April 27, 2018

What To Wear To Your Restaurant Job

Working at a restaurant is a right of passage. Whether you’re looking for a little extra income in college or if you’re the go-to server at your local family-favourite spot, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to up your tips. Here are five simple hacks that you can use to make the most out of your serving job.

1. Keep a Fresh Appearance

No matter if you’re a hostess or a server, keeping up your appearance is key. Before you head to work, take a few minutes to make sure you look fresh—not like you just rolled out of bed. We know it’s unrealistic to show up to work every day dressed to the nines, but you don’t have to.

If you’re questioning how to manage your appearance, just remember one thing—keep it simple.

Simplicity is key—it not only shows that you’re a real human, but it also will help you get out of the door much faster. A fresh face, brushed hair, and a pressed shirt are all you need for success.

2. Choose Nice Clothes you Feel Comfortable in

Wondering what to wear as a hostess? What do servers wear? If your restaurant doesn’t have a uniform, don’t fret. Choosing the right clothing is simple.

Because you’re around food all day, wearing long sleeves, flowy skirts, and open-toed shoes are not the best choice. Try simple clothing like fitted tee-shirts, cotton polo tops, or short-sleeve button downs and blouses. Stay away from tank tops, crop tops, and other revealing clothing.

3. Ensure your Pants are Presentable

Do your pants have holes in them? Are they distressed? Can you see a stain on them from a mile away? Leave these at home. Make sure your pants are presentable at your restaurant job.

A nice pair of slim fit khakis, stretch twill pants, or even quality pair of jeans will do the trick.

4. When in Doubt, Go with Black

If you’re looking at your closet and thinking, “I have no idea what to wear to my restaurant job”, don’t fret. When you’re in doubt, go for black or dark clothing.

Dark clothing packs two major benefits for servers. First, darker clothing commonly looks more professional and put together. Second, it hides stains very well. As a server, you know the pain of spills and stains. Avoid them while also looking professional in dark clothing—it’s as simple as that.

5. Don’t Forget to Wash Your Apron

It’s your 6th day of working in a row. You show up to work in a fresh outfit, ready to take on the day. You look down and see your apron is covered in stains—we’ve all been here.

Nothing will kill your fresh outfit faster than a dirty apron.

As a server, we always neglect to clean our aprons. All day, you wipe mess after mess with your apron, because that’s what it’s there for! Pop your apron in the wash between shifts and all will be back to normal. If you forgot, don’t stress. Before your shift, wipe down your apron with a wet rag with soap. You’ll be able to get most of the stains off before you need to clock on.

Now that you’re equipped with how to to dress for your serving job, let’s get shopping. Find a few wardrobe basics in our shop by clicking the button below.

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May 11, 2018

Hot Weather Hiking TIps

Summer is here and it brings scorching temperatures. If you’re like most hikers, you’re not going to let the heat stop you from getting out there. If you’re planning a hike this summer, safety is of utmost importance to remain healthy, happy, and thriving. Here are three hot-weather hiking tips you need to know before you hit the trails.

1. Know the Best Times To Hike

Set your hike up for success by doing some pre-planning. Before you lace up your boots and head out, take a look at the forecast. Typically, the hottest time of day will hit around 3pm. Avoiding peak times will help you have the most successful hike.

Can’t avoid peak heat times? That’s ok, just make sure your hike leads you around a body of water around that time to take a quick break, refresh, and pick back up when the heat cools back down.

2. Dress in the Right Gear

Boots are a must, but choose wisely. If you need extra support for your ankles, a higher ankle boot like the Escape Hiker Boot is a great choice. If you want something a little lighter for the warm weather excursion, the Solo Hiker Boot might be a better choice.

Now let’s talk clothing. Shorts are a absolute must for hot-weather hikes, but getting the right fit is even more important. Because you’re constantly on the move, you need shorts that will move with you. Our Lightweight Duck Carpenter Shorts are made for situations just like this.

The lighter the fabric the better. Not only will it not weigh you down, but it will also prevent a hikers worst nightmare—chafing.

For your top, make sure it’s light in color and fabric. Dark colors hold onto heat, which will spike our internal temperature. Performance clothing is best for hikers. Typically, performance wear like our Performance Cooling Shirt is designed to cool the body by releasing body heat trapped inside. This will keep you regulated through even the most gruelling hikes.

