2019 BC Restaurant Hall of Fame Inductees

“We are honoured to celebrate the class of 2019 inductees. Each individual is a role model: they have worked tirelessly on behalf of the industry and through their dedication they have made an indelible impression on the future of food service in BC.”

– Ian Tostenson, President and CEO
BC Restaurant and Food Services Association

The Inductees are:

Susan Mendelson, chef/owner of The Lazy Gourmet (Vancouver), one of Vancouver’s first catering companies and the author of many successful cookbooks for kids and adults around the world, for her lifetime of contribution to elevating hospitality in BC.

Manuel Ferreira, restaurateur, Miradoro Restaurant at Tinhorn Creek (Oliver) and former owner of Le Gavroche (Vancouver) for his commitment to training and for elevating hospitality in the Okanagan.

Ronald St. Pierre, chef/owner of Locals Restaurant (Comox Valley), for championing BC and being a passionate supporter of local in every facet of his business from his food and beverage and his suppliers.

Meeru Dhalwala, co-owner/chef of Vij’s and Rangoli Restaurants (Vancouver), for her excellence as a chef and a mentor to women chefs and cooks.

Stephen Cipes, founder/owner, Summerhill Pyramid Winery (Kelowna), for his leadership in providing holistic hospitality in his winery and his restaurant and for championing sustainability and organic production.

Bruce Fox, Executive Vice-President Business Development at Browns Restaurant Group (Vancouver), for his management through turbulent industry growth and for helping great people find business success in restaurants.

Barb Finley, chef, educator and founder of Project Chef, for her ability to translate the love of wholesome, nutritious meals to the next generation in a hands on way and helping professional chefs connect with the next generation

Frank di Benedetto, owner of FDF Brandz (Vancouver) and operator of over 175 locations of Ricky’s Family Restaurants, FatBurger, Famoso and ABC Family Restaurants, for his passion for growth and steadfast belief in careers in restaurants.

Finally, with his posthumous induction into the Hall of Fame, we celebrate the life and career of:

Gary Hynes, publisher/editor of Eat Magazine (Victoria), for being an industry champion and proudly and fiercely telling the stories of all the people that make our industry shine.

“The individuals being inducted in 2019 are true professionals whose generosity of spirit and strength of passion and contribution make the BC Restaurant industry world class,” says Bob Parrotta, Chair of the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame.

The awards are a way to celebrate the accomplishments of our pioneers and visionaries and to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and food service professionals to reach higher, push boundaries and to create breakthroughs that will positively impact our culinary future. Each year the recipients of the award embody the diversity of food service and the people who dedicate their careers to hospitality.

“Honouring and celebrating individuals whose personal and professional contribution make us proud to be part of the community of hospitality professionals is humbling for me. These are people who lead by example and with integrity and honesty. We cannot ask for more of our peers and leaders,” says Mr. Tostenson.