UQ students Sizzle with knowledge
Students from the University of Queensland gained some sizzling insights into the hospitality industry with a visit to a Toowong restaurant last week.
90 students studying the School of Tourism’s Bachelor of International Hotel and Tourism Management took part in the visit to Sizzler on September 10, hosted by the Australian Sizzler marketing director, Jeremy Ryland.
The Toowong visit gave the Food and Beverage Management students an executive-eye view of one of Australia’s biggest restaurant chains, while enjoying a complementary lunch at the iconic Sizzler salad bar.
Mr Ryland, who is also a course tutor, delivered an interactive session that briefed students about Sizzler restaurants including their product range, key markets, competitor environment, restaurant design and operating and management systems.
Course co-ordinator Richard Robinson said practical experiences such as this were the key to delivering on the School of Tourism’s goal of creating the future leaders of tomorrow’s tourism and hospitality industries.
``Almost everyone is familiar with Sizzler, but having access to its operations, management and strategy through a partnership with a senior manager like Jeremy provides students with insights that classroom learning cannot deliver,’’ Mr Robinson said.
``Although at first glance a seemingly simple restaurant concept, these insights enable students to understand the foodservice systems and business models that explain why Sizzler has enjoyed sustained growth in the Australian restaurant market.’’
As assessment for the course, students formed groups to report back to Sizzler on aspects of its restaurant operations and strategy such as product bundling and value propositions, gift and loyalty card program development, risk management and restaurant systems models.
Note to eds: For more information phone Jodie Powell, Media Officer, UQ School of Tourism on 0409 946 796.