We're looking for the Best People

Perhaps you've heard rumours about changes at the TC. While not everything you hear is true, we are making changes - and our customers are telling us things are getting better. One thing's for sure - we're getting busier. While not every night is all fun and laughter, we are creating a place where people feel at home. A place where people come for a good time with friends and family. Isn't it about time you came aboard?

You have a passion for customer service excellence, an outgoing personality and a positive attitude. While you're good at what you do, you have a desire to learn more and grow. You're responsible, reliable and committed to excellence.

We offer a competitive wage including a profit sharing plan. Some positions qualify for bonus incentives. We provide the opportunity to grow and have fun in a team environment while delivering excellent customer value. The management team cares about people and it shows. Our owners are present, and passionate about success - yours and the team's.

Come and talk about joining us and how you can contribute to this winning team.

As of this posting, we are focusing our search on cooks, chef's and kitchen assistants. However, we have vacancies in all roles. Talk to us about what you are passionate about and how we can support each other!

The TC
http://thetc.ca/joinus.htm

The TC Means Business

Why not stay where you love to eat in Dryden?

Did you know the TC has recently renovated many of our rooms? We now offer business class rooms with brighter spaces and home style comfort while still providing great value for your travel dollar.

We're raising the bar on everything we do at the TC.

If you are travelling to Dryden on business, try one of our business class rooms. You'll get a great rest, surprising value, VIP points for every stay, and free breakfasts after your 3rd stay with us - that's right, business class guests now receive a FREE early bird breakfast six days per week at the TC - our way of saying "thanks for staying with us".

Win a FREE vacation this winter

We've teamed up with the Investors Group to bring our guests a richer life! Great food and good times at the TC and the best in financial advice from the professionals. Enter the free draw in the restaurant to WIN.

You could win the Investors Group grand prize of $6000 to spend any way you like ... including that dream vacation!

You could win a monthly draw for dinner for 4 at the TC.

Of course, you'll win every time with a great time at the TC. Good food, awesome service. Meet your friends and family at the TC!

What’s New About the TC?

Business is up at the TC and people are asking “what’s so NEW about this new TC”?

The Trans Canada Restaurant has been operating in Dryden for generations. So people have assumptions based on their past experiences, stories that have been told and our reputation in the community. Some people have not been in to visit us for years. So how would they know about the transformation that’s been happening at the TC?

We took over the TC a year ago … in fact, next week is our 1^st year anniversary as the new owners. So besides “US” as new owners, what’s changed at the TC over the past year?

For starters, we’ve spruced up the place with a new coat of paint, and some long needed repairs. Our atrium windows have been treated to keep the heat out and it’s made a huge difference in climate control. We’ve installed big screen TV’s with BUZZTIME trivia games.

But the biggest change goes way beyond paint and wall paper … we’ve put together a winning team … staff who know what customer delight is all about. They are focussed on giving you that little bit of WOW that turns our guests into raving fans. We’re building the best team in town.

We’re people friendly - and you know it as soon as you walk in the door,  it’s that home town feel that makes you welcome. We’re kid friendly with kids activities and our famous treasure chest. We’re senior friendly with a seniors menu, seniors discounts and a Saturday night seniors appreciation day. And we’re evening friendly with special after 7 selections.

Of course we have the new menu with great daily specials and we’ve notched up the food quality while keeping that home cooked philosophy that made the Trans Canada a favourite stop years ago.

We’re listening to what our guests are telling us and we’re responding – because we want the TC to be YOUR destination of choice for dining and accommodation excellence in Dryden.

After all, Tina was born and raised here, and we’re glad to be back in Dryden. We’re focussed on giving back to the community with initiatives like our scholarship program, Monday community appreciation nights, and our ongoing support for fundraisers and community groups. We live here, and support the local community as much as we can. We’re partnering with other local businesses in many ways.

So perhaps a better question is what hasn’t changed at the TC? In the past year we’ve covered a lot of ground … we’ve raised the bar - but we know we’re just getting started – we have tons more work to do. Our catering business is booming and people who stay in our rooms see the difference some TLC makes.

This next year will be an exciting time at the TC … we’re looking for great things to come! Stop by and be part of it - see for yourself where we are headed! Become a VIP guest, invite your friends and family to experience the new TC. It’s just like coming home.

Oh ... and by the way, stop by TUESDAY next week for our anniversary celebrations. There's a cake cutting at 2, $3 burgers all day long and 50 cent wings after 4. We have face painting, balloons, draws, give-aways and lots of cool stuff happening. Our VIP guests eat FREE any time next week - join us!  

