St. Albert’s Matt Deacon has made his mark in Edmonton’s dining industry when he won a title in Edmonton’s Tourism Awards in May.
The awards highlight individuals that stand out in Edmonton’s tourism community, which includes businesses in the dining industry, catering, bartending, culinary services, driver services, volunteer services, customer service, housekeeping, retail services, and tourism services.
Deacon was named Edmonton’s Best Dining Server for his position at Cactus Club CafĂ© on Jasper Avenue.
The award nomination was first brought to Deacon’s attention in late November, after he served a secret shopper in the restaurant who was impressed by his service and personality. Upon approval by general management at the location, Deacon filled out a questionnaire, which soon thereafter lead to a rigorous interview by the Edmonton Tourism board.
“They were looking for what have you done to go above and beyond what is expected of you,” explains Deacon of the criteria to be nominated for the award.
“What really separates you from the rest.”
Deacon tells of a time he drove restaurant guests to the airport for fear of them missing a flight that a taxi hadn’t shown up for. This is generally considered something above the status quo of what is expected for restaurant servers.
These instances Deacon pays to his experiences at Cactus Club, an employer which he describes as inspiring and a place that encourages its employees to “blow customers away.”
“I honestly didn’t expect it, especially when you’re competing with servers from the Fairmont, Hardware Grill and LaRonde,” Deacon says of winning the award.
“I just love being a server.”
