Cranbrook, B.C., restaurant prepares to serve another free Thanksgiving feast for the community

A Cranbrook, B.C., restaurant has made an annual tradition of offering a free community meal on Thanksgiving.

On Sunday, Doug Wagner, executive chef at the Fire Hall Kitchen & Tap, was again busy preparing food for hundreds of people for the Monday feast, and underscored that anyone and everyone is welcome to join — whether it's an entire extended family or a person who is away from their family. 

"It's not about just feeding the most in need... it's about building that sense of community," said Wagner.

Running from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. Monday, the meal includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, carrots, gravy, cranberry sauce, buns and dessert.

Restaurant staff and community members volunteer their time to prepare and serve the Thanksgiving meal, which in previous years has seen a turnout of at least 300 people in the East Kootenay city. 

With rising food prices amid a surge in inflation, Wagner anticipates more people will take advantage of the event this year, and he's preparing for at least 500 guests. 

"We've all felt a huge pinch on inflation this year," said Wagner, who estimates that a Thanksgiving dinner for a family of four can cost as much as $300. "[It's] getting pretty expensive to do," he said. 

Small gesture became annual tradition 

Fire Hall co-owner Jesse Roberts says the annual community meal began as a small gesture in 2018, after the restaurant had been open for about half a year. 

The staff decided to close the restaurant for Thanksgiving and host a free meal to thank the community for their success. 

Roberts said the event was well received by the community and staff have since kept the tradition going.

Despite the cost of hosting the dinner increasing by about 15 per cent this year, he said it is worth it to connect with and give back to the community. The meal also happens to be delicious, he added.

"The food is phenomenal. It's the best turkey dinner that you've ever had and it's free," said Roberts. "Come one, come all."