A favourite for locals and visitors, Tavern 1883 found a slight hardship during the pandemic as their more specialized events like trivia and open mic/ DJ nights have been put on hold. While they are still offering dining services, the way they conduct their business hours and events have changed drastically due to COVID-19.
What is the name of your business?
Tavern 1883, Jessie Sanderson GM.
When did you start your business in Canmore? Tell us more about your beginnings.
We Opened on Dec 26th, 2013. It was during Christmas break.
Would you say you serve more locals or visitors?
During the week we see a lot of locals and on the weekends we see more tourists.
Tell us about your business pre-COVID-19.
Pre COVID we had entertainment 5 nights a week, as well we served lunch every day. We no longer have late nights and only serve lunch on the weekends.
Tell us about the impact COVID-19 has had on your business.
Our capacity is obviously our biggest impact. With tables being spaced 6 feet apart, it is a lot fewer tables.
How has COVID-19 affected you personally?
Balancing 2 parents working full time and having the kids home.
How has your business innovated or pivoted during this time?
Like most restaurants in Canmore, we have added take out. We also added Fried Chicken dinners as a take out option as there is not a fried chicken place in Canmore. We have decided to not open for lunch during the week but will instead open the kitchen until midnight on Friday and Saturday.
What marketing methods (if any) did you use to promote your business during COVID?
We do a lot of social media marketing.
Do you have any tips that you can share that could help other businesses with the focus of keeping their staff and customers safe while delivering their products or services?
Communicate a lot, there are new rules and during busy times, it is easy to forget some steps so we have to remind each other that we can’t rush and have to slow it down if it is getting there. Follow the guidelines sent out by AHS.
How can the Canmore community support you and your business as we move out of this unprecedented time?
Dine out if you are ready to be out, and order in if you are not ready to be out. And remember be patient.
Visit Tavern 1883 in person or order take out. Please always remember to follow Alberta Health Services guidelines during this time.
Read our other blogs from Downtown Canmore businesses who speak about their experience with the pandemic:
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