Where Cultures Meet, Heart Leads — Hankki Forest Lawn
Looking for affordable Korean food in Forest Lawn that still feels thoughtful, warm, and consistent?
Along Calgary’s International Avenue (17 Ave SE), Hankki Forest Lawn has become a go-to spot for families, friends, and couples who want a quality meal at a reasonable price—served with the kind of friendliness that brings people back.
This is the story of a community-driven store where managers and team members work side by side to deliver reliability, kindness, and great value—rooted in Hankki’s core values.
A Neighborhood Store at the Heart of International Avenue
Located along International Avenue, one of Calgary’s most culturally diverse neighborhoods, Hankki Forest Lawn brings together people from many different backgrounds every day.
It’s the kind of place you can stop by for a casual, budget-friendly meal, or settle in with family for a quick catch-up—without feeling rushed.
Families from the area, local small business owners, long-time residents, and customers who simply love Korean food all walk through the same doors.
Eddie, the manager:
“Forest Lawn is a place where different cultures naturally come together.
Our store feels more like a community space than just a restaurant.”Therese, the supervisor:
“You really feel the diversity here. Customers talk to us, recognize us, and come back often.
It feels familiar — like seeing neighbours, not just customers.”
Rather than aiming for something flashy, Hankki Forest Lawn reflects the neighbourhood itself: warm, practical, welcoming—and easy to love for the price.
Acting with Heart — Felt on the Floor Every Day
One of Hankki’s core values is “Act with Heart.”
At Forest Lawn, that shows up in the small moments that matter—especially when the store gets busy.
Therese:
“When it gets busy, we still try to stay calm and kind.
Even small things — checking if someone’s okay or smiling while taking orders — make a difference.”Eddie:
“For us, acting with heart means treating each customer like family.
It’s not about doing extra — it’s about doing things with sincerity.”
That balance—fast service with real care—helps make Hankki Forest Lawn a place people recommend when they want friendly service and a dependable meal.
Consistency Customers Can Trust
Customers at Forest Lawn often mention one thing above all else: reliability. When you’re choosing a place to eat—especially with family—being able to trust the experience matters.
Eddie:
“We hear, ‘It’s always friendly, and the quality is always the same.’
That tells us customers trust us — and trust is what matters most.”
Therese:
“Even when it’s busy, we focus on keeping things steady.
Being consistent helps customers feel comfortable coming back.”
Consistency here is not accidental — it’s a shared responsibility across the team, and it’s a big reason why guests say Hankki Forest Lawn is high quality for the price.
Help Each Other — Teamwork in Action
Teamwork at Hankki Forest Lawn is built on Hankki’s value of “Help Each Other.” That’s what keeps the pace moving while still making space for kindness.
Therese:
“If someone is behind, another teammate jumps in right away.
It’s never about ‘my station’ — it’s about making sure the whole team is okay.”
Therese:
“We check in with each other by simply asking, ‘Are you okay?’
That support keeps the atmosphere positive, even during rushes.”
This culture of mutual support helps the team stay efficient—so customers can enjoy a quick, easy meal without losing the warm, welcoming feeling.
Nurturing the Team from the Inside Out
Leadership at Forest Lawn focuses on helping people grow with confidence—because when the team feels supported, guests feel it too.
Eddie:
“I believe in discipline and communication.
Clear standards help team members feel secure and proud of their work.”
Therese:
“I grew the most when I learned how to handle pressure during busy hours.
With the team’s support, I became more confident — that’s what Nurture the Team feels like.”
New team members are guided step by step, both technically and emotionally.
Eddie:
“We want new staff to know they’re not alone.
Growth happens faster when people feel supported.”
Kindness That Defines the Experience
At Forest Lawn, “Kindness Matters” shapes both customer service and team culture.
It’s one reason many locals describe the store as a comfortable, family-friendly place to eat in Forest Lawn
Therese:
“Customers often tell us, ‘You’re friendly even when it’s busy.’
That makes me feel proud of our team.”
Eddie:
“Kindness is our strongest competitive edge.
It’s what makes people choose us again.”
Kindness here isn’t performative — it’s consistent, natural, and shared by everyone on the floor..
A Moment That Brought Everything Together
One moment stood out for both leadership and staff.
Eddie:
“A group of guests came in to celebrate a birthday together.
It reminded us that Hankki can be part of people’s special moments.”
Therese:
“Seeing customers celebrate here made us feel proud.
It showed that our store is more than food — it’s a place people feel comfortable gathering.”
That day reinforced what the team already believed: food made with heart creates connection—and the best meals are the ones shared.
Looking Ahead — Growing with the Community
The future of Hankki Forest Lawn is rooted in trust and continuity—staying a place the neighbourhood can count on for great value, friendly service, and quality that holds up.
Eddie:
“My goal is for this store to be the most trusted Korean food brand in the area.
Not just bigger — but deeper in connection.”
Therese:
“If we keep supporting each other, the store will naturally grow stronger.
That’s how we succeed together.”
A Message to Future Team Members
For those considering joining the Forest Lawn team, the message comes from both leadership and the floor.
Therese:
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
At Hankki, we grow together.”
Eddie:
“Skills can be learned — but heart makes the real difference.
If you care about people, this team will support you.”
🎬 Watch the Full Story: Hankki Forest Lawn
Get a closer look at Hankki Forest Lawn — where heart-led service, teamwork, and community come together every day.
📍 Visit Hankki Forest Lawn → 4977 17 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2A 0V5
Check location details and store hours for our Forest Lawn location.
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