Terry Halifax
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 16/00) - There is a new boss at the Office, but it's going to be business as usual at the up-scale downtown eatery.

Yellowknife city councillor Cheryl Best took over the business July 24, promising to serve the same high-end food and service the Office has become known for during the past 22 years, but with a few aesthetic changes.

"We're planning a new look and a new attitude," Best said, adding that they plan to brighten up the Office with new lighting and decorations.

Besides a few supply problems with new fixtures and some licensing complications, Best said taking over the business has gone well.

"It's nice to be able to come in and take over at a restaurant that has such a good reputation for so long," Best said.

"While it has been hectic, there hasn't been all the problems that go along with starting from scratch."

In partnership with head chef and kitchen manager, Ed Swanky, Best said they plan to keep working with the same successful formula the Office has used through the years.

"We have the same quality food and the same quality staff," she said.

Best said they are planning an additional menu and thinking about extending business hours to operate through the afternoon.

Swanky was awarded Junior Chef of the Year in 1997 by the Canadian Federation of Cooks.

He has been proving his skill to the palettes at the Office for the past two years and will continue running the show in the back of the house.

Not a newcomer to the hospitality industry, Best owned and operated a restaurant and cocktail lounge before moving North 15 years ago.

"I've always loved this industry and I'm a very sociable person," Best said.