From Heritage to High-Tech: Canada’s Oldest Family-Run Restaurant Introduces the Nation’s First AI Employee

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Tomahawk: Blending Tradition with Cutting-Edge Innovation Since 1926

Nestled in the heart of Vancouver, Tomahawk has been a cornerstone of the city’s dining scene for nearly a century. Established in 1926, this family-run restaurant has built a legacy of exceptional service, hearty meals, and a community-first approach. Now, as it approaches its centennial, Tomahawk is making waves by embracing AI technology while staying true to its roots.

A Restaurant of Firsts

Tomahawk’s pioneering spirit has been a hallmark of its history. In the 1920s, it became the first establishment in North Vancouver to install an operational telephone—a technological marvel of the time. This innovation quickly elevated the restaurant's role in the community, transforming it into a hub for local dock workers. Supervisors would call the restaurant to check if workers were available, making Tomahawk more than just a dining destination.

“It was more than just a place to eat—it was a meeting point, a lifeline for the community,” recalls Chuck Chamberlain, whose father managed the restaurant during those formative years. This unique role cemented Tomahawk’s place not just as a pioneer in hospitality but as a cornerstone of connection in the neighborhood’s early days.

Meet Ask JADA: Canada’s First AI Employee

MomentPort Inc. (MomentPort) is proud to announce that Tomahawk Restaurant was chosen as the launch location for Ask JADA, the world’s first AI employee, capable of calling and texting just like a human.
JADA represents the future of customer service, offering patrons an 85% more accurate and faster way to engage with the restaurant. JADA is not a chatbot, an IVR, or a wrapper to an existing solution. She is an entirely new approach to multi-modal communication. This beta test will last from November 29, 2024, until December 29, 2024.

JADA is equipped with advanced contextual awareness using MomentPort’s proprietary cortex technology, allowing her to carry on accurate, dynamic, and personalized conversations. Just like your favourite waitress, JADA remembers you—your favourite dishes, your kids’ names, and your personal preferences. Best of all, she can even suggest menu items based on personal, religious, or medical needs, day or night, 24/7.

Perhaps most impressive is JADA’s multilingual capability. Patrons can text her in over 80 different languages, including many Indigenous languages in the near future, making Tomahawk a trailblazer in promoting inclusivity and language revitalization. This feature is particularly meaningful in Canada, where efforts to preserve and celebrate Indigenous languages are vital to cultural heritage.

A Visionary Approach to Reviving Indigenous Languages

Tomahawk’s integration of multilingualism through Ask JADA transcends mere convenience; it embodies a deeper mission of cultural preservation. By supporting the revitalization of endangered languages, the restaurant underscores its profound respect for local communities and their heritage.

To further this initiative, we invite members of the community to contribute and help train JADA in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh or Kwak'wala languages. If you are interested in participating, please contact us to provide language samples accompanied by English translations. Your contributions will play a pivotal role in preserving these languages and making them more widely accessible for future generations.

Immersion is broadly recognized as one of the most effective strategies for language acquisition, as consistent engagement with language fosters fluency and a deeper, more intuitive understanding. Casual communication—such as texting or discussing everyday topics like dining or routine tasks—provides an approachable yet impactful means of practice, especially for younger learners or those at a beginner level.

MomentPort Inc. aims not only to promote inclusivity and cultural appreciation but also to create practical opportunities for immersive language practice in daily life. Together, we can celebrate and sustain the richness of linguistic diversity.

The Future of Dining

As Tomahawk continues to blend its rich heritage with groundbreaking innovation, we invite you to experience the future of dining firsthand. Starting November 29th, call us to meet JADA, Canada’s first AI employee, and see how she’s revolutionizing your dining experience. We can’t wait to welcome you to this exciting new chapter in Tomahawk’s storied history!

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