Culinary power couple serve up success with new endowment

Feb. 11, 2025

Local restaurateur and Georgian alumni Kent Smith (class of 1987 and 1988) and Krista Smith (class of 1991) are dishing out opportunities for the next generation of hospitality entrepreneurs where their own journey began – Georgian College.

The couple, who own popular Barrie restaurants Michael & Marion’s and The Side Door, as well as The Loft @89, recently returned to campus to visit the Georgian Dining Room — a live culinary learning lab — where they provided a generous $26,000 gift to establish a new permanent student success endowment to benefit aspiring professionals.

The Kent and Krista Smith Alumni Fund will support an annual student award for a full-time student enrolled in Georgian’s Hospitality – Hotel and Resort Operations Management or Culinary Management programs. A strong reflection of Kent and Krista’s values of community and paying it forward, this award will support the next generation of industry professionals pursuing their academic and career aspirations.

“Georgian gave us the ingredients for our success,” Kent remarked. “Saying ‘yes’ has always been my mantra and my fundamental belief in hospitality. Proud of my culinary past with a keen eye on the current, Michael and Marion’s is and will continue to be on the leading edge of food trends in our community.”

‘We’re investing in dreams’

Krista added: “We’re not just investing in education; we’re investing in dreams. We hope this endowment will help nurture the next generation of innovators who will continue pushing our industry’s boundaries.”

The couple’s journey from Georgian students to entrepreneurs and business owners is a testament to their passion, hard work and the solid foundation of their education. Their journey exemplifies culinary innovation, inspiring both students and alumni, now industry professionals, in the competitive hospitality landscape.

Bryan Hunt, Dean, Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation, expressed his gratitude for the couple’s generosity. “Kent and Krista’s contribution is more than just financial support, it’s a vote of confidence in our program and our students. Their success story and ongoing commitment to education add tremendous value to our college.”