Where Potential Becomes Opportunity

Since his first shift at Little Caesars at just 14 years old, Marc has believed hospitality is about more than serving food. It is about building people.

Today, as one of the partners of 1stRND, Five & Dive, and The Taco Shop, Marc has built more than successful restaurant brands in Edmonton. He has built workplaces where people can start at the bottom, grow their skills, and build meaningful careers.

“You’ve got to start at the bottom sometimes,” Marc says. “That’s where you learn the most.”

Employees who begin in entry-level roles are given the opportunity to grow into leadership positions through mentorship, coaching, and hands-on experience. In an industry known for fast turnover, Marc Levers has built a culture where people can stay, grow, and succeed.

Over the past five years, Marc has hired and supported more than 20 YOUCAN graduates through employment opportunities. He values the preparation they receive before ever walking into an interview and describes YOUCAN as leaders in the industry because of the life skills, accountability, and professionalism their youth consistently demonstrate. For Marc, it is not just about helping someone secure a job. It is about continuing the work that starts at YOUCAN and ensuring long-term success.

“YOUCAN plants the seed,” Marc shares. “Then we have the privilege of nurturing that growth"

His restaurants have become a launchpad for youth entering the workforce. Many team members who started in entry-level roles have grown into leadership positions, a true reflection of the trust, mentorship, and culture Marc has built.

At its core, the partnership is about far more than filling roles. It is about building people. Because when young people are welcomed into environments that expect excellence and support them along the way, they do not just work.

“They grow. They lead. They stay.”