Fredericton eatery owners' 'entrepreneurial spirit' honoured
Derwin Gowan
Telegraph-journal
Published Friday October 19th, 2007
Appeared on page B1
FREDERICTON - There was nothing blue for Chris and Debbie Black at the Fredericton Chamber
of Commerce's Ninth annual 2007 Business Excellence Awards gala Thursday night.
They took away the Aliant Entrepreneurial Achievement Award for their restaurant, the blue
door, at King and Regent streets in the provincial capital.
The award citation states that the Blacks "firmly believe that a great restaurant is about much
more than just a well prepared plate of food. They believe in three principles, great food, great
service and great atmosphere."
"Great food comes from top quality ingredients but more importantly it comes from well trained,
respected and remunerated kitchen staff. Employees work in an atmosphere that promotes
learning and understanding their roles as well as the importance of quality service. The eclectic
atmosphere of the blue door welcomes guests to a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience," the
citation states.
The blue door has received more than a dozen awards. This award acknowledges Blacks for
bringing "an invigorating entrepreneurial spirit" to downtown Fredericton and the capital's
restaurant business.
The Blacks and the blue door beat out Christie Ruff, Nick Jeffries, and Roger Graham of the HELP
Group Management, the other nominee for this award.
The entrepreneurial honour was one of six Business Excellence Awards the chamber presented
Thursday night.
The TD Canada Trust Micro Business Award went to Fuzzy Duck Breweries. Other nominees were
PropertyGuys.com and Urban Almanac General Store.
The Delta Hotel Fredericton Small Business Award went to Andrew H. Williams Insurance
Agency. Also nominated were Trainor Surveys and Massive Graphics.
The KPMG Intermediate Business Award went to Fredericton Volkswagen. Also nominated were
Astral Media Radio Atlantic and Capital Cad Supplies.
The UPS Large Business Award went to Sabian Ltd.. Other nominees were Marriott Global
Reservations Sales & Customer Care and Delta Hotels Global Reservations Services.
The Fredericton Playhouse won the Optimum Translation Community Impact Award. Also
nominated were the Fredericton Region Solid Waste Commission and the Multicultural
Association of Fredericton.
The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce sponsored the awards, presented at the Delta Fredericton
Hotel, as part of Small Business Week celebrations.
The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce represent more than 900 members, making it New
Brunswick's biggest. It has received the Atlantic Provinces Chamber of Year Award for five
consecutive years.