Newfoundland and Labrador restaurants will have access to free training for frontline staff starting next month, as the provincial government works to improve service quality ahead of the 2025 tourism season.
The province announced Tuesday it will spend $208,380 to create The Customer Journey training program, which will be available to all food and beverage operators by June 10. The initiative comes as the province prepares for major tourism events, including the Canada Summer Games in August.
Local restaurant owners Jeremy Bonia and Jay Vallis developed the program with Perfect Day Canada, while Up Sky Down Films handled production. The training focuses on hospitality and service skills for restaurant staff across the province.
Training addresses industry costs
The program aims to reduce training expenses that burden many restaurants while raising service standards industry-wide. Food and beverage operators can register by contacting morethanservicenl@gmail.com.
The food service sector employs about 15,000 people in Newfoundland and Labrador. Funding comes through the Labour Market Partnerships program under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement.
Tourism season preparations
The training rollout comes as the province prepares for increased visitor numbers. More than 4,800 participants from 13 provinces and territories are expected for the Canada Summer Games this August.
The provincial government has also expanded air access options for 2025, including three direct routes connecting with the United Kingdom and Europe. A new intraprovincial air service will connect St. John’s, Gander and Deer Lake from June 15 to September 20.
Industry support
“As we prepare for an influx of visitors this tourism season, we are equipping restaurants with the tools to create more ‘five star’ hospitality experiences,” said Gerry Byrne, Minister of Jobs, Immigration and Growth. “We consulted with industry to create workforce training that can help operators grow their businesses while saving time and money.”
The program will support operations of all sizes, from food trucks to fine dining establishments, according to the government.
“As a vibrant and challenged restaurant industry in this province, we are happy for all of the recent support and outreach from this government,” said Jeremy Bonia, restaurant and hospitality consultant and sommelier. “We feel that programs such as this one and the ongoing collaborations with Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, Restaurants Canada and the Provincial Government are further helping to strengthen our industry.”
