Mandarin Restaurants is celebrating its 40th anniversary by offering free buffet meals to Canadian citizens at all its locations, including Newmarket, on Canada Day.
This made-in-Canada success story has grown to 29 locations across Ontario, employing more than 3,000 staff, including more than 150 managing partners who thanking their local communities for the support they have received over the last 40 years.
Proof of Canadian citizenship (birth certificate, passport or citizenship card) is required to attend July 1 and customers will also receive complimentary soft drinks, tea and coffee in addition to their meal.
Seating will be offered on a first come, first served basis. No reservations will be taken for July 1.
Lineups are expected to begin early in the morning and Mandarin estimates that its restaurants will serve more than 40,000 spring rolls, 2,500 pounds of rice, 65,000 sweet and sour chicken balls, and 40,000 fortune cookies.
The restaurant is also launching a Celebrate Canada menu featuring a selection of nationally inspired food favourites, like poutine and maple barbecued ribs during July.
On July 1, from noon to 8:30 p.m., Newmarket residents can feast on the all-you-can-eat buffet, featuring more than 100 items, including a soup and salad bar, grill table, prime rib counter, sushi corner, ice cream sundae and frozen yogurt bar and ever-changing hot foods and desserts counter.
According to a survey commissioned by Mandarin, the majority of Ontarians — 58 per cent — plan to celebrate the nation’s birthday by sharing a meal with family and friends.
The survey also found that 90 per cent of Canadians believe they have better opportunities living in Canada than if they lived elsewhere in the world. This sentiment is shared by the founders of Mandarin, who immigrated to Canada more than 30 years ago to start a small à la carte restaurant in Brampton in 1979.
“On behalf of my entire family, our staff and franchise partners, I would like to share our gratitude to Canada and our loyal customers for 40 successful years in this great country,” James Chiu, president and co-founder of Mandarin Restaurant Franchise Corporation, said in a news release. “The support we have received since day one has truly changed our lives and we are very proud to be Canadian. We are honoured to give back and say, ‘Thank You!’ to Canadian citizens with a free meal this Canada Day.”
Mandarin is also celebrating its 40th anniversary with a contest for a chance to win free trips, plus all monthly winners will receive 10 free meals at Mandarin. For more on the anniversary excitement, visit mandarinrestaurant.com.
