Who is he?
Ric Allen-Watson is the Ottawa Mission’s director of Food Services. He started the Mission Food Truck in 2020 and founded the successful Food Services Training Program in 2004.
What is his background?
Allen-Watson was born in Kingston, Ont., in 1962 and raised by a single mother struggling with mental illness that stopped her from meeting his needs. By 14, his mother had kicked him out for abusing drugs and alcohol. After facing homelessness, Allen-Watson found a job dishwashing at Queen’s University, where older cooks mentored him.
Allen-Watson later moved to Ottawa, where occasional volunteering for the Mission evolved into a career. He has since earned a Red Seal, been named Chef of the Year by the Canadian Culinary Federation Ottawa branch and has been nominated for the Order of Canada.
What is he known for in Ottawa?
Allen-Watson’s food services feed hundreds of people every week. He also devotes his time to teaching workplace-applicable culinary skills to people seeking employment. Ninety per cent of program graduates find work. He developed the food truck program to combat intensifying hunger during the COVID-19 pandemic. The food trucks now serve 10,000 meals weekly. He has been recognized as one of Ottawa’s “Amazing People” by CTV for his contribution to the community.
What do people say about him?
One of Allen-Watson’s training students, Erica La France, told the CBC she gets choked up talking about him: “Chef Ric is one of my very favourite human beings.” She expressed appreciation for his belief in her, something she said she didn’t have growing up.
Vicki Demers Kelly, a former coworker, congratulated him on his Chef of the Year title on LinkedIn. “So well deserved! So proud to have worked with you!”
Local artist Karen Bailey, who has painted portraits of the Ottawa Mission staff, told Capital Current, “The Ottawa Mission does remarkable work in our community and Ric has made an enormous contribution.”
What’s something people don’t know about him?
Allen-Watson lives with his husband, Jason, and their pet chihuahuas. Ric and Jason enjoy their swimming pool, travelling, and watching Ottawa Senators games.
