AN INTERVIEW WITH STARS’N’BARS: 8 QUESTIONS WITH ANNETTE ROSS ANDERSON
While all of us enjoy the laid back atmosphere at the restaurant (not to mention the amazing burgers and fries) some may not be familiar with the impact STARS’N’BARS has made with regard to its ongoing support of local groups and charities. The Axxess Marine team thought it was time to share a bit more information about the awesome ways STARS’N’BARS supports the community and by extension, our industry.
STARS’N’BARS was created 24 years ago by Kate Powers and Didier Rubiolo. Originally an old, abandoned warehouse before opening its doors in 1993, STARS’N’BARS is now a three story entertainment complex ideally located on the port of Monaco, offering full professional restaurant and catering services with breathtaking views of the harbour and skyline, easy access and parking.
We spoke to Annette Ross Anderson, Manager of STARS’N’BARS to ask her a few questions about the restaurant, her team, and the support that STARS’N’BARS gives to so many local charities, non profits and the Super Yacht Industry.
(AXXESS MARINE) STARS’N’BARS has put a special emphasis on community service and social engagement. Tell us a bit about why this is important to you and your team.
(ANNETTE) Monaco and its residents don't get enough credit for their enormous spirit of giving. We're inspired by our Prince, a world leader in protecting our oceans, and by our customers who have supported us for the last 25 years and we are delighted to give back to our community.
(AXXESS MARINE) What community projects/charitable events are you working on now? Which ones have been you favorites?
(ANNETTE) Each year we donate a thousand meals to the No Finish Line, a Monaco charity event which raises money for children at risk. Last month we raised several thousand euros for the Make A Wish Foundation. There are so many worthwhile charities in Monaco including FIGHT AIDS, Friends of Frankie, Amade, the Red Cross and the Princess Charlene Foundation. Unfortunately, we cannot financially support all the many good causes, but we find ways to help. For example, we offer our social media to help promote events or causes that need an extra boost.
(AXXESS MARINE) STARS’N’BARS was recently named “One of the Most Important Players in Sustainability in the Principality of Monaco.” Tell us more about your eco- efforts and why you have taken such an impassioned lead on this issue.
(ANNETTE) The restaurant has diversified its menu to include organic, vegetarian and locally sourced ingredients. We recycle, compost, use electric vehicles and get 100% of our energy from renewable sources. More importantly, we are working with Monaco to reduce the principality's carbon footprint by 50% before 2030. We created MONACOLOGY in 2004, an association which teaches Monaco children how to protect the planet and we host numerous workshops and conferences throughout the year on wellness, nutrition, ecology and human rights as well as children’s workshops.
(AXXESS MARINE) Could you tell us more about the ECO ANGELS initiative?
(ANNETTE) ECO ANGELS is a concept created by Kate Powers, STARSNBARS co-founder. A dedicated environmentalist, Kate forms unofficial “teams” of volunteers after major events on the port----Grand Prix, Yacht Show, Jumping, etc-- in order to help the local waste authority pick up plastic debris before it falls into the port. The ECO ANGELS is now the umbrella name for the volunteers who join Kate in her endeavor to reduce plastic pollution.
During the MYS our staff will wear ECO ANGEL t-shirts generously provided by YACHTING PAGES MEDIA GROUP and we will create communications tools to spread the message over those four days including digital press releases, advertising on English speaking Riviera Radio, messages on the 25 television screens in the restaurant as well as displayed in our digital menu by BOOKVIDEO. The Prince Albert II Foundation and their initiative BEYOND PLASTIC MED have created excellent educational tools and “best practices” to help reduce the environmental impact of yachting and the Eco Angels will share these resources with MYS participants.
Undoubtedly, visitors and exhibitors will see Kate and her team pop up at locations throughout the show reminding everyone that by 2050, the oceans will contain more plastic than fish by weight. During and after the show, the Eco Angels will pick up litter using special eco-friendly trash bags provided by the Société d'Exploitation des Ports who work tirelessly throughout the year to keep Monaco ports "clean and green".
(AXXESS MARINE) What an amazing concept. How can people get involved in the ECO ANGELS initiative?
People who would like to support the ECO ANGELS can show up at STARSNBARS at the very end of the show when the sirens go off. We'll create teams who can spend an hour picking up trash on the ground before it falls into the port.
(AXXESS MARINE) Speaking of involvement, how did you come to work with STARS’N’BARS? Did you know from the outset that you were stepping into a team that was building far more than just a restaurant?
(ANNETTE) I come from a corporate background in the United States and 30 years ago I had the good fortune to meet Kate and Didier, the owners of STARS'N'BARS. They helped me switch from a life of "strictly business" to a life of service. It has been an exciting and rewarding journey ever since.
(AXXESS MARINE) What do you think is the secret sauce of STARS’N’BARS continued success?
(ANNETTE) Our mission statement is "Love What you Do, Do what you love. Make a difference"
(AXXESS MARINE) What would our clients be surprised to know about STARS’N’BARS?
(ANNETTE) Our staff is made up of 16 different nationalities embracing six religions and a multitude of personalities... and it works!
A special thanks from Axxess Marine to Annette for taking the time to speak with us- and a big thank you to Annette and her team at STARS’N’BARS for their ongoing commitment to the Monaco and Super Yacht Industry communities. We are lucky to have such passionate advocates and business leaders to count on.
See you at the Monaco Yacht Show! (I know a team that has breakfast at STARS’N’BARS every morning! Right Attila?)
If you loved this interview, you will love our interview with Captain David Pott!