A few weeks ago bdnmb.ca learned that popular restaurant Joe Beeverz (20 - 1300 18th) would be expanding their restaurant operation in Brandon and today we are pleased to share their exciting news with the public. Owner Chad Wallin tells bdnmb.ca that they will be renovating and expanding into the space next door currently being occupied by Sell-Off Vacations. This will add an additional 1200 square feet to their existing restaurant footprint. Sell-Off Vacations will relocate within the same strip mall to the space previously occupied by Quinznos. Joe Beevez first opened their doors in Brandon 9 years ago. Thanks to their unique Canadian style menu, exciting decor and premium service they expanded to Yorkton, SK and operate seasonally in Clear Lake, MB. For additional information on Joe Beeverz please visit their website. We recently had an opportunity to sit down with Chad to discuss the exciting news. BDNMB.CA: With all of the new restaurants over the last 3-5 years why was this expansion the right idea? Chad: Our business has changed and evolved over the years and we needed to find a solution that could accommodate those business needs. Our catering business has really expanded over this time to the point where we were booking a lot of events and meetings off site. Having said that, we also lost some business simply for the fact that we didn’t have the room or private area that our guests needed. Teams are also something we host a lot and this expansion allows us to have a separate, private space to accommodate teams, business meetings and private parties. The timing for us was perfect as it will be 9 years since we opened, and it coincided with a new lease renewal. It shows our dedication to Brandon and at the same time allows us to refresh our look and our brand…. And we have prided ourselves on bringing new ideas to the market for almost a decade. We are proud that we have been part of this community for the last 9 years and are one of the very few Non-National brands along the entire strip of 18th Street. I think it speaks volumes to the hard work, passion and creativity that our team has to stay relevant, current and still continue to grow in an over saturated marketplace. We are extremely proud to be local and independent and the support we have received over the years from our guests has enabled us to continue moving forward. BDBNB.CA: How many new jobs will this create? Chad: Great question. Our hope is that with the expansion and renovation it will be busy enough to create a bunch of jobs! I guess time will tell, but truthfully, we are only expanding 1200 square feet and some of that space will be used to make our kitchen area more efficient, so its not so much of a job creator as a much needed room creator. BDNMB.CA: I assume the travel agency will be moving to the old Quizno’s? Chad: You are correct. There were a lot of puzzle pieces to put together to make this deal come to a fruition, but with the help of awesome neighbors like Sell-Off Vacations and a forward thinking landlord, they both worked hard to make this happen for us. Towers Realty really helped us to make sure that we had the space that we needed to help us continue to grow our brand. BDNMB.CA: When do you expect to open? Chad: You will start seeing some activity for us next door in late April after Sell Off has shuffled over. Our plan would be early-midsummer if everything goes well. We want to be ready to host summer teams, and fully ready to go to host those summer parties and the business meetings when they fire back up in the early fall. BDBMB.CA: What changes can people expect to see? Chad: The addition will allow us to use that space as overflow to the restaurant on days when it is needed or can simply be closed off to private functions. The new space will include tv’s of course and a large 110” screen that will be accessible for big games but as well as functional for meetings and presentations. A separate portable bar is available for private parties as well as a separate washroom. In addition to the new space we will be doing some renovations in the existing space to bring it up a little more current standard. That’s all I’m going to tell you…… we have to keep some surprises! BDNMB.CA: Sounds like exciting times at Joe Beeverz…. Anything else we should know? Chad: Yes, there is always lots going on. I feel that equally as exciting as the expansion is the new menu that we have been working on which seems like forever, but we have taken our time with this one and have tried a million different ideas. We are about 95% of the way there and our customers can expect to see our old menu blown up and put back together. Of course, we are leaving the favorites, but there is A LOT of new items which include a lot of shareable apps, some new poutines and sandwiches and some healthier, lighter alternatives. It’s been a few years since we have really changed our menu and this one will be by far the most drastic change in 9 years. It will roll out at the start of May. Our seasonal Clear Lake location will open up the weekend before May Long. We’ve got some exciting new menu changes up there again this year.  It’s kind of cool operating a quick service restaurant as a different style…. Certainly, different then our other two locations style.  The Clear Lake location is not a sit-down restaurant per se with table service, it’s simply a patio, delivery and takeout spot…. To the beach, boat or your cabin! Other then that, we are busy with our wedding caterings all summer and our “Patty Wagon” food truck bookings that take us all over the place. This is the most exciting time there has been for all of us at work and for all of the Joe Beeverz fans.

PetSmart® is pleased to announce the opening of its newest store in Brandon, Manitoba located at 1350 18th Street, Unit E. To celebrate, PetSmart is having a grand opening event Saturday, March 14, starting with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. Media and pet parents are encouraged to attend and bring their four-legged friends to join in the fun!   The first 50 shoppers in store on Saturday and Sunday will receive a $25 gift card and free giveaways. Additionally, there will be two chances to win a $250 PetSmart gift card†. What: PetSmart Grand Opening Celebration When: Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 9 a.m. Where: PetSmart Brandon - 1350 18th Street, Unit E The new store features over 13,565 square feet of space, providing pet parents with a comprehensive line of pet products. The new store offers useful services such as pet training and a full-service grooming salon where dogs and cats receive hands-on care from academy-trained, safety-certified stylists dedicated to making pets look and feel their best.**  The new location will also feature self-service dog washing stations where pet parents can bond as they personally bathe their pups.    PetSmart stores are also pleased to offer pet adoption services in partnership with its registered Canadian charity, PetSmart Charities® of Canada, and more than 200 animal welfare organizations across the country. Since its inception, PetSmart has never sold cats or dogs in its stores. Instead, each store partners with local humane societies, SPCAs and pet rescue groups and invites them to bring adoptable pets into stores to help them find loving homes. Through National Adoption Weekend events hosted in February, June, September and November, as well as pet adoptions that take place every single day in PetSmart stores, the program has found homes for over 320,000 pets and counting. *All grand opening giveaways available while supplies last. (submitted)