How to be a great server

As a local restaurant operator, its a big part of my job to dine at every restaurant in this city, from the sandwich shop to the trendy establishments. Every time we travel, I make it a point to dine out at a different spot. Even before I claimed a stake in this industry, we enjoyed dinner out often. Over the course of our travels, we've experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly of restaurant service. So what makes a good server? Here's my two cents worth ... I encourage your feedback on this topic and look forward to hearing about your own experiences!

My top 5

1. As the server, you are the face of the restaurant

While you may not own the place or cook the food, patrons will always view you as the restaurant. You're likely the first point of contact. You control the flow and the feel of the guest experience. For better or for worse, as a server, your tip is based on the meal, the presentation and your action (or inaction). This may appear unfair to you, since you have no control over the meal, but it is a by-product of how guests correlate you to the restaurant. Your best option is to simply accept it and work with it. When a customer is happy, let them know that you appreciate their business and look forward to having them back. When they're unhappy, find out why, and what you can do to make it better.

You'll look like you're in charge when you use positive phrases such as the following:

I can
I will
I have

On the other hand, you won't impress your customers using phrases like;

Hang on
Let me check
I don't know

Using positive, take-charge phrases will help you gain your customer's respect, which in turn improves your image in their eyes. It also helps with hard-to-please customers, who tend to make more demands when they view you as just the messenger.

Another popular phrase to avoid; No problem. I would hope it's not "a problem" to go out of your way to do your job well and look after your customer. A much better response to a guest "thank-you" would be "you're welcome" or "my pleasure", NEVER "no problem". This one will take constant effort to eliminate from your vocabulary (and mine).


2. Attitude is everything; Your opinion matters

The restaurants with notable service are those with happy, smiling servers who show real personality.

When we ask for a menu recommendation, don't say, "Everything is good." This translates to: "I'm too lazy to tell you," or "I haven't personally tried any of the dishes." Again, you are the restaurant's representative, and you must know your products. We want to hear what you like. We want your passion and enthusiasm to show through. We appreciate that you know your dishes. If you must play it safe, point out dishes that are popular with other guests.

Customers also like to hear that they made a good choice after placing their orders. Your affirmation (ie: "Great choice, the veal is wonderful!") is like a compliment, which makes the customer feel like they did the right thing.

Being a server can be a stressful job. Smiling while you're trying to juggle five tables of hungry diners is never easy. However, just remember that your demeanor should be pleasant and you should be smiling when you're on the floor.

3. Be proactive with your tables

Experienced servers know that the people at some tables are amazingly easy to handle while other people can be impossibly difficult. While luck deals the cards, there are things that you can do to make things go as smoothly as possible when you do get a high maintenance group.

After entrees have been served to your tables, instead of asking whether they need anything in general, ask about specific items such as condiments, utensils or refills. By specifically calling out items, you'll avoid being called over a few minutes later for something the customer forgot the first time around. Also, you'll appear as detail-oriented and genuinely caring of their comfort.

In addition, refilling drinks before they are empty is always a sign of good service and really shows that you are paying attention.


4. Understand your customers

Some customers want their server to be an unobtrusive background experience. Other diners prefer interaction and conversation. As any good salesperson knows, it's important to identify what type of customer you have and to modulate your own personality accordingly to build rapport. An experienced salesperson will often match your energy level and rate of speech because it makes you feel more comfortable. Knowing how to interact with each group will improve your experience as well as theirs.

Many front-line customer service jobs have adopted the motto, "The job would be great if not for the customers." It's true that one bad experience can ruin an otherwise great day. The key is to find ways of dealing with those bad experiences so that you can get by it and continue doing your job and making your other customers happy.

If a customer is unhappy, find out if they have a legitimate complaint (food prepared wrong, lengthy delays, unruly neighbors), and if so, deal with it appropriately. To diffuse a simmering customer, try asking, "What can I do right now to make you happy?" It's a great customer service line that puts the ball in the customer's court and forces them to vocalize their needs.

In the event that you snag a customer who is just plain negative, just tell yourself that some people in the world are simply not happy, no matter what you do. Try not to take it personally, some people enjoy being miserable.

5. Smile!

It's a fact: happiness is contagious. If you smile at someone, chances are they'll smile back. Experience also shows that even if you're not happy, acting happy will actually make you feel better.

Share your thoughts! I'd love to hear what you think.

//Norm

We’re Turning Up The Heat this August

Come to the TC this month!

