Balwant Singh, the owner of the popular A&W at Auburn Station in Calgary, and his dedicated team always goes above and beyond the call of duty for their customers.
They have been praised for running a spic-and-span-clean business, and quality of food and customer service gets top votes among burger and root-beer fanatics, and let’s not forget about the die-hards who like the all-day breakfast specials with a cup of hot java.
Then came along COVID-19, and like other businesses Singh and the franchise quickly adapted to the “extraordinary times.”
“It wasn’t easy, but we did it,” smiles Singh during an interview at the Auburn Station location. “The pandemic was a curveball – no one saw it coming, but we all stepped up to the plate and remained open for takeout and delivery service. During the first phase of the pandemic, we implemented scores of health and safety measures for our customers, and now in the reopening phase it’s the exact same and everyone enjoys coming here because they feel safe and comfortable.”
Customers certainly feel relaxed and at home at the A&W in Auburn Bay. When the pandemic hit, cars and delivery drivers lined-up for orders 24/7, and during the reopening phase the place has been hopping with activity.
“We love our local A&W and will do anything to support it,” says a woman with her three children on the patio. “The place is unbelievably clean, and the staff are doing everything they can to help keep everyone safe. That’s why this location is a true success story – they care about their clientele and they are innovative while navigating these difficult times.”
Singh says efforts on the healthy and safety front is a full-time job, but totally worth it and always necessary.
“We care deeply about our customers and do everything we can to make them feel at home,” he says.
The reopening phase includes all the right health and safety features: Plexiglass at the main counter, social distancing markers with arrows on the floor, and hand sanitizers and wipe stations are checkered throughout the establishment.
The patio is now open too with lots of space between tables, and inside the tables available are also far apart from one another.
Then there is the staff – always wearing masks, and all of them, including Singh, are busy checking with customers to ensure they are safe and sound. The staff also monitors access control and social distancing measures both inside and outside of the establishment.
And the washrooms – clean as always, loaded-up with soap and sanitizers!
So, what’s next as enter the post-pandemic phase?
“Like any business, we are taking it day-by-day, but no matter what health and safety will always be top-of-mind,” says Singh. “Our commitment to customers is number one, and we will keep cooking up the best eats at Auburn Station.”
During the pandemic, the A&W at Auburn Station teamed up with Calgary Health Trust – South Health Campus to promote the Clean Hands, Giving Hearts Fund. The campaign directly supported front-line health care workers and vulnerable populations, and mental health support for the whole community during COVID-19.
“Giving back is a top priority for our business,” says Singh. “We are better together and we all win by helping one another.”
