One of Brandon's longest serving and most popular food trucks Pork Floyd is getting ready to expand their operations. Starting the first week of September they will be serving their signature pulled pork sandwiches and east coast donairs out of their brick and mortar location inside Boardgame Empire (1150-19th street).   The 76-seat, licensed dining room/restaurant will also be serving a wide array of other menu items. The move to Boardgame Empire allows Pork Floyd to also extend their catering season as they can now utilize the kitchen inside Boardwalk Empire to cater parties, weddings, events and more year round.  The space is currently undergoing some minor renovations and painting prior to opening.  A grand opening will be scheduled for the middle of October.  They will continue to also run the food truck.

Wheat City Meal Prep is a meal prep service created to serve the community of Brandon by offering convenient, healthy, fully prepped meals delivered right to your door.  The concept was created by 31 year old Rylan Lewis who thought his niche business idea had the possibility of succeeding in Brandon and area. With an extensive menu of meals and healthy food options it appears that Lewis is moving in the right direction. BDNMB – So how are you different from all those companies from Toronto etc. that can ship meals to your home? LEWIS – We are much smaller and focus only on Brandon and area.   Also I feel we are more flexible and more accommodating. BDNMB – Of course, people will want to know HOW MUCH? LEWIS – First of all we can customize our packages and substitute as requested by the customer.  We can prep 24 meals from our options for $109.00 which we feel is very reasonable. BDNMB – Personally, the thought of getting a meal shipped to Brandon from Montreal doesn’t really make me feel comfortable...how do you guys drop meals off? LEWIS – My bother and myself personally drop all meals off...even if we have to go to Russell.  We can turn around orders very quick. You can check out Wheat City Meal Prep on Facebook.  You can also call Rylan Lewis (204-720-4227) to obtain more information.

The Nearly New Shop Grand Reopening is Thursday August 23rd. In their own celebration of the changing seasons they empty the store of everything twice a year and start anew with completely fresh stock. The Nearly New Shop is located at 601-9th St in Brandon. Their normal hours are Mon-Sat 10-5. The shop is 2800 sq ft stocked with a wide range of almost anything that belongs in a house that isn’t much larger than a big bread box. On the north side of the shop they sell jewelry, ornaments, clothes, CD’s, DVD’s, shoes, sporting equipment, children’s toys, small appliances, and housewares. On the south side of the shop they sell clothing, magazines, craft supplies, fabric, yarn, luggage, lamps, books, puzzles and art. They have a full-time manager supported by 100 volunteers who work in shifts to accept, stock and sell the items generously donated by the citizens of Westman.  Profits stay in Brandon and are used by the hospital to buy equipment for patient care. They sell new and like-new items at great prices. Not only are the donors and customers helping to support quality healthcare in our community, they are also helping th environment by recycling quality items for someone else to love. They cordially invite you to come down to the Shop on Thursday, 23 August to see all of the amazing items they have put out to make your Fall and Winter better. Look around for something that you adore, get it at a bargain price, and know that you are really making a positive difference in our community. It’s what we call Feel Good Shopping. Come for a visit and try it out!

Last night, by vote of our members, Vanguard/ Catalyst became Fusion Credit Union. “Fusion reflects all that we stand for, the coming together of members, staff and communities,” says Guy Huberdeau, Board Chair. “It’s about more than just creating a spark and igniting change. Fusion creates tremendous amounts of energy that net only positive returns.” The name change takes effect immediately, but the new Fusion brand will not be rolled out until the end of the year. So members will continue to use the websites as they are now and all of their members services under the existing Vanguard or Catalyst brand for a few more months. “Our evolution to Fusion Credit Union is taking place now,” says Ron Hedley, CEO. “Internally, we’re aligning our policies and processes and we’re working on member service improvements. Now that we have the name ratified, we will begin developing our brand, website and member tools under the Fusion name.” The name was selected through a contest for members and staff, which generated 650 entries. The amalgamation committee reduced the number to 50 entries and staff and members voted on those. The Board selected Fusion, the most popular new name based on three voting groups – members, staff and the amalgamation team.  135 members attended the name ratification vote, held in Dauphin, Rossburn, Hamiota and Roblin. Vanguard / Catalyst officially amalgamated in April, 2018. They now represent over 30,000 members across 18 branches, employing over 170 staff.  Their assets total $1 Billion CAD and they returned over $800,000. in profit sharing to member-owners. “Our members will continue to be served by the same friendly, professional staff, with access to their accounts at 18 branches, from Oak Lake to Winnipegosis and we are fast-tracking introductions of the latest technology in financial services,” added Hedley. “But we know where our bread is buttered and we will never lose our focus on making life better in every community we serve.”

Heritage Co-op’s Brandon Food Store Thanks Customers, Reveals a Fresh New Look This Week Major renovations at the Heritage Co-op Food Store in Brandon (1035 Richmond Avenue) are officially complete this week, after 8 months of work. With the renovation complete, Heritage Co-op is holding a Grand Re-Opening of the store to unveil its new look and in-store features. Another reason for the event – thanking Co-op’s customers for their positivity and patience throughout the renovation process. “We know that a renovation of this magnitude does not come without its interruptions and inconveniences,” said Lorne Zacharias, General Manager of Heritage Co-op. “And what we saw throughout the entire renovation was excited, positive, and patient customers.” “Our customers knew that any inconveniences were temporary, and above anything, they were just excited to see the outcome” added Dan Lange, Store Manager at the Brandon Food Store. Customers will get their chance to see the results of this renovation on Friday, August 17 when the store hosts its Grand Re-Opening event. The event will include in-store demos, displays, and highlights of what customers can expect from the ‘new’ store. The renovation added several new features and offerings, including dry-aged beef available from the meat department, an expanded pharmacy area, and an updated an expanded deli department – which will add to its menu a sushi bar and popcorn kitchen. A ribbon cutting and welcoming remarks from Co-op and community representatives at 11 am will be followed by a day of family fun and activities, including bouncy castles, face painting, live music, and a free BBQ all afternoon. The event will feature a major prize draw for a 60-second shopping spree at the store, and throughout the two weeks following the event, customers will be entered into more daily prize draws, including another shopping spree, a barbeque, Winnipeg Jets tickets, and a popcorn machine. “We’re excited to have a celebration to unveil what we know is going to be a fantastic store for this community for years to come,” said Zacharias. “We’re a truly local grocery option for the people of Brandon and area and we look forward to serving this community with service and style.”