John Birch is the operations manager for Renfrew's Boston Pizza.
The former Flamingo restaurant building on O’Brien Road has sat empty for some time but that has changed with preparation for a new addition to Renfrew’s restaurant community.
Boston Pizza is coming to town this fall and operations manager John Birch said the process began two years ago but the work on-site has been underway for several months. The renovations involve converting the space into the Boston Pizza format, removing everything that’s there, putting in new equipment and completing extensive renovations.
Birch said the hope is to be open in November.
Birch said he’s been hearing plenty of positive feedback about Boston Pizza coming to Renfrew and that he and wife Wendy are pleased to be nearing opening day.
What can customers expect from the Boston Pizza experience?
One of the TVs is more than 100 inches wide and 60 inches high, Birch noted.
The restaurant’s format is one that should fit very well in the community, said Birch.
In terms of food, there should be something for just about everyone.
Jambalaya, hamburgers, steak, and pasta round out the large menu, and there are plenty of gluten-wise offerings, as well.
Now that renovations are well underway, work will begin on staffing, said Birch, noting the restaurant’s general manager, who spent 20 years in the restaurant business, will be the one running the day-to-day operations.
He expects to hire about 20-25 full-time staff and another 25 part-time. A job fair is planned in the near future, however, those dates have not been announced.
Looking ahead, Birch said he and Wendy are anxious to get involved in the community, and participate with local sports teams and charities.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)