Meet the Team
Peter Toynbee

At the Lazy Gourmet, our team is the heart of everything we do. This week, we are excited to introduce you to Peter Toynbee.

Meet the Team

Peter Toynbee
Human Resources Manager

Describe your role at the Lazy Gourmet.

Constant communication with our staff!
Hiring our catering service staff. Scheduling all catered events.
Assessing staff for key strengths and building strong teams for each event.
Maintaining working relationships with all of our service staff and working around their varying availabilities for bookings.

How long have you been with the Lazy Gourmet?

25 years

What are the different types of roles you have had with the company?

Cafe Manager
Takeout Supervisor
Dispatcher
Bistro Server and Bartender
Operations Manager
Catering Server, Bartender, Supervisor
Human Resources Manager

What is your background?

Hospitality – restaurants. I started working in the hospitality industry at age 18.

Describe a “typical” day for you at LG.

It varies. Sometimes interviews with new candidates.
Each day starts with checking emails and following up with staff on schedules and questions. Sometimes there is followup for the previous day’s event. Often, my daily plan changes early and it can be a couple of hours covering a shift or trying to book a last minute event. In our business it’s all about working with change and prioritizing.

What is your favourite thing about your job?

All of the the interesting people that I meet through the hiring process. People from all of the world, with varied backgrounds and experience. The constant challenge of meeting deadlines and staffing requirements. We have new events constantly adding. It can be overwhelming during a busy period, but I always figure it out.

What would your co-workers say about you?

That I am OCD! It’s a very useful trait in my position.

What is your favourite event you have ever worked on?

So many to choose from… I love any event that is connected to the Arts. Also,  I enjoy the clients that return every year. You recognize people from year to year at different functions and get to know their preferences. Then there are the clients who start with a bar or bat mitzvah and follow up with their wedding. You watch them grow up and see them at other events.

What do you think makes LG different from other catering or event planning companies? 

We are a tight knit group. Like a family, but very committed to running an efficient business. We all work as a group to support each other. You never really feel alone with your work challenges. There is always a team member ready to help out.

What is something nobody knows about you?

That I started in the kitchen. I loved working with food and it was a very fast paced environment. As I matured, I decided that I wanted a more front facing role. I have always loved the social aspect of this industry, and all of the people that you meet along the way.