Update (March 29):The owners reached out to us last evening and said that they were able to move up the construction timelines and now are hoping for a June opening. Ownership of the new Empire Inn and Suites beer vendor (5th and Rosser) earlier today told bdnmb.ca that they are targeting an August opening. The original vendor burned to the ground in May of 2018 when a fire ripped through several buildings in downtown Brandon.

Kam Lung Asian Cuisine recently (Wednesday & Thursday) delivered some of their most popular and original dishes to staff and workers at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. For Kam Lung's management it was a way of showing appreciation for those front-line workers trying to keep everyone healthy and safe. As a local business they felt it necessary to support them amid the coronavirus crisis. The gesture was well received by staff at the Brandon Regional Health Centre as several took to social media to thank Kam Lung for their generosity during this difficult time. "Thank you for appreciating what we do for the community!!! We appreciate all those AMAZING DISHES you sent us at 400/500" read one social media post. "Thank you Kam Lung for your generosity supporting the health care workers in the Brandon Surgical Suite" another said.

Khan Foods, a new restaurant specializing in authentic Pakistani and Middle Eastern cuisine is now open in Brandon at 15-10th St. News of the restaurant opening was first reported on bdnmb.ca a few months ago. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the extremely diversified menu (see below) is currently available via take-out or by placing an order for delivery on SkipTheDishes. The dining room will open at a later date. Their Facebook page can be found here.

Andrew Prankie, local Pizza Hut GM, says customers have really appreciated the extra attention to detail by going contact-less for pick-up or delivery. For pickup orders, when you per-order/pay online you can then walk into your desired Brandon Pizza Hut location to pick up your order and leave. The area is then sanitized after each transaction. According to Prankie, after each debit card or credit card transaction the machine is sanitized. On delivery orders, when the driver comes to your home the order is placed in a sanitized bin. When the driver arrives at your location the door bell is rang by the drivers elbow and the driver steps back 10 feet to enable the customer to get the order. The driver then brings back the plastic bin and to be sanitized. Prankie says some small issues are being worked out but it's a step in the right direction.

Fun Time Pottery (535 34th Street) is now offering paint and takes. This new service allows customers to select from a variety of packages to paint from the comfort of their own home. There are several options for both adults and children including Easter baskets, kids kits, or your own choice. Each box includes paint and a list of a instructions. Due to the popularity of the "To Go Kits" they are having to ask people to use their own brushes as they are currently sold out,. At the moment they are still open for people to come and choose preferred pieces ($4 studio fee!). Owner Milly McKenna tells bdnmb.ca that she can also take pictures of the options and email clients who would like to select their own pieces. Payment then can be made over the phone or via an etansfer. Once you have had an opportunity to paint your pieces, you can then return them to the store and they will proceed to glaze and fire them. This process means your plates/mugs will be food safe to eat and drink from. Fun Time Pottery recently celebrated 10-years in business. In addition to ceramics they also offer many additional services including a clay pottery wheel, clay hand-building, board art, canvas painting, paverpol classes and fused glass classes. You can visit their Facebook page here, to learn more about Fun Time Pottery.