At Second Cup, we know that in order to provide the best coffee for our Guests, we must continue to work in harmony with both the environment and people who provide us with the best quality coffee beans. To both our Guests and coffee producers, we pledge that our coffee growing environment is treated with the utmost respect and dignity. All of our coffee producers provide a safe and healthy work environment and employees are compensated in a fair and equitable manner. As well, Second Cup continues to provide financial remuneration for quality beans to directly benefit the farmers, workers and mills. This is our promise.
Press Release
Mar 11, 2009
4:01pm
MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 11 /CNW/ - It is with great sadness that The
Second Cup Coffee Company Inc. announced the passing of its owner, Chairman
and CEO, Gabriel (Gabe) T. Tsampalieros.
Gabe Tsampalieros purchased the Second Cup Ltd. and Second Cup
International in 2006 through his company, The Second Cup Coffee Company Inc.
In addition, Mr. Tsampalieros was a member of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer of Second Cup GP Inc., a direct subsidiary of the Second Cup Royalty
Income Fund (TSX: SCU.UN).
Mr. Tsampalieros, along with his Board of Directors and Family Trust,
built a strong management team and strategic plan for The Second Cup Ltd. The
company will continue to grow along with its franchise partners under current
management with plans solidly in place.
Second Cup GP Inc., the administrator of the Second Cup Royalty Income
Trust Fund, is expected to appoint a CEO for their subsidiary which will be
announced in due course.
Under Gabe's leadership, Second Cup remained Canada's largest franchised
specialty coffee company in Canada with 360 cafes and doubling its presence
internationally with a further 52 cafés in the Middle East and Turkey as well
as opening its first café in the United States.
From 1995 to 2006, Mr. Tsampalieros served as President & Chief Executive
Officer of Cara Operations Limited, Canada's leading integrated restaurant
company and the largest operator of full-service restaurants in Canada.
Prior to joining Cara, Mr. Tsampalieros was Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Dinecorp Hospitality Inc., which he Co-Founded in 1981.
Dinecorp was primarily engaged in the development and operation of restaurants
and restaurant complexes and was the largest franchisee of Swiss Chalet and
Harvey's Restaurants (both Cara owned concepts).
Mr. Tsampalieros was a graduate of Concordia University (Bachelor of
Arts, 1970) and the University of Ottawa (Bachelor of Laws, Cum Laude, 1973).
He was called to the Ontario Bar in 1975 and practiced law in Toronto, with
the national firm of Osler Hoskin & Harcourt from 1975 to 1986 (the last six
years as a Partner).
Mr. Tsampalieros received a number of awards and recognitions from both
within and outside the Hospitality Industry. In 1997, he was named "Chain
Operator of the Year" by Foodservice and Hospitality Magazine; in 2001, he was
named operator of the year by the Ontario Hostelry Association ("OHA"); and in
2006, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the OHA. In 2001, he was
invested as an Archon of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate. He was an initial
electee to the Honour Society of the Common Law Section of the University of
Ottawa.
In 2007, each of the University of Guelph and the University of Ottawa
bestowed on Gabe an honorary Doctorate of Laws Degree in recognition of his
extraordinary vision as an entrepreneur and commitment to education. An active
participant in the community, Gabe served as Co-Chair of the $200 million
University of Ottawa - Capital Campaign for Canada's University (2003-2007),
as Honourary Chair of the Kidney Foundation 2007 Gala, served on the Board of
Governors of the University of Guelph (2001 to 2004) and a member its Finance
Committee, the Board of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation of Canada and the
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Toronto (Canada).
Gabe leaves behind his wife, Yolande, (nee Metelski) and two daughters
Dr. Anne, (Dr. Nick Schieda) and Julia.
We thank Gabe for his leadership, his caring, commitment and absolute
passion for this business, the influence of which will carry on for years to
come.
%SEDAR: 00021352E
For further information: James Anas, Executive Vice Chairman, (905) 362-1833 or janas@sympatico.ca