3. Keep Hot-weather Essentials in Your Pack

While it’s important to keep your backpack or pack light, it’s crucial to be prepared with hot-weather essentials. Water, sunscreen, first-aid, and did we mention water?

One of the most common injuries a hiker experiences during summertime is dehydration. Having ample amounts of water handy will help you stay healthy and hydrated throughout your hike.

Even though you’re not at the beach, you still need sunscreen. Lathering up in a high SPF will ensure that you don’t suffer from sunburns or heat strokes.

Ready to hit the trails? Now that you know a few of the most important hot-weather hiking tips, you’re almost ready to get out there. Stock up on hiking essentials by clicking on the button below so you can tackle even the most challenging hikes with confidence.

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March 30, 2018

Best Waterproof Gear for Construction Workers

In Canada, we get our fair share of rainstorms. The weather is constantly changing, keeping us on our toes. For guys that spend their Monday through Friday behind the blue-light of a computer screen, an impromptu storm is no biggie. For us guys that spend our weekdays with a tool belt around our waist, it’s a different story—the rain puts a real damper on our workday.

While getting your hands dirty may be what you love most about your construction job, when the rain starts to pour, it’s important to keep those hands safe and protected. Hands, feet, arms, and legs—everything.

The Best Work Rain Gear for Construction Workers

Staying dry and protected on the job is easier than you might think—you just need the right gear. We’ve been studying guys in the construction field since 1922, designing clothing equipped for any type of storm. Here’s some of the best work rain gear you can have in your arsenal.

1. Nylon or Polyester Based Clothing

Nylon and polyester based clothing will be your go-to for light to medium rain. These fabrics are made with waterproof fibres that will not only keep you dry, but also keep you cool. They are light and airy, easy to throw on and off, and can be thrown in a bag without creasing or wrinkling.

Our Rigid Duck Hooded Jacket is made with a unique blend of polyester and nylon filling, along with other waterproofing materials that are built for even the harshest storms.

2. Sturdy Rubber-Based Boots

The last thing you need is to slip and fall on the job. Letting something like the wrong pair of shoes be your downfall is not the way you want to end your career. Be smart and invest in a pair of rubber-based boots

Rubber or PVC based work gear is probably what you’re thinking—it’s simply normal workwear, most commonly boots, that are covered in an outer layer of rubber like material.

Why rubber? To start, it’s extremely durable. Rubber is also completely waterproof, and best of all, it’s immune to soaking—aka no more purple, shriveled up toes.

Our 6-inch and 8-inch work boots are just what you need. They’re fully lined with moisture wicking performance fabric and finished with leather to keep your precious little piggies perfectly content all day long.

3. A Basic Rain Coat

Finding the right rain gear for work doesn’t mean you have to shell out loads of loonies. A simple raincoat does more than you think.

An inexpensive raincoat, throw, or poncho over your workwear will do just as good. They provide an added layer of protection without weighing you down. Obviously, these aren’t meant for heavy-duty storms, but when a light drizzle or rain comes your way, you won’t have to weigh yourself down with another piece of clothing.

Jan.19, 2018

New Year, New Workwear

The New Year is here and it’s full of potential. The 12 months ahead bring endless opportunities for success, wealth, and happiness. What do you need to fuel your goals? Quality workwear. Trying to achieve your goals while sporting ratty, worn down workwear won’t get you anywhere. The key to a prosperous new year is to feel good from the outside, in. Here are a few of our top picks for new workwear that will make you look and feel your best throughout the new year.

Dickies Pro Collection

Dickies is known for many things, but at our core, we’re known for creating quality workwear that lasts. Our Pro Collection is no different. Every piece of clothing in this collection is designed with reinforced fabric, removable items, waterproof sealant, and sturdy hardware. These pieces are designed for even the most intense working conditions, helping you stay safe and comfortable on the job.

Men in the field have come to rely on this collection. The Dickies Pro™ Jasper Extreme Coat is always a customer favourite because of its waterproof and breathable outer casing. Lined with cosy fleece, this jacket is ideal for tough working conditions.

Tough Max Pants.

One of our most sought-after items in the new year is our Tough Max Pants. With a comfortable fit just below the waist and roomy fit through the seat and thigh, these specialized pants are perfect for the man that wants to succeed. Your job site is different each and every day, making you one with the elements. These pants are built with Tough Max™ technology, creating strong, comfortable fabrics for day-long-wear.

