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estaurant News R August 2014 Vol. 16 No. 4
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Tales from the dish pit Dishwasher Fernando Camacho. Photo by A.A. Scott McClellan.
FOOD MATTERS: Restaurants and sustainable systems
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Life
Canada Post Publications Mail Agreement No. 40010152
A day in the
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From grower to plate, ARN takes a look at some of the faces and places along the supply chain process.
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By Jonathan Zettel, assistant editor ST. JOHN’S—An online interactive documentary takes a look at the lives of 10 Newfoundland and Labrador dishwashers. Bubble Dancers, a Mad Mummer Media production, was filmed in St. John’s and released online through the National Film Board’s interactive platform on June 21. “Dishwashers often come from all walks of life and have very interesting stories beyond the mundane duties of their job,” Mad Mummer Media cofounder Mark Hoffe told ARN.
“Restaurant chefs always get the glory and the servers always get the tips, so it was time to shine the spotlight on the dish pit.” Hoffe also acted as creative director and writer. Annette Clarke and Nicholas Klassen of the NFB and Brad Gover, co-founder of Mad Mummer Media, were producers for the project. The project also received support from the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation. “Brad Gover and I both worked in the restaurant industry and began as dishwashers before moving up the
Tim Hortons unveils future concept store TORONTO—Tim Hortons unveiled a full-scale concept store at a company convention in mid-July at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. According to the Canadian Press, the concept store was set up to allow suppliers and franchise partners to imagine what could someday be possible at a local Tim Hortons. Some of the more striking ideas included coffee-flavoured beer on tap, a unisex washroom and a completely redesigned brand logo featuring a bright red coffee bean. The concept store also featured digital interfaces on the table, which would allow customers to order their food and have it delivered. A staff
mixologist would create smoothies and health drinks to order and a variety of omelettes, crepes, cupcakes and poutine pretzels could also find their way onto shelves in the future. The unveiling also showcased upgrades to the company’s Timmy Me application for smartphones. According to CP, the app will remember the users’ names and favourite food items, which could potentially reduce wait times. A grab-and-go section of the Restaurant of the Future would allow customers in a rush to grab from a selection of sandwiches, salads and hot food items. Continued on page 10
kitchen hierarchy to become cooks,” said Hoffe. The interactive framing allows users to choose which dishwasher they want to see. “It’s kind of degrading, really, because usually people will come in and throw crap down and expect you to do everything,” Sean Issac Harris told filmmakers about his job as a dishwasher. The film also features John Hines, Matthew Malone, Tony Johnson, Leslie Wagner, Ashley Dunn, Fernando Camacho, Pete Löfstedt, Cyril Hynes and Kayode Arowolo.
Tim Hortons’ future concept.
“I think there’s a general belief that dishwashers are unmotivated, uneducated individuals, but as Bubble Dancers proves, that couldn’t be further from the truth,” Hoffe said. “It’s not like we hand-picked the people to profile. They were the first 10 people to say yes.” Hoffe said dishwashers play a pivotal role in the restaurant: “Who wants to eat off a dirty plate or receive a fork caked in yesterday’s brunch egg yolk?” To see the film visit: bubbledancers.nfb. ca