TORONTO — Joey Restaurant Group has made a $160,000 donation to George Brown College’s Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts (CHCA). The donation will go towards program and facility enhancements, supporting the CHCA expansion at 300 Adelaide St. E.
The gift will be provided to CHCA over four years, along with new hands-on learning opportunities for culinary and hospitality students.
“The expansion of our relationship with George Brown allows this partnership to grow. We are working together to provide greater opportunities for students to develop,” says Rupert Martin, VP Eastern Culinary Operations, Joey Restaurant Group. “We are thrilled to partner with George Brown faculty and staff, as they truly believe in teaching their students those important, hands-on skills that we find most valuable in the staff we hire.”
Since opening the first Toronto location of Joey Restaurants at Don Mills in 2009, George Brown College students and alumni have been an integral part of the growth and success of the restaurants. From 2013 onward, Joey Restaurant Group has enabled George Brown students enrolled in programs at CHCA to enter the restaurant sector through scholarships, paid externships and employment opportunities. Currently, over 100 George Brown College students and alumni are employed by Joey Restaurant Group.
“Real-world examples of life in the industry are vital for our students,” says Lorraine Trotter, dean, CHCA. “Career information sessions and restaurant tours provided by Joey Restaurants enable our students to understand how their education directly relates to their intended careers and the kind of commitment that is necessary. The opportunity to ask questions directly to those working in the field is important for our students’ growth and success. We are very grateful to Joey Restaurants for their continued engagement and support.”
