RRC Polytech’s Paterson GlobalFoods Institute (PGI) is offering a new main course, the Manitoba Restaurants Hall of Fame.  

Established by the Manitoba Restaurant and Foodservice Association (MRFA) in 2025 and located in PGI’s Annex, a new digital display highlights the stories of inductees who have built businesses and employed thousands across Manitoba’s restaurant sector.  

“Hosting the Manitoba Restaurants Hall of Fame recognizes that we are doing amazing training and just how instrumental RRC Polytech’s programs and alumni are to restaurants across Winnipeg, Manitoba and Canada and really the world,” says Kirk Johnson, Dean of the School of Hospitality, Culinary Arts and Baking at RRC Polytech.  

Making its home at PGI is a nature fit for the Manitoba Restaurants Hall of Fame. The MRFA provides educational resources to its members and advocates for the restaurant businesses and owners and offers innovative industry solutions.  

“Manitoba boasts more than 1,300 restaurants and you will be hard pressed to find one that doesn’t have a connection to a Culinary Arts graduate from RRC Polytech. Our program is producing talented students who are going on to work in, and open amazing culinary establishments offering diverse tastes,” says Johnson. 

Shaun Jeffrey, the Executive Director and CEO of MRFA, says the Association is proud to have the Hall of Fame at one of Canada’s most unique culinary institutions. 

“Education is one of our pillars and it’s probably one of the most important ones,” says Jeffrey, a 2004 graduate of RRC Polytech’s Hospitality and Tourism Management program. “We can’t continue to have a thriving industry without people who are educated on how to make it thrive.” 

MRFA and RRC Polytech continue to build on a longstanding partnership around the shared understanding that strong education supports the industry. Jeffrey serves on the advisory committee for the Culinary Arts to help ensure that RRC Polytech’s programs align with current trends and challenges. 

MRFA honours 2026 inductees 

This year, MRFA will induct three new members who have spent their careers transforming the industry.  

James ‘Jimmy’ Siwicki built on the legacy of his father, Anthony Siwicki Sr., and expanded the much-beloved Silver Heights Restaurant and Lounge on Portage Ave. A regular spot for birthday parties, ‘the Heights’ is now in its fourth generation of family involvement.  

Boston Pizza franchisee Richard Enright grew the brand across Manitoba, making a lasting impact on foodservice and the community. Through initiatives like the Boston Pizza Valentine’s Day campaign, more than $1M has been raised for charities across the province with Enright’s leadership.  

The late Oscar Grubert brought the Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise to Manitoba and built Champs Auto Drive. At its peak, his international food and beverage empire, Champs Food System, employed more than 3,000 people in more than 50 restaurants across Canada and the United States.  

Industry mentors and philanthropists Steve Hrousalas, Gord Howard and Doug Stephen were inducted in 2025.  

Johnson looks forward to one day seeing the Hall of Fame filled with RRC Polytech Culinary Arts graduates.  

“Hosting the Hall of Fame serves as a visual goal for every culinary student who enters the program and how they can leave their mark and inspire others.”  

Each year going forward the Hall of Fame will also include a Rising Star Award, which recognizes a graduate of an RRC Polytech Culinary program who is establishing a strong presence in the industry through talent, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.  

The award celebrates an emerging professional who demonstrates leadership, innovation, community involvement, and a passion for advancing the culinary profession.  

Members of the public are welcome to visit the Manitoba Restaurants Hall of Fame during the RRC Polytech Paterson GlobalFoods Institute’s regular operating hours Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed weekends and holidays).