A restaurant owner’s perspective on success and technology

Running a successful restaurant is a journey filled with challenges, perseverance, and innovation.

In this exclusive Favouritetable interview, Mark Ferguson  speaks with Faheem Vanoo of Pure, a thriving Indian restaurant, about his experiences in the industry, the role of technology in restaurant management, and advice for aspiring restaurateurs.

Mark Ferguson (MF): Faheem, can you share a bit about your journey in the restaurant industry? How did it all begin?

Faheem Vanoo (FV): My journey started in India about 25 years ago. I began my career in hospitality with the Taj Group of Hotels in 1999, initially working as a waiter in a five-star hotel. 

Over time, I worked my way up to a restaurant manager role, gaining experience in fine dining, banqueting, and room service. 

In 2005, I moved to the UK as a student and continued my career with the Taj Group’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Quilon. After nearly a decade of experience, I decided to venture out on my own. In 2014, my wife, Shilpa, and I opened Pure, combining her expertise in the kitchen with my front-of-house experience. 

MF: What were the biggest challenges you faced when setting up Pure? 

FV: The initial years were tough. Financial constraints were one of the biggest challenges. We didn’t have personal savings to invest, so we sold our flat and used the equity to fund our restaurant.  

A friend also invested in the business, but partnerships in business require like-minded goals, which can sometimes be difficult to align. 

Another major challenge was the time commitment. In the early years, my wife and I barely had any time to ourselves. However, once we built strong systems and a solid team, things became more manageable. 

MF: How has technology impacted the way you run your restaurant? 

FV: Technology has transformed the restaurant industry. From table management systems to online reservations, everything has become more streamlined. Customers now rely heavily on platforms like Google to find and book restaurants. 

Favouritetable, for instance, has been a great addition to our business. It allows guests to book directly through Google, helping us save on commission fees charged by other reservation platforms.  

With Favouritetable’s flat monthly fee, we can handle unlimited bookings without paying per-cover charges. This results in significant annual savings, which can be reinvested into improving our restaurant. 

MF: The restaurant sector has faced many ups and downs. How do you see it evolving in the next 6-12 months? 

FV: The current financial climate is tough, with customers being more cautious about spending.  

However, people still want to dine out—they’re just looking for value for money. Restaurants that offer quality food and exceptional service at fair prices will continue to attract loyal customers. 

We’ve seen a dip in business during certain months, but our repeat customers and strong reputation keep us going. Maintaining quality and service is the key to sustaining a restaurant in challenging economic times. 

MF: Customer loyalty seems crucial. How do you ensure guests keep coming back? 

FV: It all comes down to consistency and value. If you deliver an excellent dining experience every time, customers will return.  

Social media marketing also plays a vital role. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok help increase visibility and attract new diners. 

Once customers walk through your doors, it’s important to retain them by offering personalised experiences, loyalty rewards, and top-tier customer service. 

MF: What advice would you give to someone starting a restaurant today? 

FV: 

Maintain quality and consistency: Your food and service should remain top-notch to establish a strong reputation. 

Embrace technology: Use online booking systems like Favouritetable to streamline reservations and reduce costs. 

Leverage social media: Visibility is key. Utilise Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to promote your brand and attract customers. 

Build customer loyalty: Offer value, engage with guests, and provide an exceptional dining experience to encourage repeat visits. 

MF: It’s been great hearing about your journey and insights, Faheem. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. 

FV: Thank you, Mark. It was a pleasure speaking with you. I hope aspiring restaurateurs find this discussion helpful, and I look forward to continuing our partnership with Favouritetable! 

How Favouritetable supports restaurants Like Pure 

Favouritetable’s restaurant management software provides an affordable, efficient, and easy-to-use solution for restaurants looking to streamline operations. With a flat monthly fee, restaurants can save thousands compared to per-cover booking platforms. 

Key benefits of Favouritetable: 

Online reservations: Seamless booking integration with Google and other platforms. 

Table management system: Efficiently manage seating arrangements and optimise capacity. 

Cost-effective solution: No per-cover charges, just a fixed monthly fee. 

Improved customer experience: Reduce no-shows with automated reminders and confirmations.