We’ll burn the bill for one lucky guest who visits with us each week night

Every night from Monday through Thursday Norm will burn the bill  for one lucky guest.

WOW—this could be you!

WOW - I didn't expect that!

I didn't expect that!

When was the last time you were surprised by the service is a restaurant, or the food quality, or when someone went out of their way to make your day special?

Hey - we're hearing that all the time! We're out to exceed your expectations ... its not the same old Trans Canada any more. We've made some huge changes at the TC in the last year. If you haven't been in to see what's new ~ we're looking forward to seeing you again!

We're all about great food, good times and awesome experiences. Why not try something new ~ something unexpected that you wouldn’t make at home ~ discover some new flavours while you connect with family and friends. Discover Dryden's exciting casual dining experience tonight.

Here is our Promise to Our Guests ... because we know the best surprise is NO SURPRISE!

• A sparkling clean restaurant, inside and out.
• Great tasting food, freshly prepared that delivers outstanding value.
• Great staff to serve you that are passionate about what they do, are friendly and knowledgeable about what they serve.
• A few surprises that you’d never expect (like free stuff for our loyal guests).
• An interest in our community that we share together.

We're working hard to be YOUR destination of choice in Dryden!

Pay It Forward Scholarship

Hey folks ... its August already ... and we are seeing visitors to our place that are making that dreaded back to school shopping trip. Kind of reminds me of that hilarious Staples commercial on TV ...

While you're planning for back to school ... keep in mind that the TC is offering a scholarship this year for our VIP guests families wanting to further their education beyond secondary school graduation. Encourage your kids to apply!

Here's the details ...

At the TC, we believe in community. We know that a strong community is built by people who are engaged and committed. We take pride in creating an environment where people invite their friends and family.


We have had the pleasure of hosting several groups of young people raising awareness and funds for worthwhile causes. These engaged and committed people will soon become our leaders of tomorrow. In todays me focussed society, its refreshing to see the commitment these folks demonstrate to helping others and their community.


In 2000, a novel entitled Pay It Forward was published and adapted into a Warner Brothers film. In the movie it described a concept of "Pay it Forward" as an obligation to do three good deeds for others in repayment of a good deed that one receives. Such good deeds should be things that the other person cannot accomplish on their own. In this way, the desire to help one another spreads exponentially through society, making the world a better place.


At the TC, we're adapting this concept as the theme for a scholarship fund. We will award a scholarship to a graduating student who commits to furthering their education at a post secondary institution and who has demonstrated their commitment to helping others and the community in the spirit of Paying it forward. The scholarship will be in the amount of 1% of our restaurant sales on Monday nights during the school year, from September through May.


The scholarship will be awarded based on the students demonstrated active contribution to others and their community over the school year. Help us help the community - lets get involved Dryden!

Mondays will become our community awareness event night to maximize the value of this scholarship. We are extending an invitation to school clubs, teams, groups and community service organizations to participate at the restaurant on Mondays! Contact us for more details.

2011 Showcase of Gardens

The Dryden and District Horticultural Society is presenting the 2011 Showcase of Gardens! There are two categories to enter:

Container Gardening

Showcase your imagination with anything that can be grown in a container. Will be judged on how well the contents and container suit each other - what fun!

Home Landscape Gardening


Focus on "Greening the Garden", the focus will be on sustainability and conservation - can include flowers, vegetables, herbs, shrubs, grass - anything to enhance the beauty of the environment.

This event is open to gardeners from Eagle River to Wabigoon!


Judging will take place between July 23 and Aug 3.

Prizes will be awarded by the Dryden District Horticultural Society Aug 6. To nominate someone, call Nora at 937-6617 or Sharon at 223-6576.

July Promotions at the TC

There's lots happening at the TC this summer ... stop by and see what we're doing! Don't forget to visit us at this Saturdays Christmas in July celebration in down-town Dryden!

Are you a bit confused by everything that's going on? There's so much happening at the TC, its easy to be confused. So, here is a list of our current promotions and events!

Friday the 13^th

On Friday the 13^th, every 13^th burger sold is FREE. Stop by and visit us every Friday the 13th in Dryden!

Get Spotted

Get spotted with our stuff and WIN. You can get our window sticker for FREE at the TC. We go out looking every day for cars and trucks displaying our sticker. When we spot you, you win free stuff instantly! The same goes for our hats and mugs! Get spotted wearing our stuff and you WIN!

