AN UPWARD LEARNING CURVE
Md Akkas Uddin had dreamt of setting up his own business since he was in college. He had a serendipitous twist after enrolling for a Diploma in Food and Beverage Services offered by the Bangladesh Tourism Corporation. It changed the course of his life for the better. After completing his Diploma
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Md Akkas Uddin began his career as a trainee waiter in 1997, and since then has persevered and achieved immense success. In 2020, he reached new milestones of success as an entrepreneur in the restaurant business. Besides being a co- founder, Md Akkas Uddin, is also the Director of Operations at Bonjour Group (Dhaka, Chattogram & Cox’s Bazar) Local Chain Restaurant. In 1997, he took a job as a trainee waiter at the then Serina Restaurant in Chittagong (now the famous Serena Hotel in Dhaka), where he learned the daily insights of a restaurant business.
In 2001, Md Akkas Uddin joined Agrabad Silver Spoon Chinese Restaurant in Chittagong as a Captain. After working at the Silver Spoon until August 2005, he joined The Peninsula, a five-star hotel in Chittagong, in September of the same year. Thereafter, he was promoted to assistant manager in 2008 and to manager of the Peninsula.
Food and Beverage Department in 2011.Due to his talent, hard effort, honesty, and dedication to work, Md Akkas Uddin’s name became well-known in Chittagong’s restaurant scene. After working continuously as the Food and Beverage Manager of Peninsula Chittagong till 2019, he put the skills and training he received through his education and experience in the industry into an entrepreneurial aspiration. He wanted to bring a unique and glamorous buffet experience to the beautiful port city, and so, Md Akkas Uddin embarked on his dream to set up a flourishing Food & Beverage luxury business. Thus, ‘Bonjour Group’ was born, it is a restaurant at the GEC corner of the city. The ‘Bonjour’ establishment is the spot for haute cuisine and a gourmet buffet experience. It is an incomparable luxurious, multi cuisine experience for anyone with a global palate. Bonjour Group, as a flourishing business, has a staff of over 100 members, including 10 internationally trained chefs.
PAVING THE PATH TO SUCCESS
Md Akkas Uddin regards the integrity with which he poured out his talent and hard work into the business, the primary reasons for his success. He puts emphasis on regarding all kinds of work as an important and fruitful learning experience. It is because of these principles that Md Akkas Uddin, who once worked as a trainee waiter in a restaurant, has now become a successful and celebrated entrepreneur. His approach to reaching the zenith of success is truly paved by dedicated and consistent efforts and unswerving focus on his goals.
In this continuity, he is the only person from Chittagong city who awarded twice with ASIA’S GREATEST LEADERS AWARD on 22nd, April, 2022 in London. For the 2nd time in Bangkok, Thailand on 21st February, 2023 for special contribution to tourism sector of Bangladesh.
Md Akkas Uddin believes that as long as one is self-motivated and chasing their passion, they can achieve what they set their mind to. He also dedicates his success to his loving family consisting of his wife Nilufar, two sons, and a daughter. They have been his biggest supporters, standing by him through thick and thin and showering their love and encouragement on him.
VISION AHEAD
Md Akkas Uddin continues to be passionate and innovative in the realm of Food & Beverage sector. His future plans include building a five-star boutique hotel in Chittagong, the second- largest city in Bangladesh.