Jackie’s, a new take-out eatery, opens in renovated space near Test Centre

Five years after The Auxiliary’s two JGH food outlets closed at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new take-out eatery—known as Jackie’s—has been launched to take their place.

Located on the main floor, where the western end of the central corridor jogs diagonally between Pavilions C and E, Jackie’s is operated by District Bagel, which is introducing a greatly expanded kosher menu, along with a revamped ordering and delivery system.

The opening is taking place on the 10^th anniversary of the passing of 26-year-old Jaclyn Fisher—in whose memory Jackie’s is named—after a lengthy illness and treatment at the JGH.

Jackie’s is a project of The JGH Auxiliary, which will use the income generated by the new facility to purchase much needed equipment and to provide support for care-related programs throughout the hospital.

The menu is aimed at a wide range of customers, including those who have to fast before visiting the Test Centre (around the corner from Jackie’s) and, afterwards, are eager to get something to eat and drink.

Since the emphasis is on take-out meals and snacks, seating is not available, but several chairs and small tables can be found nearby.

Jaclyn “Jackie” Fisher

On the initiative of Ms. Fisher’s parents, Rina and Larry Fisher, the Jaclyn Fisher Foundation, which supports a variety of charitable causes, made a significant gift to the hospital through the JGH Foundation. A portion of that donation was used to renovate the space.

Project management was also provided at no cost by Groupe Montoni, which is a long-standing supporter of the hospital.

Larry Sidel, retired Executive Vice-President of the JGH Foundation and a current volunteer with The Auxiliary, says the menu at Jackie’s is unique in incorporating some of the favourite fare of the old Atrium Café, which closed for the pandemic. That space in the basement of Pavilion G is now used for offices and other purposes.

In particular, Mr. Sidel says, customers will be able to buy soups, salads and made-to-order sandwiches that are very similar to the most popular choices in the Atrium Café.

“We’re thrilled to be back under a new banner,” says The Auxiliary’s Executive Director, Nancy Rubin.

• An online ordering system allows customers to specify what time they want their food ready for pick-up. Orders can be placed remotely or on a screen on-site at Jackie’s, but no screen is needed for those who just want to grab a packaged item from a cooler.
• At a corner coffee bar, customers can prepare their beverage the way they like it.
• Business hours have been extended to midnight to accommodate evening and night staff.
• Catering is available for hospital meetings and events.
• On-the-spot assistance in placing orders is provided by Auxiliary volunteers and staff.

The Auxiliary is also bringing back its mobile food cart to relieve the hunger pangs of those in waiting rooms in the Emergency Department and other clinics.

“All sorts of different elements need to interconnect to create a superior patient experience, and being able to enjoy a pleasant snack or a meal is one of them,” says Mr. Sidel.

“Our goal is to reassure people that when they come to the hospital, they can get what they need—top-quality care first and foremost, but also some of life’s simpler pleasures. We want everyone to feel happy and well cared for.”