VIP Program

Join our VIP program for FREE and start getting the benefits of becoming our VIP guest:
30 bonus points or $1 off every meal visit in July

Get points that you can redeem for food/merchandise

Draws for prizes for using your card

Eat FREE on your birthday or anniversary

Sports Teams

Bring in your team and wear your jerseys – get a free pop with your meal.

Buzztime Trivia

We now have Buzztime Trivia on our TV screens in the restaurant. You can play Buzztime Trivia and win FREE stuff just for playing!

Golf Dryden

Dryden is a great vacation destination - stay with us at the TC and you can SAVE 30% off green fees at Eagles Landing! Golf for 3 days and stay your third night with us for FREE.

Bingo

Save your till receipts and play TC Bingo. Win great prizes including a trip for 2.

Scavenger Hunt

A great way to spend an afternoon after lunch at the TC. Win $100 in gift certificates for your team.

Travellers - check the sign board out front - bring in our daily scavenger hunt item and you save 10% off your meal!

2011 Calendar Coupons

Buy a TC calendar and save month-after-month at the TC. One month in savings is worth more than the purchase price! Save every month!

Coffee Card

Ask about our coffee card - buy 10 coffee, get 12 and a free mug.

We’re working to make the TC YOUR destination of choice in Dryden. If you like your meal – tell your friends about us – if you don’t - tell us and we’ll make it right. Good Food, Awesome Service, First Time, Every Time. Meet your friends and family at the TC.

DHS Ambassadors

The TC is hosting a community awareness event, Monday featuring the:
DHS Ambassadors

Portugal - March 2012

Since 2001 this group has expanded classroom learning to the real world. History, languages and culture are experienced where they exist.

To belong to the DHS Ambassadors, students must put forth their best effort in their studies. They must participate in all group activities as they develop team cohesion.

Every year our groups are complimented for their behaviour and manner in which they present themselves. Past groups' behaviour on tour has exemplified true ambassadors of Dryden High School, the community of Dryden and Canada.

Come to the TC on Monday June 27 and Monday, July 4 and help support the DHS Ambassadors on their learning journey to Portugal!

Play TC Bingo this summer and WIN

Calling all Bingo fans! The TC has put a new twist on an old game - and the result for you could be a FREE trip for 2!

Visit the TC this summer and save your receipts! Match the cents on your bill to the Bingo card you get at the restaurant.

We are offering two games:
(1) Cash register receipts and
(2) Credit/debit receipts

There are great prizes with both games, so come on in and play!

Game 1: Till receipts

Get one number in each column - free (non-alcohol) drinks for your table for anyone having a meal!

Get two lines in any direction - free appetizer for your table for anyone having a meal!

Full House - FREE dinner for 4!

Grand Prize: The first person to report a Full House under game 1 will receive 2 tickets* to anywhere in North America compliments of the Trans Canada

Game 2: Credit Card receipts:

Get one number in each column - win a free (non-alcohol) drink
Get two lines in any direction - win a free appetizer
Full House - FREE dinner for 2!

Good Luck and See you at the TC! Ask your server for details!

* one set of two (2) free tickets will be awarded on verified playing card with matching attached receipts from the Trans Canada dated between June 1 and August 30, 2011. Tickets can be for any location in Canada, the USA, Mexico or the Caribbean to a maximum value of $1400.00 CAD including all taxes and fees. The first verified matching playing card and receipts will qualify. Travel must occur prior to June 2012. This award has no cash value.

Calling all trivia buffs

The Dryden - Kenora Trivia Challenge!

Are you a trivia guru? Do you have what it takes to hit top score? Come to the TC on Wednesdays in June and test your trivia skills against the best Kenora has to offer!

The TC is Dryden is hosting the Dryden vs Kenora trivia challenge on Buzztime at 7PM every Wednesday - be there and help us take the title!

Play Buzztime Trivia at the TC

I was so impressed with the response from our guests about the Trivia Pursuit cards we placed on our tables! People have so much fun testing each other ~ its such great family fun.

So I got to thinking ... and that can be dangerous for those of you who know me well ~ many of you are aware that I spent several years consulting before we acquired the TC last September. A consulting life, of course, involves constant travel with stays in many hotels (perhaps that is where the concept of living full time in a hotel was born). Anyway, during these travels, I ran across a place where trivia games were projected onto big screen TVs. Guests created a profile and competed against each other ~ or against people in other restaurants around the world!

Wouldn't that be fun in Dryden? Well ~ come and try it out! Buzztime has arrived at the TC!. Capture your spot in our hall of fame! Win great prizes for playing every day this week at the TC!

