What are the ingredients for a successful small business? For one of Wetaskiwin's newest restaurants, the recipe begins with a sensational product, backed by a commitment to quality service and local involvement.
But it also takes a community to provide the right ingredients for small business success – ingredients Chris Yu found here in Wetaskiwin.
Relocating from Bonnyville to open Wetaskiwin's Mary Brown's Chicken in June, Yu has been thrilled with the welcome he's received, not only from customers enjoying fresh, Alberta ingredients crafted into a delicious meal, but from City Hall, the fire department and others who've created an environment that works for small business.
"Everyone has been really welcoming and they've made it easy to get the restaurant open. Now we're focusing on our customer service, and seeing what the next half of the year brings," Yu notes.
But first, for those who have yet to visit Mary Brown's Chicken, conveniently located at Denham Landing near Walmart, what's the story?
The Canadian company's roots reach back to 1969 and – you guessed it – a woman named Mary Brown from St. John's, Nfld., whose recipe for fried chicken was second to none. After the first store opened in St. John's, word quickly spread, first through Newfoundland and then westward, as restaurants opened in Central Canada and the Prairies.
Until now, however, stores have primarily been in larger cities, like Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer, meaning Yu is excited to share the time-honoured brand with Wetaskiwin residents and visitors – there's no need to head to the city for your favourite chicken sandwich!
As with any restaurant, the ingredients are key. Mary Brown's in Wetaskiwin uses only fresh, free-range Alberta chicken, marinated overnight, hand-breaded, then cooked fresh the next day. Potatoes – equally sought-after – are also harvested right here in Alberta, then cut, seasoned and prepared in-store. Add coleslaw, fresh-baked biscuits, poutine or other side for a hearty, family-friendly meal. No wonder they sold out so quickly at the recent Taste of Wetaskiwin event!
In addition to individual meals, catering from Mary Brown's Chicken is also ideal for your next party, office lunch or other special event – simply call or stop in ahead of time to choose from their catering menu. Options include 27 pieces of their signature chicken or chicken tenders plus sides, along with a variety of available add-ons, including biscuits and pies. They're even happy to deliver hot, delicious chicken right to your event, Yu notes.
Paying back the warm welcome he's received, Yu and his Mary Brown's team have already supported the local Filipino Basketball team and are keen to get more involved locally.
Visit Mary Brown's Chicken at 3610 56 St., where it's open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, call 587-468-1525.
This business profile is part of a series from Wetaskiwin’s Economic Development office. To learn more about initiatives to grow local business and industry, visit wetaskiwin.ca/831/Invest-Wetaskiwin.
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