General Manager, Verve bar & brasserie
Born in Naples, southern Italy, Francesco grew up in San Nicola La Strada and successfully graduated from hospitality school with a National Italian Diploma. Starting his career as Chef de Rang in 2005, he has amassed over sixteen years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry.
Born into a family of restaurateurs, Francesco spent much of his youth assisting in the running of his family restaurant in southern Germany, which in turn lead to a passion that became his career. Francesco further honed his skills when he went Hospitality School, V. Cappello, in Piedimonte Matese, Italy.
His career took off at age 18 when he took the step to leave his home country to pursue work in London, France and Bermuda Island. This led him to gain invaluable work experience and develop an understanding of operations in both front and back of house, at several luxury outlets that include Harvey Nichols, Skylon D&D London, London Morton’s Club and Elbow Beach Hotel in Bermuda.
In early 2010 Francesco relocated to London permanently when he was offered a role as Head Waiter at La Petite Maison. His enthusiasm and excellent management skills lead to a promotion and relocation to Dubai in September 2010.
After launching La Petite Maison in Dubai, Francesco has been immersed in the Dubai F&B scene, gaining experience in other huge names such as Billionaire Mansion, Sumosan Dubai, Galvin Dubai and Le Cirque Dubai.
His vast experience and concise understanding of the luxury hospitality industry make Francesco the perfect fit as General Manager for Verve where he will be heading up the operations, ensuring a smooth and top-quality service at the new bar & brasserie.
Assistant Restaurant Manager – Verve bar & brasserie
Alice has always been passionate about F&B. Having a background in Hospitality, Alice started her career in England in 2008 as a Restaurant / Banqueting Team Member. Since then, she quickly rose in her career when she moved to Swinton Park Hotel, Masham, in 2011 as Food & Beverage Supervisor. Here Alice showed excellent skills, managing varied tasks.
Alice then moved to The Coach House at Middleton Lodge in Middleton Tyas in 2014 which is a pivotal milestone in her career. She started as a Head Hostess, managing all restaurant bookings, implementing SOPs and carrying out team training to ensure the rest of the team were up to speed. After a year of joining, Alice was promoted to Assistant Restaurant Manager, in charge of the seamless day-to-day operation of the restaurant, whilst developing the team at the same time. Due to her hard work and dedication, she was promoted to Restaurant Manager in just over a year, leading all operations at The Coach House.
With over a decade of experience in the heart and front of house, Alice has a vast experience of luxury hospitality, making her the perfect fit as Assistant Restaurant Manager at Verve bar and brasserie.
Bar Manager – Verve bar & brasserie
Keagan is one of Dubai’s leading mixologists. Having almost 10 years of experience behind the bar, his career started as an Assistant Bar / Club Manager at Tiger Tiger, South Africa. Here he learned the basics in running and managing a bar. Not long after, he accepted an opportunity to be a part of the Bar Team at the Fantasia Cruise Line where he engaged with people from different walks of life and cultures, as well as learned worldwide cocktails and mixology beverages.
After spending over 7 months working in a cruise line, Keagan made the big move to Dubai to launch Copper Dog’s Bar in 2017. His personable attitude and knowledge of his craft quickly made him popular in Dubai’s F&B industry. Keagan’s work experience also includes working in famous bars in Dubai such as The Maine Oyster Bar & Grill, Westlodge Saloon and Axe House Dubai.
Joining the senior management team at Verve, Keagan is in charge of stock control, staff scheduling and bar training, as well as cash control and the opening and closing of the venue. He will work towards creating new concepts and evenings that Verve will be famous for.
Chef, Verve bar & brasserie
Jorge Grande started his culinary career 10 years ago in Costa Rica after discovering his passion for food. With stints in several countries across Latin America, Grande draws on his wide and various food experience to the meat-heavy kitchen. Before coming to Dubai, he has trained extensively under the world-renowned Chef Anand Gaggan, who is famous for his 2-Michelin Star restaurant in Bangkok, Gaggan. Not long after, Grande was appointed as the butcher and sous chef behind the famous cuts at Meatilicious, Bangkok – a butcher brand by Anand Gaggan.
In his role as Head Chef at Verve bar & brasserie, Grande will not only bring his extensive knowledge, but also his signature creativity that is sure to define the personality and direction of Verve’s menu. Whilst working under close guidance of award-winning chef duo, Nick Alvis & Scott Price, this power team is sure to get Verve recognized for its top-quality culinary offerings.