A West Shore staple has been sold.
On Wednesday, the Saunders family announced it’s selling the Subaru car dealership off Highway 1 after 36 years.
The Jim Pattison Auto Group bought the business, giving Pattison its third dealership in the capital region.
Saunders and his family made the ‘tough decision’ in the last six months.
“It’s a very emotional day, I’m having a hard time keeping the tears back,” Bob Saunders said.
Bob and his wife Norma started Saunders Subaru in 1980.
Over the years their five children became an integral part of the day-to-day operations.
So too would the commercials that became a catchphrase for the West Shore business.
“Anywhere I go I get asked ‘is the coffee on?’ But it’ll be on for customers who come into the dealership and it’ll always be on,” Saunders told CTV News.
The 81-year-old isn’t just a cars salesman, he’s also an avid philanthropist.
From hosting cancer fundraisers, to charity golf tournaments and supporting local sports team, the Saunders family built a community foundation on the West Shore.
Saunders noted he’s ready to step away from the business, but will continue to stay active in the community.
“Hopefully I can do more with my foundations, I have full intentions to do that,” Saunders added.
