Who? Elizabeth Herou, Former Director of Human Resources, Volunteer Chair, at the Union Saint Rémoise des Artisans et Commerçants.
Waiters race organized: Saint Remy de Provence 2011
Number of waiters races organized: 3
About waiters races
WR.com: When did you discover the concept of waiters race?
Elizabeth Herou: A long time ago in Paris!
WR.com: When did the first Saint-Remy de Provence waiters race happen?
Elizabeth Herou: The first waiters race happened in our town in 2009.
WR.com: How came-up the idea of organizing a waiters race?
Elizabeth Herou: This idea of organizing a waiters race in Saint Remy came from Danielle Chabert owner of the restaurant La Fontaine in Saint Remy de Provence and from Stéphane Biz owner of Salt and Earth. At this time, both of them were members of our organization l’USRAC.
WR.com: How did Saint-Remy de Provence waiters race evolve over the years?
Elizabeth Herou: The number of participants have increased this year and there was a gymkhana at the arrival.
About the organization of the waiters race
WR.com: How many months before the event did you start preparing it?
Elizabeth Herou: We started three months before.
WR.com: What are the main difficulties that you encountered during the organization of the waiters race?
Elizabeth Herou: The PA system of the city tour.
WR.com: What media did you use to promote your event?
Elizabeth Herou: We communicated mostly in the local newspaper La Provence.
WR.com: How did you prepare your press release?
Elizabeth Herou: I wrote the press releases and sent them to the Tourism Office who uploaded them to its website. I also sent them to my contact at the magazine La Provence.
WR.com: What did you expect from your media coverage?
Elizabeth Herou: The presence of a large public who then stay to eat and to visit our city and its Gallo Roman vestiges.
WR.com: Have you invited VIPs and other officials?
Elizabeth Herou: Yes, the mayor and his assistants are invited every year.
Sponsor and production
WR.com: Can you give us a general idea of the budget of such an event?
Elizabeth Herou: Between 1000 to 1500 euros.
WR.com: How do your sponsors and partners have received the project?
Elizabeth Herou: Our sponsors have welcomed us with great generosity.
Plans for the future
WR.com: Were the participants and your partners satisfied with the waiters race?
Elizabeth Herou: Yes … at the end of the event many participants have already planned to participate to the next edition in 2012!
WR.com: Do you plan to organize a next edition in Saint-Rémy de Provence next year?
Elizabeth Herou: Yes.
Concerning the job of waiter in Saint-Remy de Provence
WR.com: Is there a hotel school at Saint-Remy?
Elizabeth Herou: No, there is no hotel school.
WR.com: If this is not the case, where do Saint-Remy restaurants find qualified staff?
Elizabeth Herou: Most of the waiters came from Avignon or Arles hotel schools.
WR.com: How would you describe the evolution of the waiters service at Saint-Remy during those recent years?
Elizabeth Herou: As a result to the loyalty of the hotel staff, everyone knows each other and thus the quality of service is improving every year.
About WaitersRace.com
WR.com: According to you, how can WaitersRace.com help you in your project and what do you expect from the community?
Elizabeth Herou: This medium of communication is very interesting. Indeed, since yesterday evening, many “runners” already connected to see photos of the race.
Finally …
WR.com: In your opinion, what are the ingredients required for a successful waiters race?
Elizabeth Herou: Good communication, runners of all ages, a casual atmosphere and good race rules enforced with the help of “race stewards.”
WR.com: A Word about the winners of the 2011 waiters race and their institutions
Elizabeth Herou: The winner who is coming from Pub Discovery has already won during the two former years. He is a real pro and a great competitor since he has announced that next year he will run however will ask not to be classified.
WR.com: Anything to add?
Elizabeth Herou: This very nice moment was a great surprise three years ago for all the visitors of Saint Remy de Provence. Now, many people ask us every year about the date of the next waiters race. The goal is achieved: this event has unavoidable become in our city!
