Who doesn't know Patrick? As restaurant manager of Brasserie à la Kart, he is a familiar face at Karting Genk. With his passion for hospitality, he likes to pamper his guests with delicious dishes and good service.
Patrick, introduce yourself!
"My name is Patrick Rauws and I am 58 years young. I am together with Tanja and have 3 children of which the youngest is 9 years old. Since May 12, 2016 I am restaurant manager in Brasserie à la Kart. After a 26-year stay as a hospitality entrepreneur in Spain, it was time for a new challenge. The international and youthful character of the karting world did appeal to me."
What do you like most about your job?
"As a restaurant manager and chef at heart, it's always fun to see customers leave satisfied and feeling good. That is peculiar to the hospitality industry I guess, at my house I also always tend to throw everyone full with drinks and food."
And where are the challenges?
"The challenges are everywhere. There are constant adjustments to be made and when a World Cup or other big course presents itself we have adrenaline enough to see it through to completion."
What accomplished result are you most proud of?
"Surely the 2018 World Cup was very special. You face a challenge like you haven't experienced before. You can't compare it to anything, and that makes it exciting. So the euphoria is great when you can flag off on Sunday night and say that everything went great."
In what would you like to develop further?
"In my industry, one is never accomplished. For example, I would still like to take a course in molecular cooking because that was not discussed during my studies. I believe that in the culinary field one should combine the best, both technically and internationally. The world has become much more accessible and versatile, this also applies to food."
What is your affinity with karting?
"The karting sport was new to me, I myself am more related to motorsports. In my spare time I also like to tinker with motorcycles, more specifically cosmetically embellishing them because there are fashion trends there too. It was a revelation to come and work here, because karting is much more than what one thinks at first."