Continuing with the cherished Buttery ‘Spotlight on’ series, we now take the focus to Rory. Although, this time things a little more emotional as we are bidding him farewell. Rory has been an integral part of The Buttery team for seven years, managing all aspects of the business, ensuring everything runs like clockwork. Rory has taken The Buttery from strength to strength, earning some incredible reviews and smashing any target given to him. He has been with us during all the highs and lows that any restaurant can expect and has consistently gone over and above throughout his role.
He is moving onto pastures new, with a bit of travelling thrown into the mix too. The Buttery team want to wish Rory the best of luck in his new ventures.
Let’s have a look at Rory’s career so far, his successor and future plans following his tenure with us.
Where it all began…
Rory’s journey started out not so far from home as the Manager of the Italian Bistro in the city’s West End.
Fun fact: this venue was previously Lux and Stazione, two restaurants our former Head Chef Stephen was the proprietor.
This was Rory’s first management position at the young age of 23. He stated, ‘this is where I found a real passion for hospitality, and I feel the role really shaped the beginning of my career.’
Rory stayed in the position for two years, learning everything he could, before returning to university to study a Masters then a PhD in American Literature at Glasgow University. Upon completion of this, Rory taught at the university as a lecturer.
A few years on, Rory returned to the restaurant floor, this time managing the iconic Fanny Trollope’s in nearby Finnieston. He juggled the two for a while before setting off to South East Asia for four months with his wife Amy. They visited a whopping twelve countries, embarking on a bit of a foodie tour, trying all of the incredible local cuisines. They finished the trip on a high in Tokyo before returning back to the UK.
Joining us at The Buttery
Shortly after making it back to home soil, Rory was offered the role of General Manager at The Buttery, beginning a very successful career with us.
When asked what some of Rory’s most memorable moments have been, he replied: ‘there have been too many to choose from, but if I had to pick, it would be the way in which I’ve seen members of the team come in with no experience and see how they develop into very skilled and individual staff members. It is amazing how transformative a job can be, developing people’s social skills and their ability to work with others.
He also noted how much he has enjoyed watching the team move into management roles. ‘Our soon-to-be General Manager Andy joined us from the Princes Trust many years ago and it is fantastic to see him rise through the ranks. The progress he has made is remarkable and he is the ideal fit as successor—he loves The Buttery and all of the staff really respect him.’
Rory also wanted to add a mention to Stephen. Our social media star and everyone’s favourite barman joined the team as an apprentice several years ago and is now working his way to becoming a supervisor: ‘There’s not enough superlatives I can attribute to Stephen’s journey at The Buttery. I burst with pride every time I see him achieving something new. All of the success he’s experienced is purely down to his hard-work and determination.’
Changes in the restaurant industry
Looking at the restaurant industry and how much it has changed, he noted: ‘there has been a huge shift since COVID. I feel that there is much more awareness of how challenging an industry it is to work in, but at the same time how vital the sector is to the economy.
I feel that now, the perception of those working in hospitality is much more in line with mainland Europe. It is viewed more as a profession, rather than a stopgap or part-time role while studying. I would say this is incredible and a real step in the right direction for the sector.’
Proudest achievements
When asked what the proudest achievement was during his tenure as General Manager, Rory simply replied: ‘investing as much time as possible into the development of the team. It has been incredible to watch everyone progress in their roles. We have also had a real shift in how the team operate. It has long been known that working in hospitality can be tough and primarily during unsociable hours. I feel like the days of working 70 hour weeks and split shifts should be behind the industry and this can only be to its benefit: it allows longevity within the trade and allows people to think of it as a sustainable and attractive profession.
Growth of The Buttery
Looking at how the restaurant has grown and evolved under Rory’s leadership, it is plain to see that we have a very stable team, some of their tenures running into double figures now. This has allowed us to provide consistent service for the guests.
Rory adds: ‘there is a real good ethos here at The Buttery, the owners are very personable, supportive and always look after the team. They take huge pride in providing the best possible service to our guests, and this all starts with the team. Development and wellbeing have always been top of their priorities.’
Challenges faced
Looking at some specific challenges faced by Rory in his time as General Manager, and how he overcame them, we rewind back to a time we all remember back in 2020.
He notes: ‘during COVID, we were all hit with a massive curveball in the restaurant industry. We straight away pivoted and began ‘Two Fats to You’, our home delivery service. This ensured that there was still money coming in to the business and allowed us to keep everyone in employment.
Following on from this, we had to work under reduced hours with no alcohol which was a huge challenge to any restaurant. I am so proud of the team for their perseverance during this and it really allowed us to maintain a presence throughout those unprecedented times.’
Day-to-day, there are always challenges within any restaurant setting, and The Buttery is no different. One in particular is the upkeep of the building. It is over one hundred years old, so as you can imagine, maintenance is an ongoing issue.
The future & things he’ll miss the most
As Rory leaves us, we wanted to find out what he would miss most about The Buttery. He is heading off on his travels, this time to Spain, so will be without many home comforts for a while. He noted: ‘I am excited for what the future holds but am pleased to be leaving the role in such capable hands as Andy. I don’t foresee any drop in standards and feel that he will excel in his role as GM. I’ll miss my team, that goes without saying, and the regulars who I’ve grown close to over the years.
Bidding farewell
Everyone at The Buttery wants to wish Rory the best of luck in his future endeavours and on his travels around Spain.
“It has been such a great pleasure working with Rory over the years. He has been such an important of our growth as a business and on a personal level a great friend to me, especially during the pandemic. I wish Amy and him the very best of luck for their adventure in Spain.” – Owner Ryan James.
“Rory, not only is he a great guy he is one of the best General Managers that I have worked with. His enthusiasm, energy, knowledge of food and wine and great attitude to work will be missed massively, I wish him all the best. Wherever he ends up I’m sure he’ll be a success. Good luck Rory!” – Head Chef Craig Brown
“Working with Rory the last seven years has been a real privilege. From his first interview we knew he was the right man for the job. He hit the ground running and never looked back, taking The Buttery from strength to strength.
He has been great colleague and friend, and it has been a real pleasure working alongside him these last seven years. We have shared the highs and lows from flooding basements, missing tubs from covid takeaway boxes, to smashing targets and consistently good reviews.
He will be sorely missed by all at The Buttery and I wish him all the very best.
Hasta Luego Amigo.” – Owner Gavin Cuthberson.
“Rory has been a leader, mentor and friend to all who’ve been lucky enough to work with him. He’s always had an air of gravitas and professionalism that (I like to think) has rubbed off on us all, and he has left us well-equipped to face any issue.
I’ve learnt a lot working under him these last seven years, and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities he’s given me. There’s no challenge that might present itself down the road that I don’t feel confident in facing, entirely thanks to his solid guidance and support he’s shown me over the years.
Through thick and thin, good times and bad, Rory has always been there for every one of us with patience and understanding. Now stepping into his role and rather big shoes, I hope to carry on his legacy of care, compassion, ability and expertise. It’s been a privilege to have worked with you Rory, and wish you well in warmer pastures.” – General Manager Andrew Brain
“I can honestly say Rory was the best General Manager I have ever worked with throughout my forty years in the trade, he understands how to get the best out of people, helping them to build confidence and progress in their career. Rory was one of a very few managers that understands how a kitchen operates which resulted in a great working relationship.
He was well respected by myself and all the team and will be sorely missed at the Buttery. Good luck in your new adventure from your Ex-Head Chef.” – Stephen ‘Chef’ Johnson.
