The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Jobs, Immigration and Growth, today announced an investment of $208,380 to develop open access training to equip restaurant staff with the tools to provide exemplary hospitality and service. Funding for this initiative is provided through the Labour Market Partnerships program under the Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement.
The Customer Journey – Training Program for Newfoundland and Labrador Food and Beverage Sector will be available to all food and beverage operators in the province by June 10, 2025.
Developed by local restaurant owners Jeremy Bonia and Jay Vallis, Perfect Day Canada and with production from Up Sky Down Films, the program will offer training modules for frontline staff working in hospitality and restaurant settings. Training staff is a significant cost for many restaurants and this initiative is meant to alleviate financial pressures while strengthening the quality of service in the industry province-wide.
Food and beverage operators interested in registering for the training program can contact morethanservicenl@gmail.com for more information. The food service sector in Newfoundland and Labrador employs approximately 15,000 people.
This initiative aims to prepare the restaurant industry to offer exceptional dining experiences to visitors ahead of an exciting 2025 provincial tourism season. The 2025 Canada Summer Games represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity for local food and beverage operators. Over 4,800 participants from 13 provinces and territories are expected to attend the Summer Games this August, a multi-week event that will generate substantial economic activity.
The Provincial Government has also recently expanded air access that will allow travellers more flexible options when visiting Newfoundland and Labrador this year. There are three direct routes connecting the province with the United Kingdom and Europe this tourism season and a new intraprovincial air loop between St. John’s, Gander and Deer Lake will run from June 15 to September 20, 2025.
Quotes
“As we prepare for an influx of visitors this tourism season, we are equipping restaurants with the tools to create more ‘five star’ hospitality experiences. We consulted with industry to create workforce training that can help operators grow their businesses while saving time and money. Operators of any size, from food trucks to fine dining restaurants, will be supported to make the most of a promising tourism season.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Jobs, Immigration and Growth
“As a vibrant and challenged restaurant industry in this province, we are happy for all of the recent support and outreach from this government. We feel that programs such as this one and the ongoing collaborations with Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, Restaurants Canada and the Provincial Government are further helping to strengthen our industry.”
Jeremy Bonia
Restaurant/Hospitality Consultant and Sommelier
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