TORONTO — McDonald’s and Tim Hortons are both stepping up to help truck drivers amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.
Truck drivers across the country rely on restaurants for basic necessities such as food, drink and bathrooms after long hours on the road. In response, Tim Hortons has opened more than 400 of its restaurants along Canadian highways to provide the necessary services for truck drivers. The bathrooms will be sanitized every 15 minutes and will be available to truck drivers as well.
“Canada is relying on frontline essential workers to get us through the COVID-19 crisis and truck drivers play an integral role in keeping the country running. We salute them; we thank them for their tireless work,” says Mike Hancock, COO, Tim Hortons. “We know there have been barriers for truck drivers in accessing clean washrooms and food and drinks to keep them going during their work. We made it a priority to address these issues and continue to work on how we can better serve truck drivers and all guests.”
McDonald’s has also released a curbside-service option for drivers. Customers can go through the My McD’s app to place an order and when they arrive at the McDonald’s location will pull into a specially marked area where a McDonald’s staff member will bring them their order. McDonald’s curbside option began on March 26 and is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tim Hortons is also working on introducing a new curbside mobile-ordering system to aid in takeout purchases while reducing contact.
“The health and safety of guests is our top priority and for that reason we cannot allow guests to walk the drive-thru. However, we believe this new service option will provide another way for us to serve the vital truck-driving community in Canada, along with guests who might not have a vehicle and want to make purchases at Tim Hortons’ restaurants where only the drive-thru is open,” says Hancock.
