RIVER CITY COFFEE
Kelly also notes that in the first three months of the pandemic , the shop sold record amounts of gift certificates . There was an abundance of people phoning in just to anonymously pay it forward to healthcare professionals , essential workers , and those who usually relied on food banks and other local food programs for their meals . She says it got to a point where they had to stop selling the certificates because there were no more on hand that they could give away .
In the first two weeks after the coronavirus came to Canada , the staff at River City asked that only healthcare professionals and essential workers come to the window . Even though it meant taking a financial hit , River City was adamant that all of their essential clientele feel safe and everyone who did not need to leave their house stay home . As an integral part of many customers ’ daily routines , standing strong for those who needed them was a must .
The shop was fortunate to have the capability of doing an order-and-takeout window service throughout the pandemic . They had no idea the structure of their shop would become so adaptable during such unprecedented times . Almost overnight , the team reformatted the entire layout to ensure safe service for everyone who continued to come through for coffee and food . This layout continues to be in effect .
Conor says the entire staff was covered in bruises those first couple of weeks from bumping into the rearranged furniture . Thankfully , the new setup has enabled the team to maintain the efficiency and quality of care the valued River City clientele rely on .
Regardless of the times , the shop still uses local vendors wherever possible . They enjoy a partnership with Earth Inspirations Pottery — a local potter — for their signature RCC mugs , local berries from Coast Berry Farm , greens from Terra Nostra Organic Farm , and anything else local that can meet their volume .
All of the baked goods are baked fresh every morning . The display case is filled with a large selection of muffins , scones ,
croissants , and other desserts . The shop has a rotating menu of favourites , so customers know when to come and get their favourite treats . They also have a large selection of gluten-free , dairy-free , and some vegan baking options !
River City ’ s food program has grown massively over the years . They pride themselves on a large selection of wraps , breakfast options , sandwiches , salads , and more made daily using fresh , local ingredients . The team keeps the kitchen clean and allergy-friendly at all times to ensure they can safely feed customers with dietary restrictions .
The entire menu at River City can be made gluten-free , dairy-free , or vegan . In fact , the shop has a large following of people with dietary restrictions that rely on them for one or more meals every day of the week .
FUN FACT : The whole management team has gluten and dairy allergies , so they share in the excitement of new customers when they realize they can eat anything or everything on the menu !
In addition to having its beans for wholesale and retail , River City also has a selection of house-made syrups with some exciting flavours such as rose , rosemary , bergamot , and orange zest to name just a few .
In normal times , the team loves the bustle of their busy shop , surrounded by high volumes of people at all hours of the day . Now that life has taken a turn , they ’ ve adapted to the demands of the new normal and upped their game once again . Cleanliness and efficiency are their top priorities .
It ’ s important to the entire team that every customer feels safe . With reduced seating , strategically placed tables , carefully worded instructions , and timers set to remind staff to disinfect every 15 minutes , River City is working hard to maintain its safe space in the ongoing pandemic environment .
River City is currently operating with restricted hours from 7:30 a . m . to 2:00 p . m ., Monday to Friday . They feel extremely grateful to have continued hitting their sales goals through these challenging times thanks to consistent service and all of the quality products the Powell River community knows and loves . The team is also grateful for the abundance of cards , flowers , chocolates , and handmade gifts they have received in gratitude for all of their hard work and service throughout .
Thank you , River City ! +
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