WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2018 “The stars have aligned with a great new location, a creative new partner and a strong and supportive team and community. There is something extremely exciting about growing beyond your roots.” – THYME & AGAIN OWNER SHEILA WHYTE
So, the chef with 20-plus years’ experience and two wins at Gold Medal Plates Ottawa accepted Whyte’s offer to head up operations at Thyme & Again. He officially joined the company at the beginning of March. “I would not have (expanded) if Michael hadn’t come on board,” said Whyte, a former Women’s Business Network Ottawa Businesswoman of the Year. “I really felt like I did need a partner because it’s a big project.” As part of the process, Thyme & Again surveyed its customers and neighbours to gather feedback on potential products and services that interested them. “The engagement we saw was amazing,” said Whyte. “Having that kind
of support within our community is what makes this next project so special.” The plan is to move the catering and food production to Carling Avenue, where it will be easier for customers to park and quickly pop into the store. MORE HIRING The company will be hiring between eight and 10 more people. Currently, it has a full-time workforce of more than 50, with part-timers bringing the number closer to 100. (When the business was founded in 1991, it was just Whyte, her now-general manager Rose Goyette and a cook.) Thyme & Again has caught on to the fact that many consumers really don’t want to cook anymore or, even if they
do, they just don’t have the time. It sells gourmet dips and salsas, sauces, fresh soups, desserts, frozen entrées and casseroles. Customers can, for example, buy a fresh roasted chicken for dinner rather than the store-bought rotisserie kind – which, let’s face it, can be on the dry and tasteless side. Thyme & Again also prepares platters of charcuterie, cheeses and smoked fish with salmon and Fogo Island cod, for customers to serve at home to guests. Whyte and Moffatt have a long history of working together in the community at events ranging from Canada’s Table open-air dining to the Great Canadian Theatre Company pop-up dinners to the Celebrity Chefs Night at Algonquin College, where Moffatt graduated from
the culinary management program. They plan to continue their tradition of hosting culinary community projects. Moffatt, who’s used to working long hours and preparing dishes à la minute, says his lifestyle has become more balanced since he left the restaurant industry. “It is nice,” Moffatt acknowledged. “I didn’t make the change just for that – it wasn’t the driving force – but it’s been a big benefit. “I didn’t know what I didn’t have until I had it, and, now that I have it, it’s huge.” Mind you, the pace is about to pick up. “He hasn’t gone through the really busy season yet,” Whyte added, knowingly.
CONGRATULATIONS, Cathy Hay! Congratulations to Cathy Hay, for being a finalist in the Established Entrepreneur category for the 2018 Business Woman of the Year Awards (BYAs).
Expressing gratitude, Cathy says she’s “grateful to do what (she) loves” and “to have such an incredible amount of care and support from the people around (her).” Best of luck to Cathy and all of the other fabulous women whose accomplishments will be recognized on April 19th, 2018 at the BYAs!
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As the Owner of Hay Design Inc., Cathy has become a highly-respected go-to for all matters relating to commercial and residential interior design in the Greater Ottawa Area. Cathy is a veritable pro with everything from design renderings and space analyses to move coordination and construction administration. Her clientele ranges from restaurants and educational facilities to offices and healthcare environments.