High school class creates website to help struggling restaurants

FERGUS – A local high school class has developed an online resource to help Centre Wellington restaurants that have suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The true impacts of COVID on our local hospitality industry have been harsh, and the worst may yet be ahead," states a Jan. 8 press release from the Upper Grand District School Board.

The Grade 12 hospitality and tourism class at Centre Wellington District High School (CWDHS) in Fergus is spending its first week of remote learning highlighting how local residents can support "our hard working kitchens."

“We decided to build an online resource to help locals order and contribute to our industry,” stated Christopher Jess, chef instructor of the class.

“It seemed especially relevant that we spend our first week of remote learning, taking stock of the situation.”

The website lists every working kitchen, details on how to order, and encourages everyone to leave reviews.

“Negative reviews should always be sent right to the business; we’re in this together,” stated Avery Ballaban, a student in the class.

“Tourists use online reviews to help decide where they want to spend their dollars, we have a duty to help out our businesses where we can.”

To view the website, visit https://sites.google.com/ugcloud.ca/ourrestaurantguide/home.