Gorey’s Auto Reborn and Keith’s Service Centre reborn as River Bend Auto
As ash rained down from the remnants of Gorey’s Auto, Cameron Hawthorne was devastated.
Hawthorne had been in the auto repair business for his whole life and had just finished a year-long program at NBCC in preparation for purchasing Gorey’s Auto from his long-time employer, Joe Gorey, who was looking to retire soon.
A deal was struck between the two on Sept. 1, 2022.
Months later, tragedy struck.
The entire establishment burned to the ground in early November, including thousands of dollars worth of tools and equipment.
“It was pretty devastating,” said Hawthorne.
But Hathorne persisted, and with support from Gorey and his wife, Morgan Edwards, he decided to carry on with his dream of owning an auto shop of his own.
But he chose a different site for the building, the former site of Keith’s Service Centre.
The site’s prime location and intact auto shop proved ideal for Hawthorne’s plans.
The renovation effort on the building began in mid-July, with MCK Affordable Renovations and Lunn’s Electric doing the work.
The years of effort culminated on Aug. 25 when River Bend Auto held its grand opening.
Hot dogs and hamburgers were served at the event, with many former Gorey’s Auto and Keith’s Service Centre customers coming to eat and share a conversation with staff.
Hawthorne hopes that River Bend Auto can fill the hole left by Gorey’s Auto and Keith’s Service Centre and that both establishments’ customers can feel at home in the new shop.
