SUPPORTING PARTNER
Front of the House : Jean Turcotte Born in Quebec City, Jean Turcotte was initially dedicated to becoming a musician after successfully attending the Music Program at Laval University. But his ambitions underwent a transformation after working weekends at “Le Manoir St Castin” on the shore of Lac Beauport in Quebec. From a modest start bussing tables to help pay for his schooling, he quickly learned how to handle all front-of-the-house positions and worked his way up to Maitre D. The hospitality industry was now in his blood and it was time to move on to bigger and better roles. By the age of 24, he had successfully opened a 300 seat “VIP club members’ only” club restaurant at what was then called the Quebec Coliseum, home of the much-missed Quebec Nordiques of the NHL. He made his first move to Vancouver in 1983 to further his career and learn English. His path soon led him to industry legend Bud Kanke, who offered him the job of managing what was then Mulvaney’s on Granville Island. Returning to La belle Province for three years, he worked at Hotel Lowes Le Concorde and The Sheraton Centre, before returning to Vancouver in 1986 as Mulvaney’s General Manager. In 1991, Jean moved to manage another Kanke property - the Fish House in Stanley Park - before accepting the position of General Manager at The Cannery Seafood Restaurant in 1992, where which he was at the helm for 15 years. Eventually appointed Area General Manager by owner Silver Birch Hotels and Resorts, Jean Turcotte has been the driving force behind two of Vancouver’s most beloved and enduring restaurants - The Cannery and (his old love) The Fish House in Stanley Park. During his tenure at The Cannery, Jean was able to overcome challenging access restrictions to the restaurant due to increased Port of Vancouver security and to participate actively in the local community and hospitality industry. He has maintained the high standards that have made The Cannery one of the top dining destinations in Vancouver year after year. He’s also all set to inspire the ship and its crew when, in the spring of 2010, The Cannery is destined to relocate to other shores. 2009 will be the last full year of The Cannery at its present location. The move will leave a legacy of 38 years of special moments engraved in the memories of guests and staff alike. Endless tequila sunsets winding up perfect evenings by the sea. Magnificent mountain vistas as a backdrop to one of the world’s busiest ports. Wonderful dishes savoured in the company of friends, family and colleagues and dedicated staff that have stood by year after year. Without Jean Turcotte’s foresight, leadership and unique ability to motivate an incredible team of people, we might well have seen the end of this coveted Vancouver culinary institution. But instead, 2010 will see The Cannery begin a new life and its mission, as ever, is to provide a memorable dining experience to each and every guest with its passion for great food and a personalized service that will carry on for many more generations. Congratulations Jean Turcotte on your well deserved nomination to the Restaurants Hall of Fame, from all your staff at The Cannery and The Fish House. Click on the image below to start video
Introduction movie shown during the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame Gala, March 2009. |