Let me start this column by saying that I will always be a loyal fan of Glenburn Soda Fountain.
The Burnaby Heights business on Hastings at Gilmore is the best ice cream shop in the city, delivering decadent desserts for the past nine years like my favourite Canadian Mint and the owner’s homemade brownies. I go there all year-round and will continue this in the future.
I’m writing this because I want to reassure owners Roberta and Ron LaQuaglia because they recently issued an apology for having to raise their prices.
They have nothing to apologize for.
Roberta took to Instagram (the full post is embedded below) to thank their customers and give them a heads up that prices will be going up because – like most businesses – their costs have skyrocketed. Things butter and milk, as well as a rent hike of nearly 60% right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Several businesses in Burnaby have actually closed down as they faced huge rent increases as their leases expire. Talk about kicking people when they are down.
“It might not have been evident to you because when people see lineups, they equate that with financial success, but this has been a very hard time for our business,” Roberta writes. “The seasonal slowdown is tough to manage even during normal times but during these odd times, it has been even harder. The recent increases in prices of milk and butter along with other increases including a raise in rent of nearly 60%, have caused us to have to increase prices on some of our menu items. Those price increases go into effect today.
“We have kept the prices of several items the same so that an ice cream treat remains accessible for everyone. Other items increase from .50 to $1.50.”
It’s heartbreaking to see so many people struggling during the pandemic, from workers to small business owners.
The Glenburn owners should be applauded for their transparency. They truly do care for their customers and I will remain one for many years to come.
Follow Chris Campbell on Twitter @shinebox44.