Scavenger Hunt

Are you up for adventure? Are you and your friends problem solvers? Can you decipher clues in record time? Can you think on your feet?

Try your skills on the TC Scavenger Hunt. Launching on Saturday May 21st - come to the TC for lunch and register your team. Your team could win TC gift certificates valued at $100, or take home the mystery prize package. That and a whole lot of fun starts at the TC!

Can't make the 21st? We're running it again on the 23rd. All you need is a camera, a cell phone capable of texting, 3 friends, some transportation and your imagination!

Using our technology, you can participate any day until May 31 - then the prize package gets awarded. Don't miss your chance to be the TC Dryden's best scavenger!

The TC Groundhog

What a hoot! It seems we have a new guest at the TC. Actually, I think its a long term guest that we just found out about.

Most of you who have visited the Trans Canada lately know that we have been doing some renovations - fixing up the restaurant and refurbishing some of the rooms. The excess building materials have been collecting all winter in the vacant lot next door, beside the garage.

Its spring - and with it comes spring cleanup! We called the folks at B&M to send us a disposal bin. As we're cleaning up the junk in the side yard, we look over and who do we see watching us - its the groundhog from caddyshack! He's huge, friendly and not at all scared. He's made himself right at home under the sheds and behind the garage. Seems the neighbor knows him well and has been watching his progress.

Tina's been busy cleaning up that area. Saturday afternoon she walks around the corner of the shed. EEEeeeeeeek ... seems she startled the poor little guy. He let out a shriek just like the groundhog on Caddyshack and waddled off into his hole, peeking out again to give her what for.

We know we've got to find him a good home - but he's determined that he's found his home already. Stay tuned for Tina's adventures with the little guy. He's become the talk of the coffee crowd.

Act Your Age?

Have you ever been told to "act your age"? I recall my mom telling me that as a kid - usually when I got WAY out of line. I often criticize MY kids for being nocturnal. Seems they want to go out late, stay up all night and sleep all day.  Maybe they've got it RIGHT?

After all, you're only as old as you feel. Who said you have to eat dinner at 4 and settle down for the night by 8?

Summer is coming - and with it the longer days, sunshine and good times outside. So we're making it easier for you at the TC. Who wants to cook and clean up after a long day of fun?

Come to the TC after 7PM. We've got big screen TVs, a special after 7 menu and a place for you to act half your age! In fact, until May 26, we'll let you eat those words (act my age, my @%*#). Choose anything on our menu totalling up to your age - and only pay half your age! Join the TC VIP club and get more great offers!

Stop by the TC and see what's new. We're changing to serve you better. Meet your friends and family at the TC!

Enter Our Mothers Day Draw!

It's hard to believe the snow is GONE and its almost Mothers Day! The TC is offering a special mothers day dinner on Saturday May 7, and our famous brunch on Sunday May 8. Come and join us!

You can win a free dinner (or brunch) for you and your mom! Simply visit our web site and find MOM. She may be hiding on any of our pages and she may not appear on your first visit to a page. You may have to hunt - but when you find her, click on the image and you can enter to WIN a free meal for you and your Mom!

Good luck - visit our site at www.thetc.ca

Thanks Dryden for your support

Luigui, the TC mascot, oversees
Norm presenting a cheque to
Allyson Coogan of Hoshizaki House

As calendar sales have begun to slow down (it is almost May, after all) we took the opportunity to present a cheque to Allyson Coogan of the Hoshizaki House crisis center in Dryden.

All the proceeds from the sale of the calendars were donated. Along with the cheque, several calendars were presented. The calendar has some great Dryden scenic shots taken by Dryden photographer Garth Gillis.  Also included in the calendar are coupons for discounts every month at the Trans Canada.

Norm, Tina and the team at the Trans Canada express their appreciation for everyone who purchased a 2011 calendar enabling us to support Hoshizaki House.

The New TC

Perhaps you've heard our radio ads proclaiming the new TC. Maybe you've received one of our mail out letters explaining how we are different. So what's happening at the TC anyway? What makes this all "new"?

You've probably already heard there are new owners. Norm & Tina took over the TC just over 1/2 a year ago. Slowly they've been transforming the TC. Rooms have been renovated. The restaurant has been given a face lift. We've got some fun new staff on our afternoon shift and kept the best of our old team members on our morning shift. We've updated the menu to include more favorites to compliment the old standbys. We've become kid friendly with coloring books, crayons and the infamous treasure chest! We're engaging with the community. We've got a new web site. We're connecting on Facebook and tweeting on twitter. We'll text message our specials to you very day. And we're engaging with you to make every visit memorable - with scratch cards, contests, new promotions and our VIP guest program.

