Thompson affirms that her nomination for the Ontario Hostelry Institute’s Top 30 Under 30 award came partly out of the close relationship she maintains with the college, including Culinary instructor Philippe Saraiva and Gary Hallam, executive dean of Conestoga’s School of Business.
“Chef Philippe and I have had a great working relationship since I graduated from Conestoga. Over the last several years he has been a big support.”
Heralded as a rising star in the industry, Thompson says the selection process was long and difficult. The award honours young industry professionals who embrace the excellence, passion and commitment required to be a member of OHI.
“You have to meet certain criteria and make a portfolio. I’ve never had to make a portfolio because this is our place,” she laughed. “I didn’t have to make a portfolio to get this job because I created this job!”
Established in 1977, OHI works to raise the standards of professional post-secondary hospitality programs at colleges and universities as well as advocating for the industry in a variety of areas including education, training and apprenticeship. The Institute also supports the development of the hospitality industry through financial contributions totalling over $1.5 million.
OHI has honoured a number of Conestoga faculty and students with awards, including Hallam, who was named a 2012 Fellow of the Institute.
Thompson, who makes an effort to hire Conestoga graduates for her two restaurants, credits much of her success to her studies at the college,and believes that her program helped her prepare for the realities of running a restaurant and dealing with the challenges that it brings.