Cruisin’ For A Cause Day is Coming!

When it comes to fast food restaurants, there’s only one chain that has routinely supported the gearhead community, year after year. What franchise is that, you ask? Well, it certainly doesn’t rhyme with “ShmcDonalds.”

Since the restaurant’s “Canadian invasion” in 1956, A&W Canada has supported the gearhead community by giving it a home. This home, known as “Cruisin’ the Dub,” is often the only place for mechanical men and women to gather and compare vehicles in towns and cities across the country. The shows are typically limited by the size of the restaurant’s parking lot, but that doesn’t mean car lovers won’t make an appearance.

Then again, it’s not a typical show. In fact, it’s tough to even call it a show, with everyone cruising in and out at their own convenience. There’s no awards for best this or that, and the closest thing to reserved spots is the handicapped parking. And although the weekly cruise night thing is pretty well covered here in Winnipeg, these gatherings give the gearhead community a chance to meet, greet, and bond over burgers that actually taste like burgers.

But it’s more than that. A&W has been a major participant in automotive events over the years, and has brought sponsorship and influence to the ‘scene, whether people realize it or not. For example, did anyone else notice the increase in A&W Root Bears in back windows at car shows, and the corresponding decrease in those g**d**** “crying kid dolls? Have a look at the next car show. Trust me, it’s happening. You can thank the bear later.

This Thursday, however, is a different kind of cruisin’ party. For the entire day on August 27th, A&W will donate one dollar for every burger sold to the Muscular Dystrophy association. Most cities will have at least one event sponsored by an A&W, where you can come out and see some awesome new cars while packing away a few teen burgers beef-based donation units. if you’re in Winnipeg, check out the location on Portage avenue, across the street from Polo Park. Or if you’re anywhere else in Canada, check out the official Cruisin the Dub website for more info.

Unfortunately, that’s it for this week. That doesn’t mean you can’t come back later for our new “Daily Roddin” feature, or check out past hot rods and history lessons from the archives. And if that’s not enough, have a gander at our online friends, including Willy’s Garage, Darryl’s Drive-In, and Miss Lou Motor Mafia.