Tell Us Your Story. What motivated you to start your business? Why are you passionate about what you do?

Our story begins with a deep love for Ireland and a desire to bring authentic Irish hospitality to Vancouver. As Irish expatriates, we found ourselves missing the warmth, camaraderie, and lively atmosphere of traditional Irish pubs. This nostalgia, coupled with our passion for creating memorable experiences, motivated us to establish Donnellan's Irish Pub in 2017. We wanted to create more than just a bar; we envisioned a home away from home for both the Irish community in Vancouver and anyone seeking the unique charm of an authentic Irish pub. Our passion stems from the joy of sharing our culture, from the hearty laughs over a perfectly poured pint of Guinness to the foot-tapping rhythms of live Irish music. What drives us is the opportunity to foster connections and create lasting memories. We're passionate about preserving and sharing Irish traditions, whether it's through our carefully curated menu of Irish dishes, our selection of Irish beverages, or the lively events we host throughout the year. We're also deeply committed to being an integral part of the Vancouver community. Our pub isn't just a business; it's a gathering place where friendships are forged and stories are shared. Every day, we're inspired by the smiles and laughs from our patrons, the sound of clinking glasses, and the vibrant energy that fills our pub. It's this atmosphere - this sense of 'craic' as we say in Ireland - that fuels our passion and motivates us to continue providing an exceptional Irish pub experience in the heart of Vancouver.

Describe and demonstrate, including metrics, your community support. How do you support and uplift your community, and how do they show that support in return? Minimum 25 words, maximum 2500 characters.

Donnellan's Irish Pub is deeply committed to fostering a sense of community and supporting various initiatives in Vancouver. Our events and community engagement efforts reflect our dedication to creating a welcoming space for both newcomers and long-time residents. Our 2024 festival, Celtic Picnic, introduced Irish traditions to the wider Vancouver community while providing a taste of home for Irish expatriates. The event attracted over 500 attendees. The event also raised funds for Austen Burns, a Paralympian with Cerebral Palsy. We also host regular meetups for the "New & Not So New in Vancouver" group. These events are designed to help newcomers to the city connect with established residents, fostering friendships and helping people settle into their new home. These gatherings have become a cornerstone of our community support efforts, with hundreds of attendees finding social connections and valuable local insights. Our "New & Not So New in Vancouver" meetups have welcomed over 1,000 newcomers to the city in the past year, with 80% of participants reporting that they've made lasting connections through these events. This initiative has been instrumental in easing the transition for many individuals and families, making Vancouver feel more like home. Our commitment to the community extends to various charity events throughout the year. We regularly partner with local organizations to host fundraisers, leveraging our space and resources to support causes ranging from healthcare initiatives to educational programs. These events not only raise funds but also increase awareness about important local issues. Charity events hosted at Donnellan's have raised over $20,000 for various local causes in the last year alone. We've partnered with 15 different local non-profit organizations, providing them with a platform to reach a wider audience and gather support.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

Donnellan's Irish Pub has made a significant, multifaceted impact on Vancouver's social, cultural, and economic landscape. We've created a business model that goes beyond profit, focusing on community building, cultural enrichment, and social responsibility. Our success is measured not just in financial terms, but in the strength of the communities we've helped build, the cultural understanding we've fostered, and the positive changes we've inspired in our industry and beyond. Winning this award would not only recognize our efforts and achievements but also inspire other businesses to prioritize community impact alongside business growth. It would validate our belief that a business can thrive when it truly embraces and prioritizes the community.

Tell Us About Your Culture. How are you creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome? Provide examples of leadership you show in interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, staff and others.

At Donnellan's Irish Pub, we've cultivated a workplace culture that embodies the warmth and inclusivity of traditional Irish hospitality. Our approach to creating a sustainable and healthy workplace is rooted in our core values of respect, diversity, and community. Inclusive Environment: We strive to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their background, ethnicity, gender, or orientation. This inclusivity extends to our staff, customers, vendors, and partners. For example, we invite people of all backgrounds to our monthly 'New & Not So New' event, where people from different countries and cultures come together and make connections. We also hire people and vendors with diverse backgrounds. Open Communication: We maintain an open-door policy where staff at all levels are encouraged to share their ideas, concerns, and feedback. Regular team meetings and one-on-one check-ins ensure that everyone's voice is heard and valued. Professional Development: We invest in our staff's growth by offering training programs and opportunities for advancement. This includes workshops on customer service, conflict resolution, and leadership skills. Client Interactions: We lead by example in our interactions with clients. Our management team is often on the floor, engaging with customers, addressing concerns promptly, and going above and beyond to ensure a positive experience. Vendor Relationships: We maintain transparent and fair relationships with our vendors. We prioritize local suppliers and work collaboratively with them to ensure quality and sustainability. For instance, we've partnered with local breweries to create custom brews, fostering a sense of community and supporting local businesses. Community Leadership: We take an active role in community initiatives, leading by example in our commitment to social responsibility. Our management team regularly participates in local charity events and encourages staff involvement in community service.

Why do you think you should win the Premier’s People’s Choice Award?

Donnellan's Irish Pub should win the Premier's People's Choice Award because we have demonstrated unwavering and loyal support from our community since our establishment in 2017. This award is uniquely positioned to recognize businesses that have made a significant impact on their local community, which aligns perfectly with our mission and achievements. By voting for Donnellan's Irish Pub, the community would be recognizing not just a business, but a vital community hub that has consistently worked to enrich Vancouver's social and cultural landscape. We believe our impact extends far beyond serving food and drinks – we've become an integral part of of our community, fostering connections, supporting local initiatives, and creating a space where everyone feels welcome and at home.