Creams Cafe
Elton Gray has a diverse and extensive work experience in the hospitality industry. Elton began their career as a General Manager at Pizza Hut in 1991, where they worked for five years. Elton then moved on to Bennigans (Bass) as a General Manager, where they stayed for three years. In 1999, they joined SFI Group as a General Manager and worked there until 2003. Elton then became an Independent Business Owner at Innside Leisure & Innside Out from 2002 to 2004.
In 2004, Elton joined Mitchells & Butlers as a Retail Business Manager, where they managed 14 sites and was involved in employee engagement. Elton held this position until 2013. Following that, Elton worked as an Operations Manager at Strada Restaurants, playing a key role in the company's evolution following its acquisition by CDG. Elton managed 17 restaurants and oversaw three senior managers until 2017.
Elton also served as the Head of Operations at Integrum Hospitality Solutions from 2017 to 2018, before moving on to YO! Sushi. At YO! Sushi, they held the positions of Operations Manager and later Head of Operations & Concept Development. In 2019, Elton joined Creams Cafe as the Commercial and Operations Director. Elton successfully navigated the company through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing strategic approaches and developing new concepts to drive growth and support franchise partners.
Elton Gray completed their education with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Hotel & Catering Management from the University of Surrey, from the year 1988 to 1992. Prior to that, they attended King Edward VI School in Southampton until 1987. Elton later pursued further education and obtained a Postgraduate Diploma (Pg Dip) in Multi Site Unit Leadership from Birmingham City University, from 2009 to 2011. In 2011, Elton Gray also completed a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Multi-Unit Hospitality Leadership from Birmingham City University.
Creams Cafe
The UK’s Leading Italian Gelato and Dessert company. Founded in 2008 by Adam Mani and Balal Aqil, Creams Cafe kick-started the UK dessert parlour revolution. From humble beginnings in Southall, West London, the focus has always been on customer service, a great and simple product offering and only the best quality. This has been our recipe for success. In a market leading position, Creams is the UK’s biggest dessert brand with circa 100 stores across the UK. Our focus on quality and innovation has been recognised with several awards including ‘Best Brand Partner’ at the Menu Innovation and Development Awards 2022 (Midas), ‘Best Innovation’ at the Best Business Awards 2021, and ‘Best Family Restaurant’ at the Deliveroo Restaurant Awards 2021. We have also been recognised as one of the top ten most loved Eating Out brands in the UK in 2019, 2020 and 2021 by Savanta Research. Embodying the fun, colourful and delicious, Creams offers the ultimate wow-factor experience. At the centre lies our unmissable selection of mouth-watering, freshly made desserts, from waffles, crêpes and sundaes, to cakes, sorbets, gelatos and vegan desserts. We even make our own signature Creams gelato with ingredients sourced straight from Italy. Hand-crafted and made in England at our own factory, we believe this helps us bring the finest quality ice cream to our desserts. It truly is an exciting time for Creams Cafe. As well as further growth in the UK, we are committed to international expansion with our franchisees. So, whatever you do, get ready to see this beloved brand propel towards our ambitious plans for expansion.