Ceili's offers thousands of free pizzas for Calgary's frontline workers and those in need

CALGARY, May 1, 2020 /CNW/ - Ceili's on 17 Ave is re-opening its kitchen during the month of May to give away thousands of pizzas to frontline workers and those in need at the rate of 150 pizzas per day.

"We have developed a "pizza-only" menu for customer purchases in addition to the free pizzas offered to those working frontline and those who are truly in need during these challenging times," said Matt Blanchfield, Managing Director for the Ceili's Group.

"Our message is simple, the #YYC community has supported us over the years so now it is our time to support them," said Ceili's co-owner and Calgary philanthropist, W. Brett Wilson.

Frontline workers and those in need can simply call in to self-declare their eligibility for a free pizza with one of our employees and then pick up their order at 933 17 Ave S.W., Calgary, AB.  For those that do not qualify for a free pizza, the pizza menu will also be available for pickup through www.CeilisDT.ca. "These purchased orders will help us provide even more to our community," said Blanchfield.

Ceili's on 17 Ave will be open for the free pizza offering every Wednesday to Saturday from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. from May 6 to May 30.  More information can be found at www.CeilisDT.ca, @CeilisCalgaryDT or by calling 403-265-1200.

"Our team at Ceili's cannot fathom the stress our courageous frontline hospital staff, health care workers, store front clerks, delivery drivers, those who have recently lost their jobs and the list goes on and on - all must be feeling right now.  We sat down to brainstorm what we could do to give back in true Calgary spirit and a couple of thousand free pizzas was our unanimous decision," said Blanchfield.          

BACKGROUNDER

The CEILI's GROUP of Restaurants:

Ceili's on 4^th

Ceili's first opened its doors in 1999 and celebrated its 20th anniversary last year.  It quickly became one of Calgary's iconic Irish pubs and has transformed over the years to continue to be a key player in the city's downtown vibe.  This location on 4^th Avenue SW was extensively upgraded several years ago, creating a great atmosphere for sporting events and celebrations of all kinds.  Ceili's on 4^th is ready to re-open as soon as permitted – subject to Covid-19 rules.

Ceili's on 17^th

This Ceili's was created in early 2019 at the corner made famous by Classic Jacks.  With the full Ceili's experience – from sporting to charity events – this Ceili's has been a stalwart on the entertainment strip that is 17^th Avenue SW.  Further upgrades to the outdoor patio will be undertaken as soon as possible.  Ceili's on 17^th is ready to re-open as soon as permitted – subject to Covid-19 rules.

Ceili's – The RoofTop                    

This new seasonal restaurant is currently under development on the Patio on the 3^rd floor of the Calgary Place complex – located at the corner of 5^th Avenue SW and Barclay's Mall.  Using an 8,000 sf Sprung Structure - which we will brand as "Canada's Largest Umbrella" – this destination will be ideal for everything from live music, to private events to simple patio lunches.  As a semi-enclosed and heated structure – we anticipate operations upwards of eight months of the year (not counting chinooks!).  RoofTop will be ready to open no later than July 1^st – subject to Covid-19 rules.

Matt Blanchfield / W. Brett Wilson

Matt Blanchfield, Managing Director at Ceili's was born and raised in Calgary, making it his true home.  He has close to 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, owning and operating multi-unit operations.  He is already planning how to execute the RoofTop operations with local talent and local food and local beer.

W. Brett Wilson, became a part owner of the Ceili's Group a decade ago.  He is excited for the opening of the new Rooftop that will seriously elevate the original vibe of the Ceili's RoofTop that was operational in the 90's.  Wilson has been critical to keeping the Ceili's balance sheet "operational" throughout some of Calgary's hardships including the oil and gas economic downturn and the recent pandemic because of his immense love of Calgary and his belief in local business empowerment.

SOURCE Ceili's Group

Media Contact: Matt Blanchfield, Managing Director & Fun, Ceili's Calgary Downtown, [email protected] / 403-860-0173 (cell)