FH1218

FROM THE EDITOR
THE
WINNERS’
CIRCLE
Why is it that the arrival of December always
seems to catch us off guard? And why does the
time between Labour Day and the holiday season
seem to elapse before our eyes? How could
another year have already passed, when it seems
as if we were just lamenting the end of summer?
As 2018 winds down and the anticipation of the holidays
firmly takes hold, the foodservice-and-hospitality industry
readies itself for its busiest season, filled to the brim with
luncheons, holiday parties and seasonal rituals.
Ironically, while many of us mark the season with myriad
social gatherings and look forward to winding down after a busy
year, for the foodservice-and-hospitality industry, it’s a time when
employees and managers work tirelessly, around the clock, to
help create special moments and memories for consumers.
At KML, the holiday season is heralded by the arrival of the
Pinnacle Awards, which this year celebrates its special 30thanniversary
edition. What began as a small intimate luncheon at
the Windsor Arms Hotel in Toronto for 25 industry executives
has blossomed and evolved into a celebration for 500 guests
held at the Fairmont Royal York. During that time, we’ve fêted
close to 180 individuals and companies in
categories that include Company of the Year,
Regional Company of the Year, Independent
Restaurateur of the Year, Chef of the Year and
Supplier of the Year.
I like to think of the awards program as our
gift of the season to the industry — a way for
us to celebrate excellence and thank the countless
individuals for all they do to make this
industry vibrant, dynamic and successful. As
operators, restaurateurs, chefs and suppliers,
your journeys have been punctuated by hard
work, perseverance and passion. What started
as a germ of an idea — fuelled by passion and
a multi-layered collaboration of efforts — has
turned the dream into reality.
And, regardless of the challenges, the frustrations
and sometimes the limitations that are
part and parcel of every business endeavour,
when the doors open, the show begins anew. As
a collective, you deliver great food, provide top-notch service and
help create incredible experiences for your guests — in the process,
helping them create cherished memories that last a lifetime.
Along with your teams, you strive to refine, adapt and innovate
— all in the pursuit of excellence.
While our winners don’t set out to garner awards, the recognition
is validation for the long hours they’ve invested in the industry
and the hard work they’ve put into their careers. As an industry,
we’re stronger for it. Congratulations to this year’s winners.
And, on behalf of the entire KML team, may the holiday season
be filled with health, happiness and, as always, a touch of magic.
ROSANNA CAIRA rcaira@kostuchmedia.com
@foodservicemag
facebook.com/foodservicehospitalitymagazine
instagram.com/rosannacaira
NICK WONG, LOCATION PROVIDED BY VIA CIBO
2 FOODSERVICE AND HOSPITALITY DECEMBER 2018 FOODSERVICEANDHOSPITALITY.COM