By Annie Gallant – Quesnel Cariboo Observer
Quesnel outlet out-sells corporate competition
Quesnel rocks! With all 18 Mr. Mike’s Steakhouse and Bars across B.C. and Alberta competing to receive a matching grant from head office for selling the most Mikeburgers during the company’s 50th anniversary celebrations, Quesnel topped the list earning an $8,000 donation to their charity of choice.
The campaign ran from July 18 – Aug. 29 and Quesnel hit the road running with more than 350 Mikeburgers sold the first day.
Each store chose a charity and $1 from each burger sold was donated to that organization.
Quesnel owner Jim Rawsthorne allowed his staff to choose the charity and they unanimously selected Crooked Leg Ranch, an animal rescue and sanctuary in Quesnel.
“The way we picked the charity really energized the staff,” Rawsthorne said.
“They were very passionate in their sales.”
And Crooked Leg Ranch director Willow Eyford said they were overwhelmed just to be chosen as the charity.
“It was very humbling,” she said. Eyford also ate her share of Mikeburgers. “I think I’ve eaten more Mikeburgers in the last two weeks than in my whole life,” she said with a laugh.
“But then, Mikeburgers are delicious so it wasn’t difficult.”
Eyford said the $8,000 will pay off vet bills and purchase the majority of their winter hay.
As the campaign progressed Rawsthorne said they received a weekly total from all the restaurants.
“Sometimes we were on top and sometimes we weren’t,” he said.
But the last three weeks everyone at the Quesnel outlet really poured it on, including the customers.
“People were coming in three, four times a week,” Rawsthorne said.
“In the last day we sold more than 800 Mikeburgers and pulled away from our closest competition.”
But Rawsthorne can’t say enough good things about the community.
“I wasn’t surprised we won,” he said.
“Natalie and I are very proud of the staff and wouldn’t want to call anywhere else home but Quesnel.”
In total Mr. Mike’s restaurants raised $50,887 for charities in their communities, however, Quesnel’s total beat even larger-volume outlets. Thanks to customers and staff, 4,000 Mikeburgers were consumed for the cause.