It’s already been five years since the Pita Pit, a Canadian Franchise, opened on 18th Street in Brandon. Local franchise owner, Jigar Patel (known as JP) who took over ownership of the restaurant in 2016, is excited about upcoming changes and most recently the addition of a new online ordering app.   The app allows customers to order their snack or meal online and avoid line-ups when picking up their order in-store. In addition, customers accumulate points through the Pita Pit More!points program. The app has been in place since June and is being tested at the Brandon location as well as two locations in Winnipeg. Patel said that it’s easy to use and customers are embracing the system and appreciate the convenience of a quick pick-up.   In addition, the company will be launching their catering menu through the online ordering app this fall, which will allow for easy group or business orders. At the same time, they will also be adding a delivery option for their online orders.   In the following year, they also plan to introduce a grab and go frozen yogurt (Yogun Fruz) to their menu as the company is currently testing the product with customers in Ontario.   The Pita Pit in Brandon has 10 full and part-time employees. They offer a wide range of healthy pita options (rolled or bowled) including gluten-free pitas, all-day breakfast and smoothies.   The franchise originated in Kingston, Ontario in 1995; today there are 650 store locations throughout the world. Download the new Canada Pita Pit app in iTunes or on Google Play.

Cantinho do Churrasco is a mobile Brazilian "Steakhouse" that will come roast meat on large skewers over red hot coals and serve traditional Brazilian salads and desserts all in the comfort of your backyard...or the location you choose to host your event.  The new Brandon based business is the brainchild of Dwayne & Shannon Klassen, who spent nearly 10 years living in Brazil.  During that time the couple became immersed in the Brazilian culture and learnt their culinary secrets.  Dwayne is the head Charrasqueiro looking after the meats while Shannon handles the traditional salads and desserts. Churrasco is the term for a barbecue which contains a variety of meats that are cooked on a "churrasqueira" (B-B-Q pit) with large metal or wood skewers resting on a support or stuck into the ground and roasted with the embers of charcoal.  Currently several different options exist including the full deal meal where your meat will be roasted to perfection and served along with traditional salads & desserts.  Alternatively, you can supply the sides and desserts and let them handle the preparation and cooking of the meat. You can book them for your next party, celebration, anniversary or corporate function by contacting them on their web-site or Facebook page.

The Eye Opener Book Store has moved into their new location at 1700 Pacific Ave, Unit D.   With the move to a new address comes a new name as the store will be changing it's operating name to the Friendly Neighborhood Comic Shop. The new store has a larger footprint than the previous location (314-10th St.) allowing for future growth.  Several new ideas are currently on the table for expanding the business.   To facilitate the move the store was closed on June 25th for several days and re-opened today (July 3).   In addition to comic books they also carry a variety of graphic novels, board games, t-shirts, miniatures, retro video games, artist signatures, original art and more.

Mid-Canada Fasteners & Tools Ltd (358 Park Avenue East) recently opened a location in Brandon, on June 6, 2018.  They carry "fasteners, hand tools, portable and stationary power tools, safety supplies, abrasives, adhesives and cutting tools."  A grand opening has been scheduled for July 18. Shop on the Corner, located at 2340 Rosser Ave, changed owners on June 2, 2018.   The corner convenience store is now under the ownership of Victor's Bakery and carries a new selection of ethnic groceries and drinks, including popular drinks from Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico and Columbia! Happy Hippo Brandon, located in the Shoppers Mall, closed permanently on Saturday, June 30, 2018.  The announcement was made on their Facebook page on June 20th and merchandise was offered at reduced prices for the next 10 days. Pita Central also closed their doors for the last time on June 30.  They had been serving Brandon a variety of pitas, wraps, rice bowls, and smoothies since December of 2007.

June 2018 Shoppers Mall Summer Update: La Vie en Rose, Sobeys extra Interior Entrance, Washroom Upgrades and more Brandon, Manitoba – June 28, 2018 – It’s going to be a busy summer at Shoppers Mall! The mall announced a slate of summer activities today, including store openings, washroom renovations and an update on construction of the connection to Sobeys extra Brandon South.The interior entrance to Sobeys extra Brandon South, which will allow shoppers to enter and exit the grocery store without having to go outside, is on schedule to be complete in mid-August.    “An interior connection to Sobeys extra is something our guests have been looking forward to, so I think a lot of people will be happy to hear this news,” said Kim James, General Manager, Shoppers Mall. “Having that connection between the mall and the grocery store will provide a convenient way for guests to do all their shopping without having to leave the mall.” The mall also announced that Canadian lingerie retailer La Vie en Rose will be opening a store onsite. The popular brand produces and sells a range of undergarments, sleepwear and swimwear for women. La Vie en Rose is expected to open in time for the Christmas season. Development of the East Side Mario’s restaurant located in the mall parking lot is also close to completion. The Italian-American casual dining restaurant will be opening in late July/early August. This summer, Shoppers Mall will also perform an extensive upgrade to the Food Court washrooms and associated common areas. In addition to all men’s and women’s washrooms, the mall will update the Family and Handicapped washrooms, the Parenting Room and the washroom hallway. “This renovation will give our washroom facilities a bright new look and upgraded, more eco-friendly equipment,” said James. “We’re making this investment so that we can continue to provide the best experience for shoppers and their families.” Washroom upgrades will be completed in phases to minimize inconvenience, with signs posted in the mall to keep customers updated as work progresses. Renovations begin July 3 and are expected to be completed in October.