East Side Mario's in Guelph, Ontario, celebrates its 30th anniversary as a beloved family restaurant offering delicious Italian-American cuisine and a strong sense of community. On April 24, 2023, an anniversary celebration commemorated the occasion, bringing together previous and current restaurant staff, friends, and customers, proving owners Jerry and Sue Auger have created a thriving business – which has consistently ranked as one of the top stores in the country throughout its three decades of operation.
"It's all about the people. We've developed a culture inside the restaurant, and when you do that, you don't have to manage people the same way because they manage themselves," says Jerry Auger. This culture has fostered a family-like atmosphere among staff and customers, with many employees staying for over 15 years.
Auger says, "We've had staff who have been with us for 30 years, and they feel like family. And our customers, they keep coming back. We've even had memorials here for some of our regulars who have passed away." The Augers' commitment to nurturing these connections has made their restaurant a local institution.
The couple's journey began as regular patrons at the University Avenue location in Waterloo. They appreciated the food, value, and ambiance, which they enjoyed with their young children. Inspired by this, they decided to open their own East Side Mario's in Guelph, with the doors first opening in April 1993.
Throughout its history, the restaurant has welcomed over 4,000 guests a week and witnessed consistent year-over-year sales increases. The Guelph location has received numerous accolades, including National Franchisee of the Year four times, Top Sales in North America, and a Special Service Award. The location was recognized nine times in eleven years in the company's President’s Club, which honors the top franchises in the country.
Auger emphasizes the deep community connections they've established, saying, "We've always been involved in the community, whether it's supporting youth sports or working with local charities. We have a long-lasting relationship with the University of Guelph, employing many talented students and alumni over the years."
As the 30th-anniversary celebration nears, Auger highlights the importance of acknowledging the relationships that have shaped the business. "It's not just about the food; it's about the relationships with people, too. That's what has made our business so special," says Auger.
Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, East Side Mario's Guelph has adapted and continues to serve its patrons. In a time when many small businesses were forced to close their doors, the Augers were able to find a way to continue to deliver signature Italian dishes to its customers.
With a rich history of culinary excellence, deep connections, and community involvement, East Side Mario's Guelph eagerly anticipates serving its loyal customers for many more years to come.