Cain Savazzi's Story

Cain Savazzi – From Team Member to Director of Operations: September 1997 to September 2007

I joined Fridays in September of 1997. Working in Italian Restaurants since the age of 15 I fancied a change and decided to join Fridays whilst I was still studying at Salford University. Straight away I fell in love with the brand and found myself working as a Door Host in the Prestwich branch in Manchester. By December of 1998 I realised that I had what it took to become a successful waiter and make some real cash to subsidise my studies. This Restaurant, its people and its style was starting to hook me up and I was now starting to think about leaving my studies and work in Fridays full time. Between December of 1998 and the beginning of 2000 I worked my way around the business in various roles from the Kitchen to the Bar. I was now a ‘Fridoid’ and was thinking about becoming a Manager, albeit there was lots of competition at the time to be Managers from other team members in the North West.

In June of 2000 I attended an internal talent showcase in Coventry. There were 23 other candidates and thankfully (although I felt that I had fallen flat on my face) I went through with a gentleman called Mustapha Ibrahim and accepted the position as a QSM at the Prestwich store. I then embarked on a 3 month training programme and before long I was a certified Manager and was working and learning the Friday’s way. By late 2001 I had been promoted to the position of AGM after receiving the accolade of QSM of the year for my performance. Again I worked hard – took on greater accountabilities, achieved results; and by late 2002 I had my 1st shot at applying for the General Manager position that I so badly wanted. During 2002 I was also rewarded the accolade of AGM of the year and Prestwich won the title of “Store of the year”.

In March of 2003 I was promoted to the position of General Manager in Prestwich. Prestwich had its best ever year and I won the title of General Manager of the year for 2003. I was lucky to work for a fantastic boss at the time (Jason Cotta) who made it a priority to develop and invest in me. Between 2003 and 2007 I resided in Prestwich and as a Centre for training supported just under 50 MIT’s over the duration. I desperately wanted to be a Director of Operations because I knew that I had the strength and skill to motivate, direct and lead people. I also knew that I held the guests as my number one priority which is so important considering the business I work in.

In September of 2007 I was finally given my chance to be a Director of Operations for the North of which I have held the position to the present day. I have learnt so much about people, my skills, business and strategy. I thoroughly enjoy and love my job and I am proud and privileged to hold this position. Being a leader in Friday’s is much more than a job – we’re a family, and I work with and for some of the best people there are, in and outside of the hospitality business.