Md Shakawath Hossain, chief executive officer of Unique Hotel & Resorts PLC, has received copyright registration for a food cost management framework he developed for the hospitality industry.
Titled “Shakawath’s Six Control Points for Food Cost Optimization,” the framework has been registered with the Copyright Office of the Government of Bangladesh.
The framework was developed based on Hossain’s more than 25 years of experience in hospitality operations and focuses on six areas of food cost management: purchase control, inventory control, right transfer, portion control, appropriate cooking and wastage control.
It brings together the functions of purchasing, receiving, stores, cost control, finance, culinary and food and beverage service under an integrated system.
Implemented at three hotels
The framework has been implemented at The Westin Dhaka, Sheraton Dhaka and HANSA – A Premium Residence since 2023. The three properties are owned by Unique Hotel & Resorts PLC.
According to the organisation, implementation of the framework has increased awareness of food costs and contributed to combined food cost savings of around Tk 2 crore across the three hotels.
The initiative involved the leadership teams, departmental heads and relevant employees of the three properties, according to the organisation.
Included in university curriculum
The framework has also been incorporated into the curriculum of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management at the University of Dhaka.
According to Hossain, efforts are underway to introduce the framework through other academic and professional training platforms to provide hospitality students and professionals with practical knowledge of food cost management and operational efficiency.
The framework also incorporates measures aimed at reducing food waste and improving resource utilisation. These include purchasing based on demand, efficient inventory management, appropriate portioning and suitable cooking practices.
According to the organisation, the approach is intended to help hospitality businesses improve cost efficiency while maintaining food quality, service standards and guest satisfaction.
Plans for wider application
Speaking about the copyright registration, Hossain said the recognition marked an important milestone for the initiative.
“This copyright recognition is an important milestone for the Six Control Points initiative. We are now working to expand it across the hospitality sector in Bangladesh. At the same time, we are working to align the framework with international hotel brands, creating potential for its implementation globally in the future,” he said.
The copyright registration provides formal recognition of the framework and could facilitate its further application in hospitality education and hotel operations, according to the organisation.