BRANDON, MB – March 5, 2020 – Cando Rail Services has been honoured with the prestigious Gold Standard as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies. First named to the award program in 2017, the Gold Standard means Cando has successfully maintained its Best Managed status for four consecutive years. Through a rigorous application process, the 2020 Best Managed program recognizes the best-in-class of Canadian-owned and managed companies that have an engaging strategy development process, strong corporate culture, continuous drive for growth and a sustainable competitive advantage. This year the winners list was reduced by almost half compared to 47 winners in 2019. This was done deliberately. The evolving Global program is increasing the competitive landscape and continues to push the Canadian program to showcase the very best of the best from Canada. Based in Brandon, Man., Cando has successfully grown from a small rail salvage company in 1978 to an international service provider of various rail services, optimizing the bulk material supply chain for industry and the Class 1 railways. Helping with that success, the company has a unique employee share purchase program that gives employees the opportunity to be part owners in the company. It is more than just an ownership structure; it is a company culture that breeds success from the ground up. Established in 1993, Canada’s Best Managed Companies is one of the country’s leading business awards programs recognizing Canadian-owned and managed companies for innovative, world-class business practices. Winners are an important engine of economic growth for being adaptable and sustainable in a global market. The Canada's Best Managed Companies award recognizes the entire company. It's uniquely Canadian, and it measures more than strong financial performance. The Best Managed program continues to grow internationally with presence in 21 countries and continued global expansion. 2020 winners of the Canada’s Best Managed Companies award will be honoured at the annual Canada’s Best Managed Companies gala in Toronto in April. The Best Managed program is sponsored by Deloitte, CIBC, Canadian Business, Smith School of Business and TMX Group. (submitted)

The 33rd Annual YWCA Brandon Women of Distinction Gala being held on May 7th at the Keystone Centre will honour the collective achievements, accomplishments and contributions of women and young women throughout Western Manitoba.  This Gala event and awards presentation is the YWCA Brandon’s largest fundraiser, with proceeds supporting women and families in need by providing shelter, programs and services at both the Westman Women’s Shelter and Meredith Place Transitional Shelter. YWCA Brandon invites colleagues, peers, employers, friends or family to come together to nominate those amazing women who are role models and inspirations in their community! YWCA Brandon is looking for nominees who have made outstanding contributions in the following categories:  Agriculture Arts/Culture/Heritage Business Leadership/Entrepreneurship Community Leadership/Social Action Education/Mentorship Healthy Living/Recreation/Wellness Science/Technology/Trade Lifetime Achievement Young Woman of Distinction (18 – 25 years) Young Trailblazer (17 & under)  Nomination packages for these Women of Distinction Awards are now available to complete online, with applications to be received by April 20th, 2020. For nomination packages and information, as well as ticket information about this year’s Women of Distinction Gala, visit: www.womenofdistinctionbrandon.com or www.ywcabrandon.ca Paper packages are also available upon request by emailing womanofdistinction@wcgwave.ca

Last February we introduced you to “7 Intriguing Restaurants That You Must Try in Rural Manitoba” (article link) and the response was overwhelming, over 17,000 views to date. In the days that followed we received hundreds of emails/messages from our readers with additional restaurants they believed could have made the list. After combing through all the suggestions, and completing a little more research, we are now pleased to present “7 Intriguing Restaurants That You Must Try in Rural Manitoba, Part 2”. In no particular order. New Lee's Restaurant (Rivers): Extensive Chinese food menu. Large combo plates. Lunch buffet available Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays. Supper buffet available on Friday, Saturday, & Sundays. The buffet is topped-up frequently so the food is always hot and fresh. Facebook link. Timberland Inn (Swan River): If you have ever visited this restaurant then you already know why it made the list. Quite simply put, comfort food at it's best. The burgers are awesome and you can't beat the food for taste or value. Facebook link. Farmhouse 50 (Minnedosa): Select from a variety of fresh, healthy, homemade lunch and dinner options including fresh baked treats and specialty coffee. Many readers recommended the Sunday Brunch served between 10am-2pm. Facebook link. Brierwood Creek Cafe & Grill (Kenton): If you're a fan of really good pizza then you will have to add this restaurant to your hit list. The toppings are plentiful and the crust us perfectly crisp. The pizza here is flavorful, fresh, and HUGE. Additional menu items include breakfast, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and chicken. Facebook link. Corrina's on Main (Dauphin): Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in Dauphin for more than 10 years. Fresh ingredients and scratch cooking. Tons of menu options including homemade soups and homemade baking. The food is always delicious and the portions are always large and reasonably priced. Facebook link. Brews Brothers Bistro (Neepawa): Homemade soups, sandwiches, fresh baked goods, specialty coffees and more. Prices are very affordable. Tripadvisor's top ranked restaurant in Neepawa. Visit their Facebook page to checkout some of their amazing desserts, from delicious cheesecakes to brownies. Jmmy's Submarine & Dairy (Portage): Juicy and flavorful burgers (made to order) on a massive sesame seed bun. Perfectly seasoned home made fries. Come hungry and leave stuffed. Home of the Fatboy burger.