On October 17, 2011 Emad will be inducted under the Active Restaurateur Category -celebrating exceptional restaurateurs currently active in the BC restaurant industry.

Congratulations Emad! Watch the video here!

To read more on the 2011 BC Restaurant Hall of Fame or to see more inductees, visit the BCRFA website for details.

Name: Trevor Cook

Position: Graphic Designer

Where did you grow up?

A very small town on Vancouver Island called Fanny Bay. There are two things you do when you live there. Work at the Fanny Bay Oyster’s plant or the BCF Shake Mill. I worked at the Shake Mill. I was a shingle packer and still have the scars to prove it.

What inspired you or how did you start in the hospitality business?

I started in the hospitality business to support myself while I went to university. My first job was a dishwasher/janitor at Ricki’s All Day Grill in the Comox Valley. It was disgusting and paid $6 an hour. The worst part was cleaning out the giant ketchup buckets. The hot water would mix with the left over ketchup and send ketchup-scented steam into my face. To this day I cannot handle the smell of ketchup.

Tell us how you came to be a part of the Glowbal Collection and where you started with us.

I started at glowbal grill – hired on the spot by John Crook. Two weeks later I started serving. I spent a year and a half serving at glowbal grill until I made my way into the corporate side as a Graphic Designer. Just after the Olympics, Emad came to the restaurant and spoke to us about supporting our career development and that he encouraged us to voice our ambitions. I later emailed him and our HR Director, describing my interest in designing for the company. I also created a redesign of the birthday card mailer to show a sneak-peek of what I could offer. I started working 1-2 days a week with the Marketing team, creating a few designs. After a couple months I have now found a full-time position as a Graphic Designer with the Glowbal Collection.

Do you have a favorite GRG location? Why?

glowbal grill of course! It’s where I started with the company. I will always consider it my restaurant home.

Other than the restaurant business, what jobs or careers have you held?

Shingle packer at BCF Shake Mill, Janitor, Artist’s Assistant, Fine Art Framer.

If you weren’t in this business, what would you be doing?

I would be creating some kind of visual art. I’ve always been creative and enjoy the process of it. I may have become a bohemian painter with a gaggle of loyal followers or a broody Patrick Swayze style pottery maker.

Favorite meal?

Yaletown breakfast and French Toast! Brunch at glowbal grill is AMAZING!

What don’t I know about you?

I have two tattoos; one of them covers half my back and my rear-end. I eat ice cream by the bucketful…literally.

If were travelling to a deserted island and could only bring three things with you, what would you choose?

The Practical: A hatchet – It’s all I would need to get food, shelter and would finally complete my total bad-ass persona.

The Fun: A gun – no bullets though. This is mainly to add more depth to my bad-ass persona. I would walk around the island all day holding it sideways and making shooting noises.

The Necessary: A child’s tuxedo – I have a secret fantasy that I build and live in a Swiss Family Robinson style island retreat. It would have all the amenities: A multi-story structure resembling Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Falling water”, an 1956 Eams Lounge Chair made entirely of coconuts, turtles that double as foot rests, monkey masseurs, monkey hairdresser, monkey valet and a monkey head butler. The tux is for him. Not only to show his rank but it is mainly because my personal retreat is classier than yours.

If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would it be?

I think I’d choose Karl Lagerfeld, just so I could see if it was possible to eat and talk while wearing that neck-brace he calls a collar. Also, he’s insane. The conversation would at least be interesting for that reason.

Iphone or Blackberry?

Neither…? It sounds crazy but I got my very first cell phone a year ago. At 27 years old I finally joined the rest of the world. I have a Nokia, which might not be fancy, but it works…usually.

Name: Patrick Austin

Position: Director of Restaurant Operations

Where did you grow up?

I’m a rare breed; one of the few people in the Vancouver Hospitality business actually from Vancouver.  Growing up in Point Grey, I was a founding member of the Dunbar Gang.  Not really, but they did chase me home a lot.

What inspired you or how did you start in the hospitality business?

A parentally mandated summer job had me knocking on doors at 15 year of age.  The Keg took a chance on me.

Give a brief outline of your work history and accomplishments.

I started at the Keg – after a year of successful bussing, I got promoted to dishwasher.  I worked in pubs & bars while slumming across Europe, returned to Vancouver and settled with Earls for about 8 years, doing pretty much every job they’d let me do.  I met Emad during Glowbal’s construction and came on board as their bar manager in 2002 shortly after opening.  The rest is history and a bit of a blur.  I’m currently the Director of Restaurant Operations.

What’s your favorite part of the restaurant business?

I love figuring out how to do things better and seeing the results.  I love our growth and our improvement.  I’m lucky to have met the people that I have.  I was once told I’d never make it in the restaurant business.  If that’s not motivation, I don’t know what is.  You know who you are.  By the way, I charged you double the last time you came in.

Do you have a favorite GRG location? Why?

