Background

The idea of Big Wheel Burger was born in 2011 with the growing popularity in high-quality quick-service food, but the intention was to do things a little differently than other brands had attempted to do before.

The environmental impact of “Fast Food” was Big Wheel’s first challenge and thus the idea to have the restaurant designed to be carbon neutral was born. Within 2 years of opening the first location and implementing all environmental practices including compostable packaging and oil recycling, Big Wheel was considered Canada’s first Carbon Neutral restaurant. This was the kick start to developing and growing Big Wheel Burger as a triple bottom line company.

While community involvement and support had always been one of those bottom lines, officially starting the Big Wheel Burger Community Foundation (BWBCF) in 2018 gave the giving-back aspect a place to grow. Expanding on the idea that businesses thrive in communities that thrive, the BWBCF created a way to reinvest back into the community using funds raised by the community itself through choosing to dine at, work at, or be a supplier to, a Big Wheel Burger.

The BWBCF is now fully committed to supporting the communities we serve and to meeting its needs not only through selling burgers at our Big Wheel locations but by raising and matching funds to support the most vulnerable in those areas. To best reach those in need when they need it most, the BWBCF created three pillars to designate funds and increase the impact of both short and long term goals.

“We want to show our customers, staff, and suppliers that when working together, we can make a difference in the communities we work and live in. Through doing this, hopefully, we can inspire other small businesses to do the same and continue to use entrepreneurship to innovate and improve the lives of everyone around us.”

– Calen McNeil, Owner Big Wheel Burger

rapid response:

When situations arise within the community that require immediate action, the BWBCF will be there to provide support through meals and meal programs to make sure food insecurity is something no one has to experience.

community collaboration:

Partnering closely with local charities to raise funds that will directly impact the community through other avenues beyond our reach. These organizations include community foundations, food banks, youth programs, and organizations that support and provide basic needs to the unhoused.

advocacy & awareness:

We believe that if you want people to become engaged in supporting causes in their community, it is important to provide accessible information on the issues facing their community. The BWBCF goal is to help share important and helpful organizations and their messaging to encourage others to get involved in areas that directly impact where they live.

Fast Facts

To date, Big Wheel Burger employs over 110 people on Vancouver Island with 5 locations and growing.
The Big Wheel Burger Community Foundation is currently raising upwards of $15,000 per month (2020) for a variety of local causes with over $120,000 donated to date since the BWBCF inception (2018 – 2020).

Meet the Team

Calen McNeil

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Story Starters

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