Laundy Hotels has appointed Tanoy Biswas as Group Executive Chef, putting him in charge of the menus and dining experiences across the group’s 40+ venues.
Biswas moved to Australia at 17, starting out as a dishwasher, before becoming a chef’s apprentice and working at several hotels and venues across Sydney. He joined Laundy Hotels as group head chef in 2021, bringing with him over two decades of experience in culinary leadership and innovation.
The chef told Hospitality he is excited to build on Laundy venues’ reputation as local favourites that people want to return to and recommend.
“My focus is to build group-wide food consistency while celebrating each venue’s unique local character. It is not just about running successful businesses, but to create stories for our guest and staff through our dining experience,” says Biswas.
Biswas identified a range of challenges and opportunities he sees in the role, from balancing consistency across the group; to enhancing recognition and development programs to retain a strong team; focussing on efficiency, waste reduction, and smart menu design to optimise cost management; championing sustainability; and empowering kitchen staff. “The goal is to lead through support, not control,” says Biswas.
Laundy Hotels’ Danielle Richardson said the group felt Biswas was the “perfect fit” for the role, having worked with the group for over four years as group head chef. “It was a natural evolution of this role to group executive chef,” said Richardson.
“Food is a core pillar of growth for Laundy Hotels, and Tanoy has played a significant role in the evolution of our menus and quality of dishes served daily during his time with us. Under Tanoy’s leadership, we look forward to building on this momentum and delivering exceptional dining experiences for our guests across all venues.”
Biswas takes over from former Group Executive Chef Jamie Gannon, who began with Laundy Hotels in 2016. Gannon gave “massive congratulations” to Biswas in a recent Instagram post.
“Well deserved mate,” wrote Gannon. “You were a fantastic No 2 and I know you will make an even better No 1.” Gannon added that he is looking forward to watching Biswas grow and settle into his style.
Gannon took the role of culinary director with the Feros Group in May this year, at the time stating he was proud of everything his team had achieved during his time at Laundy Hotels – from opening the group’s first restaurant, to receiving the group’s first ever chef’s hat at Sinclair’s Restaurant.
Looking forward, Biswas says he is hoping to grow the chef training program, identifying and nurturing talent within the group. He also hopes to “ehnahce consistency across the group and elevate our classics to make a stamp in the industry”, and nurture a “culture of accountability, pride, and innovation in the kitchen”.
Laundy Hotels has over 40 venues, including Woolly Bay Hotel in Woolloomooloo, Mona Vale’s The Mona, The Woolpack in Redfern, and Rozelle’s Red Lion Hotel. It recently announced $3 million renovation plans for Watsons bay Boutique Hotel.
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