My love for cooking began when I was seven, growing up in Romania. In the building where we lived, there was a man who brought people together with his passion for food and hosting community dinners. It wasn’t just about the meals—it was the sense of home and connection he created. Even as a child, I dreamed of learning to cook and sharing that same joy with others.

That dream first came to life during high school in Toronto, where I worked at a renowned pasteria. After graduating, I took a six-month culinary program at George Brown College, which led me to compete—and win—a black box competition at the CN Tower’s 360 Restaurant. That experience opened doors to nearly three years in Toronto’s top kitchens, including the 360 Revolving Restaurant, Centro, and the Westin Harbour Castle. Though I had planned to become a doctor, those years taught me that my true passion was creating connections—whether through food, community, or business.

Life eventually took me away from the kitchen and into university, where I pursued various jobs to support myself. One day, I stepped into a printing plant and was drawn to the smell of ink and the precision of the work. That moment sparked a journey into the printing industry, where I founded and operated companies in Toronto and Calgary. I worked with global companies like TransCanada, General Electric and Tervita, developing innovative procurement systems to streamline print management across hundreds of locations and teams throughout North America. As the printing industry faced significant decline, my role naturally evolved into that of an analyst.

Toward the end of the pandemic, Christina and I started what was meant to be a simple blog about local coffee shops. As we explored cafés and learned about their craft, I realized it wasn’t just the coffee that inspired me—it was the way these spaces brought people together. The blog quickly grew into Gems of Alberta, an online store featuring locally roasted specialty coffees, and eventually led us to Fort Assiniboine.

Here, my journey came full circle. What began as a passion for coffee evolved into Gems Café & Bistro—a place where I could return to my first love: cooking. Everything I’ve done, from kitchens to printing plants to cafés, has been about fostering connection. Now, through food, creativity, and community, I get to do exactly that, every day.

Over time, a unique and welcoming culture has grown here at Gems—a space where volunteers from all walks of life have come together to contribute their time and skills. From dishwashing and cleaning to food prep and shopping, it’s become more than just lending a hand—it’s about being part of a shared journey, where food, coffee, and connection are at the core. In return, we make sure to express our gratitude in the best way we know how: through great food, coffee, and warm company.

We’re also looking to hear from individuals with a passion for culinary arts, coffee, and hospitality—or anyone who shares our vision for excellence and wants to play a part in what we’re building at Gems Café & Bistro. Whether you’re interested in volunteering or exploring part-time or full-time opportunities, we’d love to connect.

Feel free to reach out to us at hello@gemscafeandbistro.ca to learn more about joining our team.