Gusto Urban Italian has nabbed the Restaurant General Manager Of The Year award at this year’s FEDHASA Hospitality Awards.
The Italian restaurant, which forms part of the Century City Conference Centre and Hotels portfolio, is incredibly proud of its General Manager, Gabrielle Roland, who has been managing the establishment for almost three years, ensuring that the flavours of Italy remain authentic to their origins, but with a local South African flair and using locally-sourced ingredients to create a dynamic and intriguing menu that gives guests a true Italian experience.
Gabrielle was part of the team when Century City Conference Centre and Hotels first opened its doors in 2016, starting her journey with the Group as a bartender at Square Cafe and Wine Bar (now Urban Umami). She was selected to be part of Century City Conference Centre and Hotels’ Bursary Award Program, which identifies members of its team who show drive and ambition, and gives them the financial and training support that allows them to study through the company in order to grow their skills in hospitality management. Each year, a few deserving individuals receive bursaries to study things such as hospitality management/hotel management or culinary arts.
After winning the Bursary Award, Gabrielle went on to become Food and Beverage Supervisor, and then Assistant Restaurant Manager, at Square Cafe, before captaining the opening team at Gusto in Feb 2022.
Gary Koetser, CEO of Century City Conference Centre and Hotels, says: “Gabrielle was one of our top candidates, who showed not just a knowledge of and passion for food, but the unique qualities needed in a top-class restaurant manager. We couldn’t be prouder of her achievement.”
Says Gabrielle: “Food and customer service have been my passion for as long as I can remember, and I have been fortunate to have the support of the Century City Conference Centre and Hotels team as we grow Gusto into a restaurant that not only serves exceptional Italian-style food, but that is becoming a culinary destination for both locals and travellers alike.”
The Group had three team members who made it to the final round:
- Chelsea Chetty, Front Office Manager of Century City Hotel Urban Square, finalist for Front Of House Manager Of The Year, and who was placed as the runner up in this category;
- Bernard Abrahams, Operations Manager, finalist for Sustainability; and
- Gabrielle Roland, Restaurant GM Of The Year winner.
“We are so proud of all our team members who were nominated for an award, including Chelsea for achieving the runner-up position. Their commitment and passion for what they do, and what they bring to the brand in their own individual ways, is what makes Century City Conference Centre and Hotels what it is,” concludes Gary.


