If you’ve been to Banff, you’ve likely been to Melissa’s Missteak. This family-run restaurant, bar, and live music venue has been a Bow Valley staple since 1978, and there’s no question why locals and visitors alike adore it so much. The welcoming atmosphere and upbeat vibe are enough to draw you in and keep you coming back. Melissa’s serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner into the late evening. Whether you’re looking for a delicious brunch with the family, a steak dinner with friends, or an evening of live music and good beer in great company, you’ll find it at Mel’s.
Recently, this hotspot has moved into a new local right on Banff Ave. Up on the second floor, you can enjoy jaw-dropping views of the Rockies while you eat your meal or dance the night away. It really doesn’t get much better.
International Employees at Melissa’s
As with many Bow Valley businesses, international employees have been a foundational part of this business for decades. We caught up with Bunny Julius, Owner of Melissa’s Missteak, to learn more about that.
Bunny told us that he has about 90 staff members, at least 25% of whom are international. That percentage is typically higher as international travel is recovering from the pandemic.
Bunny noted that when “people move here and are trying to make an actual living in Canada and want to call Canada their home, their work ethic is outstanding.” He told us that “people are typically pretty enthralled with being here and will work hard to ensure they can stay.” Of course, being in a global destination poses issues like higher rent prices, but the past has proven that people are willing to make it work to live with the breathtaking Rocky Mountains.
The pandemic demonstrated just how integral international employees are. “When you go to reopen and realize that half of the workforce in the Valley is no longer in the country, it makes things really difficult,” said Bunny.
Bunny told us that he has gone through the process of applying for LMIAs for his employees on several occasions. This is a method of supporting an employee in extending their work permit by applying for permission as the employer to hire them on an ongoing basis. Bunny noted that this process can be difficult. Regardless, he noted that he tries to be as proactive as possible in getting international workers here and supporting them so they can stay.
Bunny said that the process is complicated for both employers and employees and that it can be really valuable to seek out expert help. “Foothills Immigration can help employees be proactive so they can work the entire time they’re processing their applications.”
Seeking Expert Support
His main advice for international employees looking to stay for the long-term is to be proactive right when they arrive, identify their goals, and chat with a professional if they need help.
“There’s never a shortage of employees who want to come over to Canada to work. It’s whether employers are willing to put in the time to support them,” he said, referring to the LMIA process. The process can be daunting, but it’s absolutely worth it because if you’re willing to invest in a fantastic employee, they’ll be willing to invest in you in the long term.
You’re never in it alone, either. There are experts who specialize specifically in helping employers and employees through these processes.
If you’re looking to visit Melissa’s, they’re open from breakfast until late, and they’re the premiere live music venue in the Bow Valley. If you haven’t yet checked out the new location, what are you waiting for!?
This story was made possible by our Community Partners Program. Thank you Foothills Immigration Inc. for helping to expand local news coverage in the Bow Valley. Learn more.
