May 4 for students of the Kazan Innovative University named after V.G. Timiryasov held a meeting with representatives of the restaurant business of the Republic of Tatarstan.

Chairman of the Board of the Association of Restaurateurs and Hoteliers of Tatarstan, director of the legendary family cafe "Skazka" Mikhail Sharipov and chef of the famous Kazan restaurant "Marusovka" Rustam Rakhimov told the students about how to build a successful career in the restaurant business, how to become a true professional in your favorite business, revealed the main secret of success - to truly love what you do. A professional, the experts shared, is not the one who never makes mistakes, but the one who learns from his mistakes, constantly learns and develops, improves and opens up new horizons of his activity.

Mikhail Sharipov and Rustam Rakhimov shared cases from their own experience, told how they went from a chef in an ordinary cafe to the leading positions they currently hold. They paid much attention to the Yunus Akhmetzyanov International Culinary Tournament, which is held in Kazan, the main goal of which is to attract everyone who is just starting their journey in the culinary industry, who is hardworking and has a desire to develop, do something special, delight people who enjoy dishes, developed by future stars of culinary art.

In 2022, a student of KIU Anastasia Mikhailova, studying in the specialty Technology of piblic catering products, won the tournament, having won the main prize - an internship in Moscow with the famous restaurateur Arkady Novikov. But, according to Mikhail Sharipov, reaching the final, participating in face-to-face competitions is already a great achievement for novice chefs. The full-time final of the Tournament will take place in Kazan in November 2023, but for now, applications are being accepted. Everyone can take part, regardless of the level of education and place of residence. The uniqueness of the Tournament is the most complete and extensive feedback, the practice of mentoring. So, each finalist has his own mentor from among the leading chefs and brand chefs of Kazan restaurants. This approach to the organization of the Tournament allows participants to gain knowledge and skills, learn professional secrets and gain experience by communicating with industry masters. The organizers of the Tournament are the Association of Restaurateurs and Hoteliers of Kazan and the Republic of Tatarstan, Kazan Innovative University named after V.G. Timiryasova, Special economic zone "Innopolis".

Galina Sharafutdinova, Executive Director of the Kazan Association of Restaurateurs and Hoteliers, who has been the Hospitality Ambassador of the Republic of Tatarstan in the Russian Federation since April 2023, also spoke at the business meeting. She spoke about important government-supported projects that are currently being implemented in Russia in the tourism and hospitality industry. Galina Sharafutdinova's speech was built in the format of a dialogue with the audience. She held a short interactive session, as a result of which Nikolai Potapov, who is studying in "Service" program, received a unique opportunity to go to a business breakfast with her, where he will be able to ask all his questions regarding studies, work, career, success, promotion. In addition to administrative and managerial experience, Galina Sharafutdinova also has experience in teaching at the university. She perfectly understands the capabilities of modern students, the breadth of their views, their creative potential, so the main message of her speech was to encourage students to participate in various competitions, projects that can change the future of the country, change the future of the industry and form a new professional space.