Sanafir will always have a special place in my heart.  I know everything about the room, the story, its history, the best days and the worst.  The food is some of our most creative.  Nothing comes easy for Sanafir (as a business) yet the staff and guests always seem so happy.  It’s magic.

Other than the restaurant business, what jobs or careers have you held?

My high school aptitude results told me the ideal career was an Amusement Park Ride Operator (God’s honest truth).  Not sure what that says about me, but I think that would be fun.  Tough to get summers off…

If you weren’t in this business, what would you be doing?

If I wasn’t in this business, I wouldn’t have met my wife.  So I’d probably be focused on how to marry rich. Alternate answer; it would be team oriented.  I love to figure people out and teach and train.  I want to connect with people and make an impact.

What don’t I know about you?

My kids don’t recognize me when I’m in ‘Work Mode’.  When I’m at home, I’m a different person.  I’m laid back, easy going, playful and a bit of a goof.  I think I just heard a collective “No Way” from our staff.

What’s your favorite vacation spot and why?

Savary Island.  I can unplug and turn off the world.  I focus on my family, good books and lots of cooking.  My biggest stress is making a great pot of coffee.

First celebrity crush?

Betty Rubble.

If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would it be?

I’d take my Mum to COAST on a packed Friday night.  She never saw my successes & development within GRG and I’m pretty proud of what we’ve accomplished.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you “grew up”?

I wanted to be a grown-up.  If and when it happens, I’ll let you know.

Join us on July 16th at Oppenheimer Park for our annual summer BBQ, in support of the Union Gospel Mission! A big thank you to all who have come forward to volunteer, however we still have openings and are looking for additional help. For more information on shifts and how you can get involved in this great initiative, click here! We appreciate your support and look forward to hearing from you!

Name: Ashley Tungate

Position: Executive Assistant & Marketing Coordinator

Where did you grow up?

Aldergrove, BC – small town girl!

What inspired you or how did you start in the hospitality business?

I took some time off from the corporate world and went back to serving in early 2010. I started serving at COAST last June. After attending the Glowbal Group orientation and reading through the Employee Handbook, I felt myself being drawn back in. I was so inspired by what Glowbal Group had created – and are still creating – that I wanted to be a part of it. I made it a personal goal to switch over to the corporate side as soon as possible…and here I am!

Give a brief outline of your work history and accomplishments.

Prior to Glowbal Group, I was at TELUS for 5 years. I was an Event Manager, specifically in Event and Experiential Marketing. My portfolio consisted of executive level and flagship events, as well as Corporate Communications support. As part of Experiential Marketing I was also an extension of the TELUS Brand Team, so I also worked on various brand initiatives and acted as a consultant for other team members on their activations, events and programs.

What’s your favorite part of the restaurant business?

I love that the restaurant industry provides a platform for creating an experience for the guest and all who come into contact with it. The dynamic energy, creative freedom and constant growth result in an ever-evolving atmosphere where anything is possible.

Other than the restaurant business, what jobs or careers have you held?

One of my favorite jobs was in the music industry. I worked for a local artist here in Vancouver. I was afforded the opportunity to tour throughout Canada and even went to New York with the band. I’m also a certified personal trainer and former national level fitness competitor.

If you weren’t in this business, what would you be doing?

Singing, most definitely. I have been singing with cover bands for the last 5 years and about to start writing my own music. It is my number one passion. I firmly believe in following your heart’s desires as it inspires others to do the same.

Favorite meal?

I’m obsessed with burgers. It’s a Tungate trait. I was in Dubai in 2008 activating a TELUS program and when setting up our gala at the Burj, I decided it was most appropriate to try a burger from a 7-Star hotel. Only $230!

What don’t we know about you?

I miss my horse and horseback riding every day of my life. I competed in show-jumping for years but quit shortly after my dad passed away. I’d love to get back into horseback riding.

What do you do in your spare time?

I spend a lot of time with family, friends and my music, but I also love dabbling in new things. I enjoy throwing myself into new situations. I want to try burlesque dancing or the Vancouver Circus School next!

Perfect Friday night?

A perfect Friday night would be spent gigging / singing. If not performing myself, it would be catching a live show. Live music feeds the soul.

Favorite song to sing?

How do I choose? I love performing all classic rock. But if I have to choose I’d say “Somebody to Love” by Queen.

Who inspires you?

I have been blessed to always be surrounded by strong, driven and down to earth women – they all continue to inspire me. Also, anyone who is following their passion, whatever it may be. Seeing anyone in their element is incredibly inspiring.

glowbal grill – Regular Hours (serving brunch)

Trattoria – Regular Hours (serving brunch)

Italian Kitchen – Regular Hours (serving brunch)

COAST – closed for lunch, open for dinner at 4pm

Society – Closed all day (Movie Nights resume Monday, May 30th)

Sanafir – Closed all day

IK2GO – Closed all day

Have a safe and lovely weekend!