On May 7, the Brandon Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Business Achievement Awards Gala—a night filled with community pride, inspiring stories, and well-deserved recognition.  The event was hekd in the Manitoba Room at the Keystone Centre. Award Highlights: Community Impact (Individual): Tamra Rapsky Community Impact (Business): Greg Gingras, Lifetime Business Builder: Bob Mazer Outstanding New Business: Compass Coach Lines Top 4 Under 40: Chris Hun (Assiniboine College), Kyla Neufield (Alair Homes Brandon), Courtney Matienzo (Mazergroup), Lindsey Raupers (Loft Accounting) Business Excellence (Small): Reesor’s Jewellery. Business Excellence (Large): Glenn Butt (Canadian Tire) Business Person of the Year: Dale McKay CEO of Shur-Gro Farm Services

A popular Canadian shawarma chain is preparing to expand into the Wheat City, with Osmow’s expected to open its first Brandon location (825 18TH ST N) in the near future. While an official opening date has not yet been formally announced, excitement has already been building among fans of the fast-growing Mediterranean restaurant brand. Founded in Ontario in 2001, Osmow's has grown to more than 225 locations across Canada and the United States, becoming known for its shawarma wraps, “On the Rocks” rice bowls, and signature garlic sauce. The company currently operates 2 locations in Winnipeg, The addition of Osmow’s would continue a wave of new restaurant and business development in Brandon, as several national and regional brands have recently announced expansions into the city. Residents have increasingly embraced new dining options, particularly in the quick-service and international cuisine sectors.  

A free summer concert is set to bring classic Canadian rock energy to Brandon’s riverfront, as tribute band The Incredibly Hip prepares to take the stage at the Riverbank Discovery Centre. Scheduled for the evening of July 9, the outdoor show will start at 7pm., offering a full night of live music celebrating the iconic sound of The Tragically Hip. The event is being promoted as a “live and free” experience, inviting residents and visitors alike to gather along the Assiniboine River for an evening of music and community. The concert will be held at the Riverbank’s amphitheatre, a popular summer venue capable of hosting thousands and known for its scenic backdrop and lively atmosphere. Attendees can expect a high-energy performance filled with familiar hits, big singalongs, and a celebration of one of Canada’s most beloved bands. With no admission cost, the event is expected to draw a strong crowd, continuing the Riverbank Discovery Centre’s tradition of accessible, family-friendly programming throughout the summer months. Local organizers are encouraging concertgoers to bring lawn chairs, enjoy the riverside setting, and take in what promises to be a memorable night of live entertainment. The performance is part of a broader summer lineup at the Riverbank, which regularly hosts concerts, festivals, and community gatherings in the heart of Brandon.      

Hermanos South American Steakhouse is proud to announce the future opening of HERMANOS Steakhouse at the Historic Brandon Firehall in downtown Brandon, MB. Riley Bernier, Son of Hermanos co-founder, Noel Bernier, along with his  wife, Brazilian native Juliana Bernier & son, Christopher, will be relocating and settling in Brandon to own and lead the  restaurant operations.  “We are extremely proud of Riley & Juliana, they are committing to the City of Brandon, and we know Brandon will love the  Hermanos Steakhouse experience they bring to the Westman Region” said Michelle Bernier, Hermanos co owner.  “Firehall developers, the City of Brandon, the local MLA office and the Mayor’s office have been extremely helpful and pro active in creating a downtown attraction for the City of Brandon, with special thanks to Brandon Downtown BIZ Executive  Director, Emmy Sanderson, who’s efforts and tenacity for Brandon’s downtown made this possible” added Hermanos co founder Noel Bernier. “It’s important to note - No grants or public money was used to help bring this together, but the support,  information, and timely efforts of Brandon city officials were instrumental in bringing Hermanos to the Firehall.  “Juliana and Riley are amazing ambassadors of the Brazilian Canadian relationship and it’s a blessing for the warm welcome they have received” added Brazilian born Hermanos co-founder, Najara Costa Barros.  The full hospitality development will include a Hermanos Steakhouse and Lounge as well as a cigar lounge in the Firehall Hayloft and a 50-seat comedy club in the basement. Plans include the restaurant & cigar lounge opening in July and a  50-seat comedy club opening in the fall of 2026. Hermanos will be launching with a series of culinary dinners and events,  including a Firefighters Ball on June 21.  “Juliana and I look forward to introducing Brandon to the Hermanos Restaurant and experience. These dining events will include 6 course dinners, live entertainment, and stories and experiences rooted in Hermanos South American History” said owner Riley Bernier.  “We have made the Firefighters Association the charity partner of these events and have will be making a substantial donation to the Firefighters Association at the June 21 dinner” added Riley Bernier. “We look forward to starting a chapter of new memories and meals shared together at the Brandon Firehall, and encourage people to buy tickets now, as seats are very limited.”  Information and tickets can be found at Hermanos.ca

