THE SCS ALUMNI PROJECT | Profile 10
Ryan O’Donnell
Director of Operations, Windsor Hospitality Group
& General Manager, Mercer Hall
When you spend time with Stratford Chefs School alumnus Ryan O’Donnell (Class of 2010), you get the feeling that everything is going to be just fine. He has a steady tone and a calming demeanor, which all good leaders possess. You’d follow this guy almost anywhere. Ryan has taken an interesting path to landing as General Manager of Mercer Hall where he oversees the kitchen operations, front of house and hotel management. In addition, he is Director of Operations for Stratford’s Windsor Hospitality Group, looking after operations for York Street Kitchen, The Prune Restaurant, Mercer Hall and Best Western Walkerton,where he oversees large caterings and banquets. One needs a steady head and a steady hand to guide an organization this size, especially through the past 18 months.
Ryan arrived at his love for hospitality as a second career. He worked regularly in the film industry in Toronto and when things were slow there, he found himself “working in kitchens almost by accident, to pay the bills.” Through these experiences, he fell in love with food and decided to make a change dedicated to this newfound passion.
After researching various culinary schools, Ryan found that SCS was the best way to move forward in his new career. He thought Stratford Chefs School had “a quality academic side,” and “wanted the background knowledge about gastronomy – the theory as well as the practical.”
It was during his time at SCS that he met and was mentored by chef Bryan Steele of Stratford’s The Old Prune Restaurant, where Ryan worked his way up to sous chef. Chef O’Donnell also began to teach at Stratford Chefs School in the winters and cook at The Prune during the busy summer season. The shoulder months of the off-season gave him the opportunity to visit many countries and stage at restaurants around the world. His travels included trips to England, France, Spain and Australia, and helped shape his experience in the culinary arts. He says that “the School’s connections allowed these experiences to unfold.”
After Bill and Shelley Windsor purchased The Old Prune, Ryan felt an immediate connection to the couple and formed a great working bond with them. The three went on to make Mercer Hall a welcoming favourite destination in Stratford. “You need to really understand the whole picture to succeed in hospitality. The front of house, the needs and demands of the kitchen, the bar and junior floor staff. The shared values of every element make up the essence of hospitality overall.”
Ryan also feels passionately about the region of Perth County and the incredible producers the area has to offer, speaking highly of local farmers: “I’ve travelled the world. I’ve seen and tasted all kinds of produce from incredible regions and Perth County is unique. The farmers work with you to establish products for your restaurants. And then they come and eat!”
If you don’t know Ryan O’Donnell, make a point of introducing yourself the next time you frequent one of Windsor Hospitality’s destination restaurants. He’ll make time for you and you’ll immediately understand the true meaning of hospitality.
Are you thinking about a career in the culinary arts?
Contact Jeff Leney at admissions@stratfordchef.com for more information.
READ MORE ALUMNI PROJECT PROFILES
Photography by Terry Manzo (SCS Class of 1985)
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Photography: Terry Manzo | Video Edit: Slater Manzo
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CHICKEN & EGG | 2 Course Finish at Home Meal Kit | Thursday, September 16
Menu
Pork & Shrimp Wonton Soup
Confit chicken, sous vide egg, kimchi, yakitori sauce, radish, cucumber, sesame
$30 per person + HST | Chef Instructor Eli Silverthorne
Optional Add-ons:
Wine (750 ml bottle) $30
SCHNITZEL | 3 Course Finish at Home Meal Kit | Thursday, September 23
Menu
Alsatian Tart flambee
Pork Schnitzel with potato salad, green beans, house sauerkraut
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Optional Add-ons:
Wine (750 ml bottle) $30
Par-baked Tart dough is available
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Photography by Terry Manzo (SCS Class of 1985)