FOUNDING DIRECTORS

 

 

ELEANOR KANE

Eleanor Kane obtained a master’s degree in psychology and applied this training to the field of child development, working first in Edmonton and then in Montreal with children with developmental disorders and their families. She directed one of the very first multi-disciplinary treatment teams in this branch of health services at a rehabilitation centre in Montreal.

Looking for a breather, she decided to pursue a life-long interest in hospitality by opening The Old Prune restaurant in Stratford in 1977 with business partner Marion Isherwood. For the first years of the business, Eleanor was the cooking inspiration for the restaurant. The Old Prune has become one of Ontario's finest restaurants.

In 2001, Eleanor was awarded the Gold Award for her outstanding contribution to Hospitality Education by the Ontario Hostelry Institute.

As well as teaching the gastronomy components of Food Preparation Theory Levels 1 and 2, she also directs and evaluates Level 2 apprentices in Restaurant Labs. Eleanor is also responsible for the theoretical components of the Stratford Chefs School's curriculum.

 

JAMES MORRIS

James Morris received his original training in hotel management in Ireland and is a member of the British Hotel, Catering and Institutional Management Association. In London, James worked for the Grand Metropolitan Hotels in the sales department. In Canada, he gained experience in dining-room management at Winston's Restaurant in Toronto before opening Rundles Restaurant in Stratford in 1977.

In 1991, in recognition of his work at Rundles and as co-founder of the Stratford Chefs School, James was awarded the Ontario Hostelry Institute's Gold Award for his Outstanding Contribution to the Hospitality and Food Service Industry of Ontario.

James teaches the service and kitchen management components of Level 1 Kitchen Management and the foodstyle component of Levels 1 and 2 Food Preparation Theory. As well as directing and evaluating Level 2 apprentices in Restaurant Labs, James is responsible for Practical Cookery at the Stratford Chefs School.