TORONTO — Restaurants Canada has elected Mike Yasinski, president of Rally Social Room, as its new Chair of the Board of Directors at its Annual General Meeting. As Chair, Yasinski will work closely with interim president and CEO, Roy Little, to help operators bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic and achieve long-term success.
Yasinski, with his 25 years of industry experience, is former president, CEO and co-founder of Gateway Entertainment, Hudsons Canadian Hospitality and Hudsons Pub. Under his leadership, the companies launched many successful concepts including The Standard, Union Hall, The Rach and Hudsons, which grew to 10 locations in two provinces and five major cities across Western Canada. Currently, Yasinski is working on opening his latest concept, the Rally Social Room, in Edmonton.
“It is a true privilege to have been given the opportunity to serve Restaurants Canada members as the Chair of the Board,” says Yasinski. “I look forward to pairing my industry insight and expertise with the brilliant minds on the board, the executive team and those among the members of Restaurants Canada to keep our industry moving forward, and towards re-building it stronger than ever.”
“It’s been such an honour to lead the board over the last year. The challenges we’ve overcome have not only been humbling, but have also reminded me of the passion and strength this industry exudes,” says outgoing Chair, Cindy Simpson. “Supporting this association as it has played an integral role in speaking on behalf of restaurateurs nationwide, advocating exclusively for foodservice and ensuring resources were in place to pull our industry out of the pandemic has been an absolute pleasure.”
“During Cindy’s time as Chair, we have watched as the country took notice of the role foodservice plays in supporting our economy. We’ve been able to make great strides to ensure that our industry remains a top priority for federal and provincial governments,” says Little. “I want to thank Cindy for her commitment to our members, the industry as a whole and the association employees, and welcome Mike as we look forward towards a stronger future.”
