Cactus Restaurants Ltd.

Number of Employees: 2,000 Head Office: Vancouver

“Cactus is a B.C. business and is growing like crazy. The opportunity to gain great experience is right here!”

Restaurants under the Cactus banner have a reputation for their young and enthusiastic staff, and it’s easy to see why. With 20 restaurants in B.C. and Alberta, and sales growing by 25 to 30 per cent a year over the past five years, there’s plenty of opportunity for advancement. Thanks to the company’s active participation in the province’s apprenticeship program, many employees who come on board to support their university studies find themselves staying to pursue a chef designation. The company’s early support of the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program and the Green Table Network of environmentally conscious restaurants is also a big draw among 20-somethings seeking an employer with a social conscience. Click here to look at the next winner