While all this promoting has been fun, we have also improved our food quality while maintaining the home style cooking that Dryden knows and loves. Making a good thing better is what we're all about.

We're learning - and we're listening. Our guests have given us countless suggestions about what they want. We're delivering. We're getting better every day. Our progress may be slower than Norm & Tina would like - but we're becoming a new, better TC.

Family friendly. Your destination of choice. Come in as our guest and leave as our friend. We're looking forward to seeing you - you're always more than welcome at the TC.

Election Week in Dryden

Once again, Canadians are being asked to go to the polls to elect a new government following a non-confidence vote. In 2008 Canada had its lowest voter turnout EVER with only 59 per cent of eligible Canadian voters casting a ballot. That means less than a quarter of Canadians elected our Prime Minister. Increasingly, we seem to agree with the elderly woman who told TV host Jack Paar, "I never vote. It only encourages them."

In this election, Get Your Vote On has spread across the country, helping young people organize events from Whitehorse to Nova Scotia. Entertainers and celebrities have banded together to encourage us to vote.

Lets not let someone else decide for us this year. Get out and vote. Then talk to your elected official and hold them accountable. Its time we all did our part.

Dryden Business Excellence Awards

Did you know Dryden's Business Excellence Awards are being held in May? Designed to recognize the achievements of successful businesses and the people that contribute to the growth and prosperity of the local economy, these events have become known as the premier business event of the year in many communities.

As I read through the nominee list for this years Chamber of Commerce event, I was impressed with the talent and dedication these people bring to Dryden. These folks present a very compelling and tangible reason to shop locally. This is a special evening, when local entrepreneurs are honoured by their peers. Make sure you don't miss this opportunity to honour business excellence.

The nominee list is on the Dryden Chamber of Commerce Web site. You can visit it by clicking here.

Did You Know (2)

The Trans Canada Restaurant is known for home style cooking. Much of what we sell is made right here!

We use fresh eggs, cracked, fried, boiled and prepared fresh every day for our breakfast, lunch and dinner entres.

Can you Imagine how many eggs we prepare every week? Guess  and you could win Dinner for 2. Submit your guess before Monday, May 2 at the TC.

Visit the TC and submit your guess. The winner will be chosen from those with the closest guess.

Did You Know

The Trans Canada Restaurant is known for home style cooking. Much of what we sell is made right here!

We use fresh potatoes, peeled, cleaned and prepared fresh every day for our mashed, french fried and baked potatoes.

Can you Imagine how many potatoes we prepare every week? Guess  and you could win Dinner for 2. Submit your guess before Sunday, April 24 at the TC.

Visit the TC and submit your guess. The winner will be chosen from those with the closest guess.

Girl Guides Take over The TC

The Trans Canada Restaurant is being taken over this Wednesday, March 23 by a team from the Girl Guides of Canada. As part of our Community Awareness Effort, the Dryden Units will be hosting the restaurant from 5-8pm. So come on out for a fabulous meal, excellent service and support your local Sparks, Brownies and Girl Guides!

This is an opportunity to learn what Guiding is about, how Guiding benefits the community, meet the Guide leaders in the area, and raise some funds for the Girl Guides in Dryden.

Save with coupons from our 2011 Calendar

For those who have not already purchased one of our 2011 calendars, we still have some available! They feature great photography from the Dryden Ontario area by local photographer Garth Gillis. Included in the calendar are coupons each month for great savings at the TC!

In March, you can redeem you coupon for a FREE SOUP OF THE DAY. That coupon alone saves more than the $2 charge for the calendar. And you'll get a free coupon for every month with our calendar. All proceeds from the calendar are being donated to Hoshizaki House, a local womens shelter in Dryden.

Stop by the TC for some of our famous soup - get your calendar and the soup is on us!

// Norm
www.thetc.ca

Texting Service Now Available at the TC

We've added a texting service to our site that allows us to keep in touch with our loyal VIP members in real-time! Check it out by texting any of the following keywords to 8072201916. This is our local Dryden texting line for the Trans Canada Motel & Restaurant.

Text "What's for dinner" and we'll reply with an update of what our evening chef' has prepared as a dinner special tonight.

Text "What's for lunch" and we'll reply right away with an update of what amazing lunch special our day crew has whipped up to delight your senses.

The TC is famous for our home made soups. By texting "Soup" we'll let you know what the soup special is for today!

