End of a long run at 942 Victoria Ave. E.
The last shift for Brenda Smith at the McDonald’s restaurant located at 942 Victoria Ave. E. became a community send-off on July 15, marked by balloons, cake and dozens of friends who came to congratulate the employee long known around Regina.
Smith’s presence at the restaurant stretched across a 43-year career that began as a short placement. Smith told guests at her retirement party that the job was intended to be a six-week placement, but a manager hired her after one week because she “was a good worker.” Her closing plan for retirement is simple: to rest.
"She's just the type of friend that once you're her friend, she's your friend forever,"
— Kimberly Merriam, a friend who has known Smith since childhood.
Local recognition and community ties
Smith’s manner — outgoing and cheerful, friends say — helped her become a familiar face beyond the restaurant. A Facebook post about her retirement collected more than 1,000 likes within two days, and hundreds of visitors reportedly stopped by during her last shift to offer congratulations.
- Longtime friends described Smith as talkative, outgoing and loyal.
- Community interactions extended to public transit drivers, mall patrons and, at times, police officers who assisted her during winter storms.
- Outside work, Smith enjoys bowling and the music of Reba McEntire.
What the farewell says about neighbourhood institutions
The turnout for Smith’s retirement underlines how neighbourhood businesses can become focal points for social connection in Regina. Staff and customers at the Victoria Avenue East location noted her attention to keeping the space clean and the steady friendships she formed over decades on the job.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Employee | Brenda Smith |
| Career length | 43 years |
| Location | McDonald's, 942 Victoria Ave. E., Regina |
| Farewell date | July 15 |
Friends at the party praised Smith’s warmth. Joan Kilbride called her “very outgoing, very, very cheerful and very happy.” Merriam added that there is “nobody like her,” describing the high-fives, recognition on buses and in public places that accompanied Smith over the years.
The event also highlighted how everyday workplaces serve as social anchors in Regina neighbourhoods. For many patrons, Smith was not just an employee but a familiar, reassuring presence — a local figure whose steady attendance and friendliness drew broad acknowledgement as she left paid work behind.
After four decades of service, Smith’s stated plan is to slow down and rest, leaving behind a catalogue of small daily interactions that accumulated into broad community recognition.
