Toronto Stock Exchange: BPF.UN
VANCOUVER, March 18, 2020 /CNW/ - Boston Pizza International Inc. ("BPI") announced today that in an effort to help "flatten the curve" during the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation, Boston Pizza proactively closed all of its dining rooms and sports bars across Canada, including Boston Pizza restaurants located in municipalities and regions where such closures have not yet been mandated. The voluntary closure of Boston Pizza's dining rooms and sports bars took effect at the close of business yesterday and will continue until further notice. By closing its dining rooms to guests, Boston Pizza is doing its part to help reduce larger group gatherings consistent with public health authority protocols. Boston Pizza's kitchens will continue to remain open in support of take out and delivery across the country. By continuing to offer take-out and delivery, Boston Pizza will be doing its part, as urged by the government, to maintain at-home meal options for Canadians during these challenging times.
Since the outset of the COVID-19 situation in Canada, BPI has aligned its operating policies and procedures to carefully follow and reflect the most current direction and mandates of government and related health agencies at the federal, provincial and municipal levels. Yesterday, the Canadian Prime Minister called for all Canadians to "stay home and order take out". Boston Pizza will support this direction by continuing to operate in the communities that it is able to serve in the days and weeks ahead. BPI is also doing its part by helping the government understand the support needed for the vast number of small business owners and workers across Canada, like Boston Pizza's many Franchisees and their approximately 25,000 restaurant staff.
"The well-being of our guests and restaurant staff is our paramount concern and we continue to work diligently with our Franchisees and vendors to follow the advice of government authorities" said Jim Treliving, chairman and owner of BPI. "The most current advice we have received is for restaurants to continue to provide take-out and delivery ordering options, where possible, as these essential services can help Canadians through the difficult period ahead."
Boston Pizza and its franchise restaurant owners have been proudly serving Canadians in local communities since the brand was founded in Edmonton, Alberta in 1964. Today, Boston Pizza and its Franchisees employ approximately 25,000 restaurant staff in communities across the entire country.
"These are unusual times that require adjustments to how we all conduct ourselves," said Jordan Holm, President of BPI. "I'm proud of the collective effort that is happening in our Boston Pizza system. The changes that we are announcing today are being made to minimize the risk associated with COVID-19 while also continuing to provide Canadians with dine at home options that are aligned to the immediate needs of our guests and communities. While these are uncertain times, we will get through this. When life returns to normal, we will look forward to welcoming guests back into our dining rooms and sports bars. In the meantime, it won't be business as usual, however, Canadians can count on Boston Pizza to continue to work tirelessly on your behalf."
Boston Pizza will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation diligently and adjust its best practices accordingly, as advised by the respective government authorities and related health agencies.
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BPI is Canada's number one casual dining brand with annual gross sales of over $1.1 billion serving more than 50 million guests through over 390 mainly Franchisee operated restaurants. The Boston Pizza brand has successfully existed for over 55 years since opening its first restaurant in Edmonton, Alberta in 1964. BPI has been recognized as a Platinum Member of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies and has been a Franchisees' Choice Designation winner for eight consecutive years.
® Boston Pizza Royalties Limited
Partnership. All Boston Pizza registered Canadian trade-marks and unregistered Canadian trade-marks containing the words "Boston", "BP", and/or "Pizza" are trade-marks owned by the Boston Pizza Royalties Limited Partnership and licensed by the Boston Pizza Royalties Limited Partnership to Boston Pizza International Inc.
SOURCE Boston Pizza Royalties Income Fund