MEET OUR TEAM
BRIAN HEWITT (he/him) is our Chef Coordinator for both the Hungry Heart and its sister social enterprise, Stella's Brasserie. He has been working in the hospitality industry for 13 years and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Hungry Heart kitchen. From working in fine dining and private catering to serving up refined pub food and managing kitchens all over the Avalon, Brian's goal is to use his skills and training to help people and be a positive force in their lives.
When asked what his favourite part about working with the Hungry Heart team is, Brian said: “Working alongside a phenomenal group of people”.
MAX HILL (they/them) is our Catering Coordinator, and also handles the marketing and social media side of things. Originally from Vancouver, BC, Max has worked in the non-profit sphere for over a decade. Splitting their time between catering services and the daily operations of the café, Max is always on the move, but always has time to spare for our many regular clients and customers.
Max has seen first-hand the impact that the Hungry Heart has had on our community here in Newfoundland. “I'm so inspired to be working for an organization that truly addresses the real-life issues people are facing. It really makes what I do every day feel purposeful.”
PAUL FUREY (he/him) is face, heart, and soul of the Hungry Heart Café. If you’ve called in or dropped by for a visit, you’ll know Paul for his friendly demeanour and impeccable customer service. Paul has been with the Hungry Heart Café since Day One and has worked here for 17 years and counting. He enjoys working at the Café because he says “here we’re people, not numbers.”
The social impact of Hungry Heart is never lost on Paul. After 9 years on the streets, Paul achieved housing and a job here at the Hungry Heart with help from Stella's Circle.
Paul's favourite task as a server is opening for business every day. If you’re ever stuck on the menu, your best bet is to ask Paul. He knows just what to recommend!
NICK GARDNER (he/him) is our Catering Chef. He is also the primary culinary instructor for Stella’s Circle participants doing Culinary Skills Exploration. Besides teaching and preparing catering meals, Nick's other responsibility is with the production of meals for the Meals Squared food program, producing on average 300 meals per week. He's a busy guy!
When asked what his favourite thing is about working here, he says it's the people. "The work we do at HHC makes a daily impact on many people’s lives. I am but a small cog in a very well oiled and respected machine. It is the people of HHC which makes it a special place to be and the place I want to be."
Nick has had many careers over the years — he has been a food writer, newspaper columnist, published author, philanthropic fundraiser, Operations Manager for an arts organization, business manager for an independent record label, entrepreneur and now, finally, Catering Chef.
TIM MACKEY (he/him) is our Chef Apprentice, and works directly with our catering chef Nick to prepare and ship out catering orders across the city. As a former program participant, Tim knows better than anyone the importance of the work done at the Hungry Heart and with Stella's Circle in general.
When asked what he feels is the biggest highlight of his work with Hungry Heart, Tim says “lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum!”
ASHNA BIJOU (she/her) is our Baker and Line Cook at the café. She also helps to prepare all of the delicious pastries and baked goods that go out with our catering orders. Ashna has a great sense of humour and always comes in to work with a smile on her face and a positive, can-do attitude!
Ashna is especially proud to have been part of the Hungry Heart's grand re-opening at its new location on 77 Charter Avenue."Lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum lorem ipsum."