Community Spotlight – Rizwan Khan, General Manager
Meet Rizwan Khan, General Manager at Junsei, a Japanese Yakitori restaurant, where he oversees operations, motivates teams, and drives business growth through strategic planning. In this interview, he shares his path towards career growth in the hospitality industry.
Tell me a bit about yourself…
My name is Rizwan Khan, and I’m originally from Kolkata, often called the City of Joy in India. I come from a family deeply rooted in the hospitality industry – my father is a chef, and my mother worked as a telephone operator. Growing up surrounded by their dedication to service and care, I was naturally inspired to pursue a career in hospitality as well. Their work ethic and passion for the industry have shaped my own approach to providing exceptional service and creating memorable experiences for guests. I have an 8-year career in the industry.
.
Can you tell me about your career in hospitality and what you do?
I entered the hospitality industry at 16, starting with a part-time job that grew into a full-fledged career. Over the years, I’ve worked with incredible teams and mentors who shaped my growth.
A pivotal moment was completing the Training Assistant Manager program at The Cinnamon Club under Chef Vivek Singh, which built my foundation for my career, learning the discipline required for high-end operations.
By 21, I became the General Manager at Kanishka Mayfair under Chef Atul Kochhar, gaining invaluable experience managing fine-dining operations. Today, I am proud to be the General Manager at Junsei, a Japanese Yakitori restaurant, where I oversee smooth operations, create memorable guest experiences, build motivated teams, and drive business growth through strategic planning.
.
What drives your passion and keeps you motivated in the hospitality industry?
What drives my passion in the hospitality industry is our genuine love for what we do. The industry’s ability to welcome people from all walks of life is a major motivator for me.
I’m inspired by its dynamic nature, constantly pushing me to grow and evolve. I’m particularly driven by the wealth of knowledge to discover -whether it’s learning about different cuisines, beverages, or the diverse cultures shaping dining experiences worldwide.
The opportunity to interact with guests, hear their stories, and personalise their experiences keeps me energised. The wisdom I’ve gained from mentors fuels my passion, and I’m motivated to pass that knowledge on to my team, helping them grow alongside me.
Is there a particular moment or achievement you are most proud of in your career?
Becoming a General Manager at 21 is a milestone I’m proud of, but I’ve continued to push myself. I’ve competed in several front-of-house competitions:
- Finalist, Gold Service Scholarship 2024
- Winner, Réunion des Gastronomes Award 2024
- Achiever, Annual Awards of Excellence 2022
- Nominee, Be Inclusive Rising Stars 2024
- Semi-Finalist, Restaurant Manager of the Year
I’m also a Member of the Institute of Hospitality and hold a École Hôtelière de Lausanne diploma. The Gold Service Scholarship is my most significant achievement. Being a top 8 finalist in one of the UK’s most prestigious competitions, with the late Queen as Patron, was an honour, especially as one of the first individuals from an Indian background to participate.
.
Have you encountered any career challenges to date?
Early in my career, one of the biggest challenges was stepping into a management role at a young age.
Surrounded by more experienced individuals, I found it difficult to voice my thoughts. I overcame this by staying true to myself and the business’s values. Recognising the importance of timing and honesty helped me share my ideas at the right moments, fostering transparency and trust.
Over time, I learned that hard work, dedication, and consistency are key to building respect. Surrounding myself with a diverse group has also helped me gain confidence.
.
The future of hospitality is…
The hospitality industry has faced significant challenges, but adaptability has remained key to excellence.
The resilience of our industry, paired with its ability to evolve, has allowed us to grow and improve.
We’ve made incredible strides in diversity and representation, reshaping stereotypes and what it means to be part of this field. Looking ahead, front-of-house roles deserve more recognition.
Read more community spotlight interviews here.