Meet the Culinary MVP Behind the CFL's Biggest Event of the Year

Published on : 2/9/22

    • The Canadian Football League’s season wrapped up in December 2021, culminating with the 108th Grey Cup at the Tim Horton’s Field (THF) in Hamilton, Ontario. The home of the Hamilton Tiger Cats welcomed 26,000 fans, excited to celebrate Canadian football’s biggest event of the year. Feeding a crowd this large is no small feat, and THF executive chef and local Hamiltonian Tina Rousseaux delivered on all fronts.  

    For Chef Tina, not only was this her first Grey Cup event, but it also happened to be her first year as the executive chef at the Tim Horton’s Field. This event was a season-long buildup that began with the training camp in June and never slowed down. There were many challenges, particularly relating to the COVID-19 pandemic — the event had to be scaled down — but her team rose to the challenge at every turn.

    The fan experience was reimagined to deliver a wide variety of options emphasizing local vendors from around the region. The focus from the culinary team was on using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients and showcasing the absolute best of Canadian hospitality for the 26,000 fans in attendance.

    Some numbers from the general concourse concessions: 

    • 4,500 hot dogs
    • 4,600 slices of pizza
    • 3,000 popcorn servings
    • 2,500 fries and poutines
    • 5,000 servings of hot chocolates and coffees
    • 49,000 servings of beer 

     

    Chef Tina admits this event was the busiest she has ever executed at THF and was grateful for the team of Sodexo Live! chefs — from the Scotiabank Convention Center, the Beanfield Center and BC Place — who offered their support throughout the season, and especially during the week leading up to the Grey Cup on December 12. This type of event could not have happened without a solid team. 

    Chef Tina Rousseaux says:

    As for my own staff, they are outstanding! They make me proud every single day, and they are responsible for our success. The passion and drive that they bring are inspiring, and the leadership that was shown in the kitchen is unrivaled. I am truly grateful to have them.

    The chef, who is well-loved by her teams, both in the kitchen and on the field, is looking forward to planning and hosting another successful Grey Cup in 2023 when the event returns to the Tim Hortons Field.

    Learn more about how Sodexo Live! can enhance the guest experience at your stadium.

     

     

     

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