Gananoque Cook Welcomes Change of Pace

Chris Giugovaz has enjoyed a direct improvement to his quality of life since he stopped working in the fast-paced world of restaurants for the kitchen in a long-term care home and retirement lodge.

Speaking from Carveth Care Centre where he has worked as a head cook for more than four years, Chris talks about cooking three meals a day for approximately 150 people.

“I like it,” says the friendly 37-year-old about his job in early July 2025. “The hours and atmosphere are a total change from restaurants. I consider this one of the most relaxing places I’ve ever worked. It’s better.”

Known for his reliability and creative meals, Chris is the home’s Staff Spotlight for August 2025. His work has been appreciated since he started with the home shortly after the COVID pandemic started in March 2020.

“I came here during the COVID pandemic when everything was shut down,” says Chris who served as the head chef at several Gananoque restaurants. “This kind of cooking is comparable to catering where everything is served at once, opposed to table-to-table service in restaurants.”

Asked about his specialty, Chris smiles and references his Italian background and how he enjoys making handmade pasta and anything to do with fish or seafood. When he goes out to eat, he enjoys places like the Purple House in Gananoque, Tango or AquaTerra in Kingston.

Asked about the future, Chris admits he’s here to stay.

“I don’t have any plans of going anywhere,” he says with a chuckle. “I’m happy here, right now. I like having holidays for a change.”

He is also looking forward to the new kitchen that is to be included in the building’s retrofit. “It’s going to be a nice kitchen when it’s done.”

When he’s not at work, Chris sometimes moonlights as a cook on weekends. He enjoys golfing, hunting, fishing and working as a referee at a local paintball field.

“All things I didn’t have time to do when I was working in restaurants,” he explains. “Since Gananoque is a seasonal town, I’d be working hard in summer and scraping by in the winter.”



Questions for Chris

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

“Teleport, because I’m always late for everything.”

If you weren’t at your current job, what would you be doing?

“I’d be working in a restaurant somewhere.”

If you could rule the world, what would you do on day one?

“Just make the world affordable for the next generation.”

Carveth Care Centre is grateful for the delicious meals prepared by Chris Giugovaz. To learn more about living or working in our home, please call 613-382-4752.