Re: News & Discussion: CBD Retail
Posted: Thu Dec 12, 2013 9:34 am
Jamie's Italian promises about 100 jobs to staff new restaurant opening in Adelaide CBD in 2014
by: FOOD WRITER Dianne Mattsson
From: The Advertiser
December 11, 2013 5:59PM
THERE is a welcome seed of excitement on the work front, despite today's news of manufacturing job losses.
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is promising employment for about 100 hospitality workers when his new CBD restaurant opens late next year.
Echoes of his down-to-earth style could be heard throughout a Jamie's Italian exec's visit to Adelaide yesterday.
In strict "Jamie's rules" casual dress, JO's Australian operations manager Karen Westfield announced that help is wanted in the CBD.
Ms Westfield had a sneak peak at the now-confirmed home to be of Jamie's Italian, in the historic WESTPAC bank site at No 2 King William St , city.
She also met Regency TAFE hopefuls, hospitality student Jess Teakle, 18, and Jurie van Wyngaard, 20, who is ready to go with his commercial cookery ticket.
They celebrated the good job news at the dramatic entrance to the site, a giant bank-security-grade embossed steel door which opens downwards, disappearing into a basement.
The door is one of many historic features, including the lofty banking chamber and basement safe, being restored to blend with the restaurant fitout.
The Adelaide arm in the series of restaurants, a partnership between Jamie Oliver and his Italian mentor, Chef Gennaro Contaldo, follows successful openings in Sydney, Perth, Canberra and, most recently, Brisbane.
"We're welcoming everyone to apply," says Karen. "The traits we are looking for are the passion and the love of food. Our restaurants are fast-paced and exciting. For successful candidates, there are plenty of opportunities for progression and travel too.''
Keenest applications will be accepted from today, with a recruiting drive to follow early in the new year for chefs of all levels, kitchen hands, bar staff, hosts, managers and waiters.
Karen promises as many local people as possible will be employed, and local produce will feature on the menus.
"There will definitely be lots of unique elements (at the Adelaide site) from the design of the restaurant to some of the produce we'll be using," she says. "We always offer daily specials which will allow us to make the most of all the incredible ingredients available here."
With the unique heritage-listed premises, adjacent to Adelaide icons including Parliament and Government House, specific reference to the building's bank history is planned, "emphasising the amazing ceiling height in the banking chamber, as well as using the main safe in the basement".
"The look and feel will be quite different to the other Jamie's Italians in Australia."
Jess and Jurie were excited to collect details for their applications.
"A job at Jamie's would be a seriously good experience, and it would look great on the resume," says Jess. "I use his recipes all the time."
"They will definitely get my application," says Jurie, who recently qualified with a Regency's Certificate 4, and is looking for an apprenticeship.
"Jamie is one of the greats. I would be one of the happiest people alive working here.
"This is also going to be a great boost for hospitality jobs in Adelaide. You'll get great training; it's the type of job that will set you up."
To apply, email [email protected]
