The old adage of service with a smile has helped Alan Parry reach great heights in his hospitality career.  And the ability to hold a good conversation hasn't hurt as well.

Mr Parry is one of five finalists for the young business person of the year at the Waitakere Business Awards to be held on October 8 at the Trusts Stadium.

The other nominees are Jeremy McLean, Louisa Currie, Amanda Wheeler and Eddie Cooney.

The South African-born, Scottish-raised Parry has been running The Falls restaurant with wife Nina and business partner Garry Bates since 2005.

He says one of the keys to the stellar reputation of the restaurant has been the ability to serve top meals with friendly service.

"Serving the best food possible is paramount but if you don't have the service to match it than it will never work," he says.

"If you have an average meal but had a great chat with the waiter than you're probably going to give that restaurant another go."

It was that mindset which saw him rise the ranks of The Ivy in London – England's premier restaurant.

Mr Parry started out as a mere plate runner but found himself having a chat with a customer one day.

"One of the managers saw it and told me that I should stay out there," he says.

"From that moment I just shot up the ladder and was soon head waiter."

There will also be a new category at the event this year – the Bob Harvey Best of Waitakere's Supreme Businesses Award. The recipient will be chosen from supreme business award winners from the past 15 years.

Book your table now at the 2010 Westpac Waitakere Business Awards  >>

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Ten questions in ten minutes with Jeremy McLean  >>
Ten questions in ten minutes With Greg Hall  >>
Youth development leader in finals  >>

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Article Source: www.westernleader.co.nz
Article By: Turei Mackey