview questions is, "Can you share a time when you had to overcome a significant challenge in your previous role?" This question reveals a lot about a candidate's problem-solving skills, resilience, and ability to adapt in difficult situations. It helps me understand their thought process and how they handle pressure, which are important traits in the fast-paced food services industry.
Share some of your secrets in keeping an engaged, safe, and happy team.
Keeping a team engaged, safe, and happy revolves around creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. I believe in open communication, where team members feel valued and heard. Regular training and development opportunities are provided to ensure growth and motivation. Safety is a priority, and we have strict protocols in place to ensure a safe working environment. Celebrating successes, both big and small, and fostering a sense of belonging within the team are key to maintaining high morale.
What does not exist in the world, but you would like it to?
I envision a world where food services are fully sustainable, with zero waste and a minimal environmental footprint. While strides have been made, there is still a long way to go. I would like to see the development of technologies and practices that make sustainability an integral part of every food service operation, without compromising on quality or customer experience.
Share with us your vision for the Food Services Division @ Quess.
My vision for Quess Food Services is to elevate it into a market leader known for innovation, excellence, and customer-centric solutions. We aim to expand our services across new verticals like QSRs, RTE, and Cloud Kitchens, while also enhancing our existing operations. The goal is to create a brand that is synonymous with quality and reliability, offering a diverse range of food solutions that cater to the evolving needs of our clients.
