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The Award was presented at the TIAPEI Award Gala on Wednesday, March 4, 2009. It is presented each year to a local individual, association, group or company who has made a significant and meaningful contribution to the tourism industry in Prince Edward Island. This Award is intended to recognize and celebrate those who have helped move the industry forward, inspiring others to take steps to do the same.

“The Award is a token of our Province’s appreciation in honor of New Glasgow Lobster Suppers and their hard work over the last 50 years in business,” said Minister Docherty. “Premier Ghiz felt it was a natural choice to select New Glasgow Lobster Suppers for the 2009 Tourism Award. It’s the perfect opportunity to recognize the outstanding and significant work by both Nicholson and MacRae families, and their contribution to the industry.”

The work of these individuals has reached not only the plate but also the hearts of many visitors and Islanders alike -- and has become part of the fabric of a PEI vacation. The New Glasgow Lobster Suppers built its business around a community-based atmosphere by providing hundreds of Islanders with employment, purchasing local food products, and opening its doors to support several local fundraisers.

On June 24, 1958, New Glasgow Lobster Suppers served its first lobster dinner, as a fundraiser for the New Glasgow & District Junior Farmers Organization. The original six couples who owned the restaurant began with 60 seats. As demand grew, there was a need to expand and, in 1974, a major renovation occurred that resulted in the ability to serve 400 patrons.

The New Glasgow Lobster Suppers now is owned by William and Thelma Nicholson and Sterling and Jean MacRae, two of the original owners. What is remarkable is, last summer, this family-operated business welcomed a third generation of family members to work at the restaurant.

Members of both families have also been very active in the tourism industry over the years having served on the Boards of TIAPEI, the Cavendish Tourism Association, the PEI Restaurant Association, the Atlantic Provinces Restaurant Association, Canadian Restaurant Association, Meetings PEI, Tourism Marketing Authority and FoodTrust PEI.

Family members have also attended numerous trade shows to promote PEI and New Glasgow Lobster Suppers including Rendez-vous Canada, Sea Sell, National Tour Association, Ontario Motorcoach Association, Tour Canada and PEI Convention Partnership receptions.

“When it comes to the tourism industry, we know that many tourists enjoy experiencing the culture of a new place and, based on the great reputation of New Glasgow Lobster Suppers, the two families, along with their staff, have certainly granted many of their patrons a memorable ‘PEI’ experience,” added Minister Docherty.