Confederation College Hospitality Management Program held its first "who’s the greater waiter" race outside Ryan Hall on Sunday. About 12 local businesses placed its best waiters and waitresses against each other. More than 40 competitors ran the 500-metre course carrying a tray with water and two filled glasses. The servers had to use one arm to carry the tray. Participants paid $15, which covered the cost of the event as well as the t-shirts.
Linda Klukie, a server at the Prospector, came in first for the women’s category. Klukie legged behind at the beginning of the race but took the lead at the halfway point. She battled to keep her place and ultimately took first.
"Coming around the corner I took the inside track," Klukie said. "We do a lot of these team events at the Prospector. We like doing fun stuff together. You’ll notice it is most of the older servers because the younger ones couldn’t get up this morning."
Klukie worked at the Prospector for a number of years and said a good server is positive and pays attention to the customers.
Dushan Zuber, from the Keg Steakhouse and Bar, came in first in the men's category and the servers from the Prospector won the relay race.
Lisa Crozier, a first-year student in the culinary management program at Confederation College, said she considered the competition as training for her future career.
"The course is a lot harder than it looks," Crozier said. "You can’t run so you walk and it is hard on the calves; your arm gets sore."
Crozier said she wanted to go into server as part of her career choice. She said a fast, steady and friendly person makes a good server.
Bill Gregorash, co-ordinator for the hospitality and management program at Confederation College, said the event brings more attention to hospitality program.
"It’s a brand new program," Gregorash said. "Hospitality is just such a growing industry right now. We’re just trying to get people involved. Waiter races aren’t new they do it in Europe all the time."
Traditionally, serving isn't looked at as a permanent job but more as temporary employment. However, Gregorash said most business owners started as a server and moved onto owning or running a larger company or business. Gregorash said he started out in the business as a dishwasher.
"If you talked to the general manager of the Valhalla Inn you`ll find out he started out as a waiter," he said. "They have all done serving. Every day is different. Believe me, in this industry, everyday is different."
Gregorash said he plans to have another race for high school students next year.