Men love these pants for many reasons, but the top is their exceptional performance. However you twist, bend, shift, and move, these pants adjust. If your goal for the near year is to boost your performance on the job, these are the right pants for you.

Stryker Boots

We saved the best for last—new boots. Your boots are your lifeline on the job. Of course, they get put through the wringer. Rather than replacing your boots with a new, cheap pair every couple of months, invest in a pair that will last throughout the whole year. Our Stryker Boots are made with full grain leather, padded collar, and tongue, and are fully lined with moisture-wicking performance fabric. This combination gives you a snug and comfortable fit that will keep your precious piggies safe and sound no matter where the job takes you. Frost, snow, and rain won’t stand a chance against these boots.

Aug. 5, 2017

Community Spotlight: Grand River Brewery

Grand River Brewing is committed to producing fresh craft brewed beers of outstanding quality for discerning beer drinkers. Our goal is to produce full flavoured beers with alcohol contents less than 5% of today’s population concerned about over indulgence. These beers stand out and change people’s thoughts on how beers should and can taste.

Grand River Brewing’s Historic Building

One of Ontario’s finest Craft Brewery’s located in historic Galt along the Grand River.

Grand River Brewing is located at 295 Ainslie St. in downtown Cambridge Ontario. We are situated in a historical building which was the original home of the Galt Knife Company, the manufacturer of industrial knives for the last 100 years. The building is typical of industrial buildings built at the beginning of the 20th century, being of red double brick construction with many large windows, which bathe the interior with wonderful natural light. The location gives the building great street presence and we are taking advantage of the windows, by situating the brew house right behind the front ones so it will be visible to the passing motorists.

Extensive renovations have been carried out, in order to make the building suitable as a brewery, while still retaining the unique character, which makes it so eye catching. Post and beam construction, with open rafters in the brew house are complimented by massive Victorian trusses in the high ceiling fermentation room and the whole interior is bathed in sunlight, as previously mentioned giving it a wonderful warm ambiance. By putting our own stamp on it, while still maintaining the historical character of the building, we hope that area residents will soon start referring to it as their local brewery.

The brewery has a large meeting room with slate floors and a lovely antique wood bar that was purchased in Wisconsin. The walls are lined with several antique church pews to provide seating for special events. The former office and walk in safe in the building have become the retail store area. The coolers for the growlers have actually been placed in the old payroll cash vault.

Meet The Owners of Grand River Brewery

Bob Hanenberg and Jane Southgate.

What inspired you to start your own brewery? (Bob) "I was looking for a career to take me into retirement. I home brewed for over 30 years off and on. I had hired a consultant early on who became Grand River Brewery’s first brewmaster and together he and I worked out the recipes as we went. That was 12 years ago, and that was when we first started working on the business plan. At that time, the craft brewing industry was just at the cusp.” “I had noticed what was happening in the market with craft beer and it was similar to what had happened with the wine brewing industry 25 years prior. Now, craft breweries are all over.”

How did you get into brewing commercially? (Bob)

Bob – “I bought the equipment at the end of 2005, then I left it in storage. We moved into this location right away after I bought the building in 2006. I had to get cleaning it up, so that took some time. Once we were in the building we were able to get set up and start brewing commercially.”

“The storefront has been open since the beginning, since June 2007 and our clientele consists of locals. We also sell to the LCBO, licensees and The Beer Store.” We also ship a little out to the east coast. The LCBO /grocery are our biggest client.

What do you do to stay involved in the community?

Jane – “We run some special events at this location which include renting out to beer clubs. We also have live music on the weekends, paint nights, vinyl nights, and euchre nights. All of these things help create a buzz regarding the things we have going on at the brewery and in the area... It’s sort of similar to a neighborhood pub, where friends get together with a bottle of their favourite beers.

The Dickies Original 874 Work Pant is a go-to option for Sam when he’s brewing and when he’s doing business. “They’re durable in the sense that they last based on their quality, but also durable in that they can move from one part of what you’re doing, brewing a batch of beer, to another part where you’re in front of 80 people in a fancy restaurant talking about your beer.”

What was the motivation behind starting a brewery at this location?