If you'd like to keep on top of what we are preparing to delight your senses, you can text "Dinneralert" or "Lunchalert" to us. We'll send you off a text message every day highlighting our daily special so you can be the first one in! If you're heading out of town, or would like the daily messages to stop for any reason, just text us "Removealert" and we'll take you off the distribution list.

Of course, life in Dryden is not all about us! Text us with the message "What's on" and we'll tell you about entertainment and special events in town today. Contact us through our website if you are hosting a special event that you would like texted out on our service!

Other keywords we recognize? "Openhours" will send you back a message about our hours of operation. Send us a text with the word "Coupon" and we'll send you our daily discount coupon.

Text messaging is another way the TC is leading the way to becoming your destination of choice in Dryden. Visit the TC today! Open Monday through Saturday for breakfast, lunch and dinner ... now open Sundays from 10 til 2 for our amazing Sunday brunch buffet. We look forward to seeing YOU here!

Dryden Community Service

The Trans Canada Motel and Restaurant has just developed a vision for the future and published our mission and values statements. This document is not just something fancy to hang on the wall – it’s the blueprint of where we are headed and we will walk the talk.

We believe in community. We know that a strong community is built by people who are engaged and committed. We take pride in creating an environment where people invite their friends and family. We think its important for us to engage with the community and encourage others to do so too!

Are you involved with a community service club? We started searching on-line for contacts at the local service organizations and were quite surprised with the result. So we're creating an opportunity for local service clubs to become more widely known in our community. If you are involved with a service club in the Dryden area, contact us at the restaurant. Lets talk about how we can help you with your community service efforts.

Catch the TC's $5100 winter giveaway!

Hurry to the TC to get your scratch card while supplies last. We're giving away over $5100.00 in food and gift certificates. Get a scratch card on each visit. Use it on your next visit!

Come to the TC and get yours today ... while supplies last!

Just one more reason to make the TC YOUR destination of choice in Dryden!

Reflecting on 2010 and good things to come

Its a new year - and with that comes reflection on where we've come from - where we are going and how we'll get there! How did you do with your new years resolutions?

2010 held some big changes for us. We relocated from the Peg to Tina's home town of Dryden Ontario to create a new TC - home style cooking, cozy rooms, outstanding service and a unique experience for our guests.

That meant some pretty significant changes for our kids too - apartments for the girls as they head out on their own - creating a home for our son DK in a new and smaller community.

The reception has been spectacular! Dryden has great people and offers bright opportunity for the future. The long hours and hard work are just the start of what's in store ...

For those who have not been in for a while, you'll notice some changes at the TC ...

While we are gratefull to have kept the best of the staff, you'll also see many new faces as well. We're building a team that provides our guests with a memorable experience on every visit.

The look of the place is being transformed ... a fresh coat of paint, some big screen TV entertainment, a sound system, activities for the kids, an ambience that warms you up and welcomes you as friends and family.

The menu is a staple of home style cooking, food made from scratch, signature soups and fries made right here. We've added some secret family recipies to the town favorites.

The rooms are being renovated and upgraded. We have plans to restore them one-by-one.

We're hearing encouraging words from our guests ...

Thanks for a good stay and a great meal!
Very well run - Thank -you.
Very pleasant family setting ... was the best!
Very nice place.
Classy.
Changing for the positive - great energy!
Excellent food and excellent value!

WOW - awesome feedback! But the best part is that our guests are encouraging us by making positive suggestions to improve. We are listening, learning, changing, growing!

Watch for more to come in 2011 as we create the destination of choice in Dryden. We're looking forward to a spectacular year and hosting YOU as our guest. We're inviting you to take some time to indulge in what we have to offer - whether it be feeding your belly in the restaurant or feeding your mind online, we are here for you and with you. Check out our Vision for the TC by clicking here.

Norm
The TC
www.thetc.ca

PS: If you think you would make a great addition to our team - stop by and talk with us!

Stay and Ski in Dryden

While Dryden may not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think of outstanding Nordic events, the Dryden Ski hill has grown since its start in 1952 to become the destination of choice for the local ski community. On January 12 the Dryden Ski hill was the host for the NORWOSSA races.

The Dryden Ski Hill is fully equipped with all the gear you need to Snowboard, downhill and cross country ski.With 22 km of trails and connections to trails extending further to Northwestern Onatrio communities, the hill is well equipped to provide a challenging day on the slopes. Nestled at the bottom of the hill is a comfortable Chalet where you can grab a steaming cup of hot chocolate and enjoy a snack while taking a relaxing break watching winter enthusiasts make their way from the summit.

