COUPLE NAMED SMOKE'S POUTINERIE 'FANS OF THE YEAR'

THE CONTEST, WHICH HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR THREE YEARS, CHOOSES ONE FAN FROM ACROSS CANADA TO WIN A PRIZE PACK

Aelia Petro and Rob Kelley have been visiting Smoke's Poutinerie in St. Catharines for sometime now.

But they never imagined their frequent visits would make them the franchise's "fan of the year."

The two have been going to Smoke's "as often as they can" for about seven years now, with weekly visits at times.

"If there's anything that we're celebrating, we're here," said Petro. "It became our special, milestone. Every time we come here, even if we're not celebrating something, it has all the same fluffy, happy feelings, (and is) reminiscent of good times."

Not only do the couple like to visit the poutinerie for the food, but over the years have become friends with its owner Cheryl Howlett.

"At first it was a little weird, I'm not going to lie," Howlett said with a laugh. "But we started bonding over common eighties themes that we loved. American Horror Story, which is an ongoing topic. We just have a great time."

Howlett even recalled sharing a story with them about a game of monopoly with her family that didn't end well. In response, the couple brought her a more family friendly game to try.

"We've been exchanging games and just doing stuff," she said. It's not just 'fans of the year.' We've made friends, we've developed a friendship, which is incredible. It's something that you always strive to do with all your customers."

Howlett explained that the company came up with the Canada-wide "fan of the year" contest three years ago, and said she's honoured to have winners in St. Catharines.

In order for the couple to win, Howlett submitted an essay about them, and photos, to her global headquarters.

"The sensible part of my brain thinks I should probably start eating a little bit healthier," joked Kelley. "Every other rational part of my body says, 'no, shut up, go get a poutine'."

Their swag bags included records, mugs, Smoke's merchandise, and of course, gift cards.