Bob – I was looking to still make some income after retirement! This is a family owned and operated business. At this time we have no succession planned yet. What was lacking in some of the beers you had tasted out there? And, what made you want to set out to get it right with your own blend? Speaking on the Industry: Right now, there are a lot of beers out there that are very good. It’s been important for us to spread our wings and get away from the mainstream. We wanted to experiment and try new things Jane- The High Baller Pumpkin Ale for instance and the Russian Gun (imperial stout), were the first we came out with. Then a Curmudgeon IPA, which is an English style beer (IPA = India Pale Ale). And they do really well.

Can you describe what makes your brewery unique? (I.e. staff, equipment, how much beer is produced, marketing, and any other information that sets your brewery apart?)

Bob – “Our location and building on the water is a draw to a lot of locals who enjoy sitting out near the water. We are very proud of the product we make here, we think it’s great even though it might be similar to what other craft breweries are doing.”

“The taste of our beer is unique because of the water we use to brew our beer. It’s natural water out of the wells. All of the greatest beers in the world are unique because of the water they use. We use artisan city water.”

What’s your favorite beer?

Jane – Russian Gun Imperial Stout (dark beer with notes of chocolate and coffee. It has some nice roasted flavours. Bob – Plowmans Ale - refreshing beer with a lovely hoppy aftertaste.

Dickies is mainly known as being a work-wear company. With that being said, what is your favorite feature about Dickies clothing that helps you get your job done? Their durability is great. The fit is great. I really love the jeans (Bob).

What is your favourite article from Dickies Canada and how do you wear your Dickies at work?

Really like the way the jeans fit, I’ve worn them for years. I also really like the black winter coat I’ve got and their vest is really great quality too. I wear these work clothes all the time when I’m out back working.

What are 3 words you would use to describe the Dickies Canada brand?

Quality, stylish, and durability. Where can GRB beer fans go to find out more about your products and upcoming events?

GRB is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and of course our website. We like to let people know when our special events are coming up and to get involved. We support a lot of the City run events such as junior achievement and Scottish Games Festival. We try to do our best to be involved with the community.

When is the busiest time of year for GRB?

The busiest time is Spring until Fall. We’re coming up on our busiest season right now.

The New Grand River Brewing Brewmaster

What is your name?

Name: Geoff Wiseman

What inspired you to become a brewmaster?

Geoff - “During my 4th year at The University of Guelph I made beer for credit. I was in a course called: Food product development class. My group used potatoes as an adjunct and we monitored the fermentation of the product. It was from that moment that I simply got hooked.”

So how did you get here, to this spot in your life right now?

Geoff – “After University, I had taken a job at Labbatt’s (in Mississauga) where I was working in their innovation department. Then, I worked at a brewery in Halifax, came back to Ontario where I worked at Mill Street Brewing. While at Mill Street, this resulted in becoming a head brewer there. After that, I came here to Grand River Brewing. (Totaling 8 years experience in the industry).

Education Background:

University of Guelph – Food Science Diploma in Brewing – at The Institute of Brewing and Distilling – which is the former brewers guild. (one of the professional brewer’s designations). Located in England.

What do you love most about your job?

Geoff - “No two days are ever the same. I love coming in and smelling the “mash” which is the mixture of malt and water. Just the overall environment and positive workplace, and the people who are eager to make beer and also make the best beer possible.”

Describe the perfect beer for you.

Geoff – “My perfect beer is a hoppy IPA (India Pale Ale) that can be enjoyed on a patio. Perfection.”

Are you working on any new flavours we can look forward to?

Geoff - “I’ve got a hoppy IPA going in the back right now, were going to be packing it into a keg this afternoon.”

“We’re also working on some new beers and innovation in the upcoming 6 months. I just took over as brewmaster here at Grand River Brewery and I have lots of ideas as to where I want to take the brand while still keeping in line with it’s renowned Grand River flavor.”

Where can we find Grand River Brewery Beer? (Countries, shops) etc.?

Geoff – “Right now, we sell our products in the LCBO and I would love to see us get more listings out there, but it’s hard to get into the LCBO. At this time, you can only sell 2-3 products through the LCBO and of course, at our storefront location right here.”

What do you like best about wearing Dickies products while on the job?

Geoff – “It’s comfortable, it moves with you, and it’s water resistant. The pants also dry quickly, and this can be a pretty wet environment. I wear my coveralls every day while I’m working in packaging and they hold up great.”