Life on the Front Lines at A&W in Vegreville

Life on the Front Lines at A&W in Vegreville

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Staff at A&W in Vegreville, like their customers, have had to make a few adjustments since the onset of COVID- 19 this spring.

The first change was closing of its dining room. Then the training and implementation of new health guidelines, followed by the introduction of face masks.

Korena Wells, who has been working at the restaurant since last September, said it seems like the rules are changing “almostdaily” and she is doing her best to keep up with the regulations as best she can.

“I care about our regular customers, and I’m kind of glad the dining room is closed. I want to protect them.”

Even though Wells misses the face to face contact with, she believes the decision to close the dining room is in the best interest of customers and staff. Lunch and supper are the busiest times, and because they only have drive-thru service, it can get a bit stressful on both sides of the window. “I am grateful for the patience and understanding of customers in the line ups. It makes my job happier.”

The staff at A&W in Vegreville wearing the face masks they are currently distributing free of charge. Pictured from left to right are: Manager Catherine Herrera, Trudy Reimer, Mary Reimer and Korena Wells. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Sisters Mary and Trudy Reimer say things have been pretty much business as usual. Expectations from customers in terms of top quality food and the speedy delivery of service are high, and they say are doing the best they possibly can to deliver on both counts.

Both ladies have had a few questions about food preparation and health and safety protocols, and some have even disinfected the debit machine before using it.

Reaction to the distribution of face masks has been mixed since it began in early June. So far, Manager Catherine Herrera said they have distributed around 10,000 masks. They still have many more boxes of face masks on hand, and another shipment is expected to arrive in early July.

Herrera said seniors were especially disappointed when they had to close the dining room, but she feels it was a good decision for their safety as well as the safety of staff. To date, head office has not made a decision regarding the reopening of the dining room. So for now, they will have to say hi to seniors from a distance.

“We’re doing our best to keep things clean and follow all of the special guidelines.” Herrerasaid she wants to reassure customers they are following proper cleaning procedures. She said all staff members wash their hands after each cash transaction, and they wipe down the debit machine after every transaction as well. Staff are screened daily to determine if they have any symptoms or if they are feeling unwell.

Dealing with the public can be challenging, but the staff at A&W are doing their best to make the best of the challenges COVID-19 has thrown at them over the past three and a half months and are grateful for all of the support they have received from customers.