Grand Opening of The Commons by CTS

Header photo showcases the 2025 Board. Left to Right – Front Row: Camille Sauvagnac, Cheryl Chang, Jamie Maw, Ned Bell, Poyan Danesh, Shawna Gardham. Back Row: TJ Conwi, Alex Tung, Dez Lo, Chris Andraza, Johnny Bridge, Stacy Johnston, Cory Pelan, Robert Belcham, Joan Cross, Sid Cross. Missing members: Joel Stirke, Tret Jordan, Peter Warsycki

Celebrating a New Chapter: The grand opening ceremony of The Commons by CTS on October 9, 2025 was a true celebration of collaboration, vision, and community. The program reflected the heart of the Chefs’ Table Society of BC—honouring our roots, celebrating our achievements, and looking ahead to the bright future of our industry.

President Chef Johnny Bridge opened the ceremony introducing Founding Member Jamie Maw, who spoke about the origins and enduring legacy of the Chefs’ Table Society (Full speech here). Chef Robert Belcham followed, sharing the story behind the Culinary Commons project and offering heartfelt thanks to Jason Ocenas and the team at Bargreen Ellingson for making this shared space possible. Jason then spoke about Bargreen Ellingson’s role in supporting the vision from concept to completion.

“The Culinary Commons was always a ‘one day’

…and today is Day 1!”

— Chef Johnny Bridge, President of the Chefs’ Table Society of British Columbia exclaimed at the Grand Opening Ceremony

Robert returned to the stage to recognize the contributions of CTS’s founding members and key supporters, honouring them with a lifetime membership and capturing the moment with a group photo.Honorees in attendance were (left to right) Welbert Choi, Ryan Bissell, Julian Bond, Scott Jaeger, Robert Belcham, Johnny Bridge, John Bishop, Mary Mackay, Neil Wyles, Robert Clark, Sid Cross, Jamie Maw, Shawna Gardham. Others who were honoured but not present were: Darren Clay, Jack Evrensel, David Hawksworth, Ken Nakano, Pino Posteraro, Vikram Vij, James Walt, Chris Whitaker, and Celine Turenne.

Shawna Gardham, Executive Director, then introduced the current CTS Board of Directors and highlighted key initiatives and accomplishments of this board, including Restaurant Culture Shift resources, educational grants that have supported over 50 culinary students since 2022, the Apprentice of the Year award, COOKSCAMP, Mise en Place Podcast, CTS mentorship, and the Society’s signature fundraising events.

Closing the formal program, Chef Johnny Bridge spoke about the future—continuing to build community through events and initiatives, and especially through The Commons, envisioned as an inclusive hub for all members of the hospitality industry. He welcomed guests to explore the space, enjoy tours, and connect over delicious canapes by Salt + Sear Catering, wines from Township 7, craft beer from Rewind Brewery, and espresso martinis by Quality Coffee Systems featuring the Jura machine to toast this exciting new beginning.