MAJOR TOM READY FOR CUSTOMERS
Managers have used long COVID delay to build and train a talented staff
The restaurant industry was one of the hardest hit by the pandemic. We lost some fine eateries run by good operators who were just unable to wait out the COVID disruption to their businesses.
Concorde Entertainment Group has been serving this city since 1987 and thanks to its long experience and good management over years that have included many economic ups and downs, it continues to thrive and has become one of Canada's largest and most diversified hospitality companies. Restaurants like Pigeonhole, Lulu Bar and the hugely popular Bridgette Bar have earned it a reputation applauded across the country.
It must have been trying on executive patience to see its plans for the opening of its newest venture, Major Tom, delayed for over a year. It is now open.
The classy restaurant was ready to welcome guests last spring, completely furnished on the 40th floor atop the Stephen Avenue Place building — formerly known as Scotia Tower — in the heart of downtown at the corner of 7th Avenue and 2nd Street S.W.
But general manager Brittany Thompson says the months have given her the opportunity to build and train a talented staff committed to providing the best of service as well as providing the finest in food and beverages.
Thompson joined Concorde from Notable restaurant and previously worked her way up through the many functions of the restaurant industry at both Pigeonhole and Bridgette Bar.
Concorde can boast of many gems among its 19 Calgary locations, but Thompson has earned her new position at Major Tom that surely will become the company's crown jewel.
Garrett Martin, Concorde's culinary director, is overseeing the food offerings at Major Tom. After working in several of Calgary's fine restaurants, he joined Concorde Group in 2014 but was lured away to The Willows of Lake Lummi in Washington State. After gaining great experience at such a premier destination, he returned to Calgary to accept his current position in 2019, inspired with a new taste for creativity and passion to pass on to his Calgary cooks.
The kitchen at Major Tom must be a delight to work in, surrounded by windows with spectacular views and designed with a flow-through of all brand new equipment. The 20 kitchen staff members — many trained at SAIT — are led by Chef de Cuisine Garrett Rotel.
Martin says his debut menu will be high on locally sourced items, ranging from its crispy hen eggs with pepperoni jam hors d'oeuvres to the extensive beef program that buys from a collective in Picture Butte.
Even the restaurant's coffee cups are local, commissioned from Rayne Maker Pottery in Canmore.
A bank of eight elevators takes you to the top floor where you enter into Major Tom, via a bright space behind a lofty, transparent bar that provides the first glimpses of the magnificent views out to the west.
Designed by Frank Architecture & Interiors (the Calgary firm that has been responsible for Concorde's attractive locations), the restaurant breathes class throughout its spacious, comfortable seating for 198 — all with a view.
No doubt the casual bar will be a busy spot with its 12 beers on tap and the high glass shelving that displays a selection of 300 spirits.
The area facing south that looks down upon the Calgary Tower and Fairmont Palliser Hotel has folding dividers that can separate the space into three event-focused rooms for 70 to 80 seated guests, and a more intimate library nook.
Major Tom is a huge commitment by Concorde Group, providing welcome positions for some 60 staff as well as bringing new ideas and flavours to Calgarians who are more than ready to enjoy being out on the town again.
And the company is continuing to grow, according to director of operations Dewey Noordhof, who says quality restaurants are critical in attracting corporations and their employees to this city.
The Calgary Stampede is ready to kick off another exciting extravaganza and will hopefully attract people from outside the province to enjoy our hospitality.
Among the expected guests is Kareen Rispal, ambassador of France to Canada on her first visit to the Stampede; she will be escorted to the grounds and on several business appointments by Roy Klassen, honorary consul for France and partner at Mcleod Law.
David Parker's columns appear regularly in the Herald. Read his columns online at calgaryherald. com/business. He can be reached at 403-830-4622 or by email at info@ davidparker.ca.