Calgary restaurateur Gerard Curran elected Chairman of CRFA

TORONTO, March 8 /CNW/ - Gerard Curran, proprietor of the popular James Joyce Irish Pub and Restaurant in downtown Calgary, was elected Chairman of the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA) at the association's annual meeting today.

With 33,000 members, the CRFA is one of Canada's largest business associations and represents the interests of the $60-billion restaurant and foodservice industry.

"I'm honoured and thrilled to be representing one of the most innovative and exciting industries in Canada," says Curran. "With more than 80,000 locations and one million employees, we make a tremendous contribution to the Canadian economy and society. I believe that with the entrepreneurial spirit of our industry, we can do even more."

Curran and his wife Anne opened the James Joyce in 1997. It was the first authentic Irish pub in Alberta - from the food and beverages to the décor, much of which they sourced in Ireland. Today this popular 225-seat establishment employs 40 people and serves what has been called the best pint of Guinness in Canada.

Born and raised in Ireland, Curran emigrated to Canada in 1979, at the age of 20. He gained a wealth of experience in both countries before venturing into the pub and restaurant business by opening the James Joyce. As a teenager he worked in Irish pubs, as well as for the Guinness company, and in Canada he worked his way up from general sales manager to chief executive officer of a $30-million brewing company.

In addition to his leadership role with the CRFA, Curran is president of the Calgary Irish Chamber of Commerce and is a past participant on Calgary's 4th Street Redevelopment Board and the Calgary Downtown Association. He is also sole proprietor of several other unrelated companies.

CRFA was established in 1944, and its top priority is government affairs - advocating on behalf of foodservice operators. The association also offers money-saving services for members, industry research and information, and hospitality industry trade shows.

NOTE TO EDITORS: A photo of Gerard Curran is available at the following links:

High-res: http://www.crfa.ca/images/gerardcurran.jpg

Low-res: http://www.crfa.ca/images/gerardcurran_small.jpg

For further information: Prasanthi Vasanthakumar, CRFA Communications, [phone] (During the CRFA Show only, March 7 - 9) or [email protected]. After March 9 phone [phone], ext. 4254.