Friendly face at the Whitecourt Dairy Queen marks 30 years at the franchise

 

It isn’t too often that you hear of someone staying at the same place of employment for several decades. People will often move or change careers and follow a different path. Thirty years ago, Patricia Marois accepted a position at the Whitecourt Dairy Queen franchise. She has seen it change over five times with different renovations and has worked with countless employees who have come and gone. “I didn’t plan on staying this long,” she said with a laugh. When she originally started working at Dairy Queen, it was only supposed to be a part-time position, but it eventually turned into a full-time one. “Back then it was just to get me out of the house and to help pay the bills.”

Patricia, known to the staff as “Poutine Patty,” said the people of the community who regularly come in and the employees she works with are a big reason why she has stayed this long. “She’s been known by that name since before I worked here so at least 20 years,” explained store manager Deb Hay. “She makes the best darn blizzards and milkshakes you’ll ever have. She’s reliable and a good shoulder to lean on when you need somebody. She’s just an all-around genuine and good-hearted person and she deserves the shout out.” Deb’s own son will only order milkshakes if Patricia is on duty because he says that hers are by far the best. “The only time he’s having a shake is if she’s making it,” laughed Deb. “She makes it right.”

The store was completely decorated with ribbons and balloons as Patricia arrived to work in the morning on Friday, June 1 and there was a tiara with a 30 on it waiting for her. Staff had also placed “30” signs all over the restaurant to let customers know that someone was celebrating something big. “I’m overwhelmed. DQ has really treated me right.”

One of the biggest renovations that Patricia remembers is the change from glass partitions that separated the dining area and the ordering area. “We used to have glass windows parting the restaurant with Dennis the Menace and not many remember him.” For those who don’t remember, Dennis appeared as the “spokestoon” for the brand from 1971 until 2001.

“Her grandkids mean everything to her and she means everything to us at Dairy Queen. Here, we’re family,” said Deb. “Thank you for everything through the years and for being here with us. Dairy Queen wouldn’t be the same without you. Thank you for being you.”