Some people can be taught one thing and maybe one thing only–so they can’t necessarily progress and be stuck at the same wage, and basically companies can keep their costs low, which is a terrible, terrible business model,” said Mackenzie. “They need to have a goal and purpose and a way to better themselves and move forward. Mackenzie likes to run what he calls “a teaching kitchen,” adding it’s important to give staff (especially those just starting out) an education by getting them ingrained early in many facets of the business. He said he’s proud that ReadytoEat.ca is an ethical business, paying staff $16.00 per hour across the board, with tips split evenly between front and back of the house. Mackenzie says to be a business owner these days nothing is more important than taking care of staff. “I cannot emphasize that more than anything, that the staff are your most valuable resource and they are the thing that is in shortest supply now,” he said.

In an interview with Huddle, Mackenzie drew heavily on his experience cooking for years in Halifax, along with his later experience as executive chef at The Crowne Plaza, to help underline what he believes is the most important thing in all of cooking: cultivating a happy staff.

Reading Time: 4 minutes FREDERICTON–It has always been a line no one really minds waiting in–and beginning this Saturday, patrons of the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market can once again line up and enjoy a sit-down breakfast during market hours.Ĭhef Matt Mackenzie of ReadytoEat.ca has taken over the market menu with an intent to feature breakfast and brunch items made with local ingredients, primarily from Boyce Farmers Market vendors.Ī Red Seal chef, Mackenzie recently spent six years as executive chef at the Fredericton Crowne Plaza and the Lord Beaverbrook Hotel, helping create interest in the local movement in New Brunswick along the way.ĭuring his 20-year culinary career, Mackenzie has proven his passion for amplifying the quality of local food and hopes his new menu options will better showcase the products coming from market vendors.

To Win Her Love by Mackenzie Crowne