Canada’s most celebrated artists Dean Brody and The Reklaws are joining forces this fall for their co-headlining Hometown Heroes National Tour. The tour will  bring the two chart-topping acts to stages across the country, coming to Assiniboine Credit  Union Place at the Keystone Centre November 14th, delivering a must-see live experience  packed with career-defining hits, standout storytelling, and the high-energy moments fans have  come to expect from both artists.  Keystone Centre BACKSTAGE newsletter subscribers will get an exclusive pre-sale offer  Wednesday May 6th, and tickets go on-sale to the general public May 8th at 10am CST.  Tickets can be purchased at the Keystone Centre box office by calling 204-726-3555, or  online at www.keystonecentre.com.   “There’s something special about getting out across the country and playing these songs for  fans in every corner of Canada,” says Dean Brody. “This tour is all about celebrating where we come from and the people who’ve been there along the way. Getting to do that alongside my  friends, The Reklaws, is going to make it even more memorable.”   “Canada let’s go! We’re so fired up,” add The Reklaws. “We’ve shared so many moments with  Dean over the years, and getting to bring that to fans across the country on this kind of scale is  unreal. We cannot wait to see y’all out there!”  HOMETOWN HEROES NATIONAL TOUR DATES  August 28 - Ottawa, ON* September 24 - Toronto, ON September 25, Cambridge, ON* October 30 - Grande Prairie, AB November 1 - Red Deer, AB November 3 - Cranbrook, BC November 5 - Abbotsford, BC November 6 - Penticton, BC November 7 - Calgary, AB November 8 - Lethbridge, AB November 9 - Moose Jaw, SK November 10 - Edmonton, AB November 12 + 13 - Winnipeg, MB November 14 - Brandon, MB  November 17 - Thunder Bay, ON November 19 - North Bay, ON November 20 - Windsor, ON November 21 - Owen Sound, ON November 22 - Peterborough, ON November 24 - London, ON November 27 - Moncton, NB November 28 - Halifax, NS  *Festival Date - Already Announced  Building on the momentum of their latest single, “Hometown Heroes,” which was penned after  seeing our nation united behind their home baseball team last fall, the tour will bring country  music across Canada to celebrate the people that make each city feel like home. The ones who  show up for their team, their neighbours and their people every day. The real heroes in every  community from coast to coast. As Brody prepares for the biggest album release of his career, his 10th studio album, a double  project with side A arriving early this summer, he’s also set to take the stage at the Formula 1  Grand Prix du Canada in Montréal on May 23, placing him at the center of one of the country’s  biggest cultural moments. With a decade-spanning catalogue and no signs of slowing down,  Brody is entering a year that redefines his legacy.   With a wave of new music on the horizon, including a highly anticipated album later this year,  The Reklaws are setting the stage for their most impactful year yet. The duo will hit the road this  fall for their largest tour to date, bringing their high-energy live show to more fans than ever  before and solidifying their position at the forefront of Canadian country.