The TC has teamed with the ski hill to provide a stay and ski package in 2011. Stay at the Trans Canada Motel & Restaurant, and you can ski all day for the half day rate. If you bring your lift ticket to the Trans Canada Motel, we'll give you the third night stay for FREE!

Come out of hibernation and enjoy all that winter in Northwestern Ontario has to offer! Make the  TC  your destination in Dryden.

Spend Too Much over the Holidays?

This is the time of year we all dread - are you avoiding the mail delivery guy because you don't want the bad news about what you spent over the holidays?

We know what its like! So we decided we'd lend a hand. Come to the TC for Lunch or Dinner in January and register your bill with us. We'll enter your bill in our draw at the end of January. We could pay your January bill for you!

Click this link for details http://www.thetc.ca/spenttomuch.htm

Meet your friends and family at the TC - home style cooking and home town hospitality. Expect the best at the TC - and get it - first time, every time!

OOOopppss - Our Mistake - You Win

So, its week 2 after the Christmas break, and I’ve somewhat lost track of what day it is – oh yes, it’s a Tuesday – Wing Night J My life is revolving around the restaurant these days – not that I’m complaining, mind you!

Tina came up from the basement and let me know that there was a major screw up with the desserts – we have far too many - seems we must have double ordered.

Time to get creative – so I sent an email out to all our VIP guests letting them know they can get a free dessert with their meal for the next few days with a copy of the email.

Are you part of our VIP program? We offer points for every visit and GREAT promotions (like a free dessert) when you give us your email contact information – stop by the TC and join today – its FREE!

Norm

The TC

www.thetc.ca

Helping out in the community

We are VERY excited to be helping out in the Dryden community by hosting several fundraisers here at the TC.  If you have not visited with us in a while – stop by and say hello – see what’s new – and experience how the new owners are committed to working with the community.

The new approach began in September when Norm and Tina took over the daily management of the Trans Canada Motel and Restaurant in the City of Dryden. Returning to Tina’s home town was exciting and we managed to connect with many old friends and acquaintances at the TC and around town.

Norm and Tina Present a cheque to Andrew
Skene of the Dryden Regional Health Services
Foundation for $254 raised at the TC for
the Ultra Sound Campaign. 

In November, we connected with the Dryden Regional Heath Services Foundation and hosted a Donate-A-Dollar-With-Dinner campaign. Our guests jumped to the pump and we contributed a dollar for each of their donations. Together, we raised over $250 for the Ultra Sound campaign.

The Children's Delight Series is a children's entertainment volunteer group that presents four shows at the New Prospect school throughout the year for young people. We were pleased to be able to support this group and assist them in engaging local kids in the arts.

Hockey has always been a passion for our son Derek, who joined us on this new adventure as a restaurateur. As a Dryden Ice Dogs corporate sponsor, we are able to assist with keeping high caliber hockey alive in this vibrant community. In January, we were able to attend a game and witnessed first hand the Ice Dogs victory in a shootout following a period of overtime - EXCITING hockey action!

In December, we started thinking about the fast approaching coming year, and how we could profile the city and surrounding area. We discovered a local photographer, Garth Gillis, who graciously agreed to the use of his work in our 2011 calendar - pick one up at the TC if you have not already done so! It features some great photography by Garth of the local area surrounding our community. The calendars are for sale at $2 each with the proceeds being donated to the Hoshizaki House, a Dryden Woman's Crisis Center.

The Dryden community is an all-season destination. Although people primarily visit us in the summer months for fishing, or the fall for hunting, the community boasts wonderful trails for walking, snow machining, snow shoeing and skiing. We have partnered with the Dryden Ski Club to offer discounted stays when you buy a lift ticket, or discounted lift tickets when you stay with us. Call for details!

In early January, following a busy Christmas break where we were busy painting and sprucing up the place, we connected with Lori Russell of the Kenora District Alzhemers Society to see what was planned for Alzhemers awareness month (January). She showed us their Chocolate Cones that are now available at the TC throughout January for a $5 donation to the Alzhemers Society.

February is Heart and Stroke month - watch for that promotion coming soon!

We've got lots of ideas in store for the TC and the local community. Its an exciting place to be. But we know we don't have the corner on new ideas - we're looking for great suggestons from you folks too! Why not get engaged in making this winter season a memorable one - come on out and get involved with your community - you'll be glad you did!

Norm

The TC

www.thetc.ca