In the ever-evolving world of luxury hospitality, the role of leadership is critical in creating a seamless experience that captivates guests. At the heart of Smoki Moto, a renowned Korean steakhouse, stands Sean SungWook Hong, the dynamic Assistant General Manager whose expertise has played an instrumental role in the restaurant’s continued success. With a rich background in hospitality and a deep commitment to guest satisfaction, Sean brings a unique blend of cultural insight and operational excellence to the table. In this feature, we dive into his journey, the evolving dining scene, and how his leadership is shaping the future of fine dining at Smoki Moto.
From culinary adventures to leadership
My extensive experience in opening restaurants and my deep knowledge of the Food and Beverage industry have shaped my career. From Asado Steakhouse to the prestigious Shilla Hotel in Korea, and through the vibrant culinary landscape of London, I have honed my skills and expertise. This journey has brought me to the dynamic city of Dubai, where I was part of the renowned Nobu at Atlantis, and now at Smoki Moto. I have always embraced adventure and am extremely passionate about creating unforgettable dining experiences.
Key milestones and experiences
Opening new restaurants has been the cornerstone of my career, fuelling my excitement for innovative projects and challenging me to think creatively in every aspect of the F&B industry.
Primary responsibilities at Smoki Moto
As the Assistant General Manager, I’m entrusted with overseeing operations, managing and training our fantastic team, and ensuring the team grows professionally. As a proud Korean, I strive to infuse the essence of Korean spirit into both the team and our guests at Smoki Moto. This commitment reflects our rich cultural heritage and fosters a sense of unity and hospitality that is deeply rooted in our traditions.
Ensuring a smooth operation
Maintaining strong connections within the team is essential to ensure smooth operations. The closer you are to your team, the more information you will gather. Engaging with guests can also lead to quicker problem-solving. Additionally, as a Smoki Moto Ambassador, I make it a point to interact with every table during each service. I don’t rely solely on my team; I set personal goals to continuously improve. This proactive approach allows me to notice details that might otherwise be missed and to learn something new every day.
Hardest part of the job
One of the most challenging aspects of my job is balancing multiple tasks efficiently. We are constantly striving to manage our time effectively to ensure smooth operations and timely service. Despite the challenge, I find the role incredibly rewarding. The satisfaction of seeing guests leave with smiles on their faces, knowing that I played a part in creating those moments, makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Maintaining an exceptional dining experience
At Smoki Moto, we pride ourselves on guiding our guests through a unique Korean journey, personalising each experience with an authentic Korean touch. We strive to ensure that our guests feel a distinct difference from any other restaurant. How do we achieve this? By equipping our team with extensive knowledge of our offerings and a deep understanding of Korean culture, ensuring they know exactly what they are presenting and can convey the rich traditions behind it.
Customer feedback
Customer feedback is crucial to our growth. We actively discuss reviews as a team, address constructive feedback promptly, and celebrate positive experiences. Speaking not just as a member of the Smoki Moto team, but as a Korean, I can confidently say that this is the true flavour of Korea. Most of our Korean guests are amazed by the taste and often return within a few days. Additionally, our best guests are those who encourage us by saying things like, “This is the best service I’ve ever had,” and mentioning our team members by name. This not only motivates us but also inspires us to strive for even greater excellence next time.
Innovative practices and subtle enhancements
On this project, I focused on creating a strong first impression. Most people form judgments within the first three seconds based on look and feel. When you enter our restaurant, you will immediately feel welcomed and assured that you are in the right place. From our warm greetings (“eoseo oseyo”) to our modern Korean traditional uniforms (hanbok), and our team’s cultural knowledge (insider tips and services that only Koreans would notice), every detail is designed to enhance your experience. Additionally, I have trained the team in authentic practices, such as the proper way to shake and open a bottle of soju.
Staying ahead
Korean culture is becoming increasingly popular. While many people are familiar with Japanese, Chinese, and even Vietnamese cuisines, Korean cuisine is still relatively unknown. I believe it’s our time to shine. At Smoki Moto, we stay ahead of industry trends by researching successful concepts, innovating our menu offerings, and visiting other restaurants to learn and implement new ideas. We continually challenge ourselves to be the best.
Balance Balancing our professional responsibilities with our personal lives is crucial. I used to prioritise work over personal time, but now I understand the importance of taking time for myself. It’s essential for happiness and improves connections with others, which also enhances work efficiency. I’ve actively pursued hobbies that bring me joy. It’s worth noting that stepping away for a day or two doesn’t spell disaster. Trust in your team is key to making this balance possible
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