On a warm evening this past July, dozens of guests gathered at the Hy’s Steakhouse patio in downtown Winnipeg. A typical summer scene, perhaps, but it wasn’t just delicious food and drinks that brought this group together: it was the desire to help future generations of Hospitality and Culinary Arts students at Red River College Polytechnic achieve their goals.

RRC Polytech is partnering with Hy’s Steakhouse to establish an endowment fund for the John Aisenstat Memorial Award, which will recognize and support second-year Hospitality and Culinary Arts students who have demonstrated exceptional academic standing, a genuine passion for the industry, and financial need.

The award is significant as it honours the memory of John Aisenstat, the former Executive Vice President of Hy’s Steakhouse, who was renowned for his unwavering dedication to the hospitality industry and his steadfast support of the staff who contributed to the success of Hy’s Steakhouse for more than six decades.

“Hy’s is thrilled to partner with Red River College Polytechnic on this new award supporting hospitality students. It is especially meaningful as it honours the memory of my brother John, who embodied true hospitality,” said Neil Aisenstat, President and CEO of Hy’s Steakhouse and Cocktail Bar. “We look forward to a great future of many fun events, and a strong relationship between Hy’s and RRC Polytech as we help foster the best and brightest in the industry.”

Hy’s Steakhouse and RRC Polytech both stand as defining pillars in Winnipeg, embodying the city’s spirit of community and ambition. Hy’s Executive Chef Jacqueline Hildebrand is a graduate of the College’s Culinary Arts program, further reinforcing the connection between the two institutions.

“The John Aisenstat Memorial Scholarship helps us put the needs of students first. With financial relief, students are empowered to concentrate on their education, without worrying about putting food on the table,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “This means our Hospitality and Culinary Arts students can continue to focus on what they do best: putting food on the tables of fine dining establishments across the country.

“RRC Polytech is committed to deepening partnerships to maximize prosperity across industry and community. This is one of the core commitments in our Strategic Plan; it’s a promise that guides much of what we do,” continued Meier. “Working with Hy’s Steakhouse not only supports the commitment to deepening partnerships, it directly affects RRC Polytech’s most important stakeholders: its students.”

More than $6,000 were raised at the fundraiser, which is slated to be an annual event. For more information about the award, please contact development@rrc.ca.