Saturday morning I was up early and made my way over to the Regent Park Safeway. I usually go there whenever I need fresh baking, but on this trip I wouldn’t be buying anything. This visit was strictly a social call. It was the last day that particular Safeway would have its doors open for shoppers.
I went over to the store to have a coffee and a chat with store manager Dwight Kaminski. After 45 years, it would be his last day with the company. Dwight’s brother Brent manages the 13th Avenue Safeway and has been with the company for 42 years. Their father spent his entire career with Safeway as well. They’re kind of like the Sutter family of the Safeway world.
There weren’t many people shopping there that morning. Most things had been picked over and the shelves looked pretty empty, but there were still a few stragglers looking for those last minute bargains. There were very few staff members working that last day and the bakery, which was always stocked to the rafters, looked barren and desolate. To be honest, aside from the coffee and conversation with Dwight, it was kind of a glum morning.
The doors are closed now, but not for good. By August that Safeway location will be open again under a new name…FreshCo.
So Dwight, ride off into the sunset and enjoy your retirement. I never heard anyone mutter a bad word about you. You’re loved by staff and friends alike. Thanks for the coffee.
Next time we meet, coffee’s on me!