Hy’s of Canada COO Megan Buckley receives “Trailblazer” Award from Les Dames d’Escoffier
Prestigious honour given at 2017 Where to Dine Awards presentation
Megan Buckley, Chief Operating Officer of Hy’s Canada has been honoured with the 2017 Trailblazer Award by the BC Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier during the Where to Dine Awards celebration. This award “honours exceptional women in BC who have blazed a trail, explored new territory… and have either included others along their journey and/or provided a pathway to inspire others in their own careers.”
During her notable career in hospitality, Megan has moved from the host stand to hosting the Presidents of the United States and Russia. Throughout her career, she has achieved an unwavering pursuit of hospitality excellence that is demonstrated in the guest experiences at each of her restaurants. As an accomplished mentor, she has supported an army of young entrepreneurial spirits who have worked their way up the restaurant ladder to become General Managers, Sommeliers and Chefs. If a leader can be judged by the success of those they mentor, train, and develop, then Megan has certainly been a success at every stage of her career.
“I am truly honoured to be recognized by Les Dames d’Escoffier, a respected group of women leaders, as well as by my peers in the hospitality industry,” said Megan Buckley, Chief Operating Officer, Hy’s of Canada. “Creating opportunities for professionals to thrive and advance in our business is very important to the future of the hospitality industry, and I am so pleased to be able to support and empower fabulous industry talent. I would like to thank Les Dames d’Escoffier, and Where Magazine for hosting the award.”
Megan’s career in hospitality began while in university. She threw herself into her work with the passion, intelligence, and warmth that have been her hallmark, and progressed quickly through new responsibilities. While at Sequoia Group, she was part of the team that opened the Vancouver landmark, Seasons in the Park. As Seasons’ General Manager, she hosted the 1993 Summit Dinner between Presidents Clinton and Yeltsin.
Megan moved to Hy’s of Canada, where she opened Gotham Steakhouse in 1999 and, while remaining the GM of Gotham, took on the added role of VP, Operations for the entire Hy’s group in 2003. She currently holds the title of Chief Operations Officer, overseeing all aspects of running five legendary Hy’s Steakhouses across Canada and Vancouver’s iconic Gotham Steakhouse.
Megan’s commitment has brought incredible success to Hy’s of Canada throughout her tenure. Both Hy’s and Gotham have accumulated a long list of accolades and awards for operational excellence, impeccable service and exceptional dining. She was inducted into the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame in 2011.
Megan’s tenacity and leadership in the highly competitive restaurant market is evident in her dedication to maintaining the relevancy of the Hy’s and Gotham brands. She has championed brand evolutions for both Hy’s and Gotham brands to ensure they remain contemporary and authentic. Megan is instrumental in leading the development of new menus, ensuring that they remain true to concept, while also acknowledging new techniques and ingredients. She has smartly embraced technology as an early adopter of both guest-facing technologies as well as back of house systems that have drastically improved operational efficiencies. And, she is a consummate leader of service initiatives, ensuring guests are always at the forefront.
Congratulations to Megan Buckley on receiving the Trailblazer Award and for the lasting, positive impact she has had on Canada’s restaurant industry.
