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Vancouver, Mainland/Southwest

21 Employees

In Business Since 2016

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Praguery Food Ltd

Vancouver, Mainland/Southwest

Our story starts in Prague, where Jaroslav Mestka, our founder, was inspired by the joy tourists and locals found in traditional Czech street food. Motivated by a desire to introduce Czech culinary delights to Vancouver and driven by his passion for crafting memorable food experiences, The Praguery established in 2016. Jaroslav's deep passion for creating memorable food experiences extended beyond Czech cuisine. In 2022, he embarked on a culinary expedition to Bologna, Italy, renowned for its expertise in gelato and ice cream making. Recognizing the significance of mastering this craft to elevate Praguery's offerings in Vancouver, Jaroslav dedicated himself to learning from the best. Since then, Jaroslav has perfected Praguery's soft-serve ice cream, establishing it as one of the city's premier choices. His commitment to quality and innovation continues to shape The Praguery's success, ensuring that every customer enjoys an exceptional taste experience that reflects both Prague's heritage and Vancouver's vibrant culinary scene.

Nominations

Read below to find out why they deserve your vote in each category.

Business Impact Award

Tell Us Your Story. What motivated you to start your business? Why are you passionate about what you do?

It all started one day with a simple crepe stand on the streets of London. The sweet and unique aroma could be smelled from far away as it wafted through the air. While observing the delighted customers enjoying their freshly made crepes, I found myself inspired by the local owner. His ability to bring joy and happiness, along with his sense of independence and freedom, sparked a deep aspiration within me. With that goal in mind, I was determined to establish my own crepe stand upon returning to Canada. Upon my return to Prague, destiny guided me down an unforeseen route. On my very first night back, I accidentally took the wrong way and stumbled upon a charming and welcoming shop. Inside that shop, I encountered a delightful combination of ice cream with Prague’s famous chimney cakes. This unexpected discovery sparked a surge of inspiration and excitement within me.

Describe and demonstrate, including metrics, your community support. How do you support and uplift your community, and how do they show that support in return? Minimum 25 words, maximum 2500 characters.

Praguery is deeply committed to supporting and uplifting our community through several impactful initiatives. One key way we contribute is by sourcing ingredients locally, which directly supports local farmers and producers, bolstering the regional economy. Furthermore, we actively participate in community events. For example, one of our most popular services are events for neighbourhood appreciation day as well as employee appreciation day. This involvement not only fosters community spirit but also showcases our dedication to giving back. Praguery is deeply committed to supporting and uplifting our community through several impactful initiatives. One key way we contribute is by sourcing ingredients locally, which directly supports local farmers and producers, bolstering the regional economy. This commitment to local sourcing not only reduces our environmental footprint but also ensures freshness and quality in our products. In return, our community shows support through their positive word-of-mouth and frequent visits to our locations. We receive valuable feedback and testimonials that express appreciation for our dedication to improving day by day and active involvement in the community. This reciprocal relationship strengthens our bond with customers and reinforces our role as a trusted member of the community.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

Praguery deserves the Business Impact award because we actively support our local economy by partnering with nearby farmers and suppliers, even during economic challenges. We've created many jobs in our community with fair wages, benefits, and a supportive workplace. Our menu evolves based on customer feedback and trends, ensuring high satisfaction. We use natural, high-quality ingredients in our desserts for healthier, delicious options. Through eco-friendly practices and ethical partnerships, we strive to make a positive impact on both our environment and community, making Praguery a standout for this award.

Tell Us About Your Culture. How are you creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome? Provide examples of leadership you show in interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, staff and others.

At Praguery, our culture revolves around creating a sustainable and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We prioritize sustainability through eco-friendly practices such as using biodegradable packaging, reducing food waste through efficient inventory management, and sourcing locally produced ingredients. These efforts not only minimize our environmental impact but also reflect our commitment to responsible business practices. In fostering a healthy workplace, we invest in our employees' growth and well-being. We provide continuous training and development opportunities, empowering our team to excel and advance in their careers. Recognizing exceptional performance is another cornerstone of our culture; through our Customer Service Program, we ensure that dedication and hard work are rewarded. Additionally, we prioritize creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and appreciated, fostering collaboration and mutual respect among team members. Leadership at Praguery extends beyond internal practices; it extends to our interactions with clients, vendors, and contractors. We maintain transparent and fair relationships, ensuring clear communication and timely payments that are consistently recognized and appreciated. By working closely with local suppliers, we support the community and uphold ethical standards in our business operations. Ultimately, our culture at Praguery is defined by our commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and excellence. Through proactive leadership and a dedication to creating a positive workplace environment, we strive to exceed expectations in all our interactions and operations.

People's Choice

Why do you think you should win the Premier’s People’s Choice Award?

At Praguery, every item we serve is crafted from scratch using the finest natural ingredients, ensuring each bite not only delights with its flavor but also meets the highest standards of quality. Our commitment to artisanal excellence has earned us the loyalty of customers who value the care and authenticity we bring to our products. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do at Praguery. From the warm greeting they receive when they visit our truck to the meticulous care with which each order is prepared, we make sure each interaction is memorable. Our high customer satisfaction and retention rates are testaments to our success in creating positive experiences. That's why one of our tag lines is "Make life just a little bit sweeter"

Nominations and voting has now closed.

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