At Parkland, every meal is a social occasion which is why our residents and their loved ones look forward to a culinary experience that feels as personal as their own home cooking. It’s a time when we gather, share a table and enjoy a range of dishes that bring back memories while creating new ones.
Since joining the organization as a Chef in 1998, Chief Culinary Officer Dana Schiefer (pictured left) has seen and experienced the impact of working directly with those who bring life to our communities. “They are more than residents, they are like family and we have a special bond because we work in their home,” he says. “They see us every day and have interesting lives and stories to share; getting to know them is an amazing part of the job.”
Schiefer oversees the culinary standards and menu design for all of our Parkland communities and believes the most important part of resident satisfaction is understanding their preferences and including a variety of quality and nutritious meals using local ingredients whenever possible. “We create seasonally inspired, rotating menus to ensure there is something for everyone,” he says. “Our menus include a selection of appetizers, main courses and desserts, and range from fine dining items to homestyle comfort food. Every dish is beautifully plated and freshly served.”
For residents with dietary requirements, Schiefer adds the level of personalization taken by every culinary team member. “We meet with each resident to understand their needs and preferences so they can enjoy the foods we serve with ingredients they enjoy,” he says. “And if a resident wants something off the menu or cooked in a specific way, we will do our best to accommodate their request.”
At Parkland, our residents love to entertain and have options when it comes to lifestyle and what’s included. Those who love to cook can prepare a meal in their fully equipped kitchen or sit back and relax while enjoying a restaurant-style dining experience led by the in-house chef and culinary team.
From the moment residents enter a Parkland dining room, the high ceilings, lighting, ambiance and welcoming team members set the stage for a wonderful meal. There is always someone to share a table with, whether it be neighbours, friends or visiting family. The dining room is always buzzing with great conversations and the unmistakable feeling of comfort, carefree living and exceptional service.
When it comes to service excellence, Parkland not only strives for consistent service but actively engages residents to welcome feedback. “We hold food council meetings monthly to discuss what they like, what they’d like to see and what they would like to change,” explains Schiefer, who notes the importance of comment cards available to residents after every meal.
It’s no wonder family members and visitors feel a sense of relief, happiness and comfort after visiting a Parkland Lifestyle Residences community. Their loved ones are living their best life while surrounded by dedicated team members, great friends and great food.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
“It’s a great place to grow your career. We have a lot of talented people here, including some who have started from the bottom and worked their way up. I think one of the biggest advantages of working at Parkland is the work life balance – our team is off by 7pm every night and have every other weekend off. They get to do what they love, while also getting to spend more time with their families.” – Dana Schiefer
If you take pride in being compassionate, honest, professional and safe, consider an exciting and rewarding career at Parkland. Learn more about our culinary and food service opportunities.
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