Coffee buddies that meet regularly at Tim Horton’s on Victoria Avenue are going to be feeling a little lost for the next three weeks or so as the store undergoes a major renovation to both the exterior and interior of the building.   Owner Rhonda Pardy said the update is part of their franchise obligation where the store needs to be upgraded every 10 years. This restaurant portion closed on Monday, although the drive-through remains open and will be open for the duration of the renovation.   Pardy said the upgrade is extensive and includes new kitchen equipment, bathroom fixtures, furniture, decor and a slight change to the layout. The store will be more of an open concept featuring a fireplace and a comfortable, casual seating area. The exterior of the building will also have a fresh, new look.   The renovation provided an ideal time to install the latest kitchen equipment so that this location could provide customers with newest products as introduced by Tim Hortons.   “We are pleased that we’ve been able to give back a little to the community in the process as we donated some of the kitchen equipment to Helping Hands; the vanities, sinks, taps and so on to Habitat for Humanity, and all the tables and chairs were donated to families affected by the fire in downtown Brandon last month,” said Pardy. “We’re really excited about the changes, it is time for a new look!”

The Petro Canada gas station on Victoria Avenue is undergoing some major renovations this summer. The pumps and car wash were closed yesterday for five-weeks of construction, providing inclement weather doesn’t come into play. Retail Licensee Chris O’Rourke said there will be entirely new canopy, all new systems put in place, a new car wash and other improvements such as energy efficient lighting. While customers won’t be able to fill their vehicles with petroleum during construction, the convenience store will remain open and will maintain regular hours. O’Rourke runs two Petro Canada sites in Brandon and one on the #1 Hwy at Portage la Prairie.

The owners and staff at Two Farm Kids are excited to announce the launch of a new service they will be offering their customers. Starting as early as next week, they will be opening a Smoothie Bar.   Owner Sylvia Ubell said that the idea has been unfolding for a number of years, but really started to take off after her and her daughter attended a National Food Show in Anaheim last year.   “We bought a smoothie blender bike and have been using it at various events and for demonstrations in the store. So we thought it was time to do something a little more. We have all the ingredients right here, everything for special diets such vegan, gluten-free, diabetic, so it just seems like a natural fit,” said Ubell.   Two Farm Kids expanded their floor space and renovated eight years ago, which easily allows for the addition of a Smoothie Bar. The menu will expand over time, however, they do intend to provide hot beverages as well as smoothies, including Fair Trade and Organic teas and coffee. Plus there will be raw food bars and other healthy goodies that will meet the needs of those requiring specialty ingredients for their diets.   “We have the flexibility to add things, depending on what our customers request. We may eventually add a soup bar, muffins, wraps, pizza or other items depending on demand,” said Ubell.   As they will be catering to their regular clientele, as well as to the coffee break and lunch crowd, the store hours will remain the same as they are now and items will be available for takeout only.   “Whenever possible we will use certified organic, natural, locally sourced products. Plus we have all kinds of add-ons in the store. If someone wants a greens powder or fibre added to their smoothie we’ll be able to do that as well. We have lots of different options,” said Ubell.   An important part of planning the launch of the Smoothie Bar was being able to source earth-friendly containers. As such they will be using cornstarch-based, Eco-friendly cups that are biodegradable and compostable with no chemical dyes.   As Two Farm Kids look to celebrate their 30th anniversary this year in August, they are also celebrating the next generation of family getting involved in this local business. While Sylvia and her husband Greg have worked at the business for many years, their daughter Keegan has been helping to run the store now for the past six years. For more information, visit www.twofarmkids.com.

Source:  Brandon Chamber Facebook The new 2018/2019 Board of Directors for the Brandon Chamber of Commerce was introduced yesterday at a luncheon held at the Clarion Hotel & Suites. Board of Directors: Jeff Hood - President Cathy Snelgrove - Vice-President Spencer Day - Secretary-Treasurer Tami Rourke - Past-President Mike Brolund Barry Cooper Ryan Jacobson Tanya LaBuick Steve McMillan Scott Norosky Trent Sholdice Aida Tahhan Jordan Trotter Jill Watt

Fans of soft-serve ice cream, Blizzards, and GrillBurgers can celebrate--a new Dairy Queen Grill & Chill restaurant, with a drive-thru, is coming to Brandon soon. Laird Lidster plans to open Brandon's first Dairy Queen Grill & Chill, at 915-18th Street North (Corral Centre).  In conversation earlier today with bdnmb.ca Laird said that he is extremely excited to officially make the announcement of the new restaurant location and that the idea to open a Grill & Chill in Brandon has been a long time coming. The Grill & Chill concept includes menu items such as burgers, fries, salads, chicken and other foods, in addition to ice cream products.  According to Laird, the location was selected as the area is now a mature development with proven traffic flows.  He added that in addition to an exciting new food program, customers can expect to receive the same friendly, quality customer service they are accustomed to from the existing Dairy Queen locations in the city. Construction on the new 70-seat, 2650 sq foot restaurant is slated to start in the next several weeks with an expected opening date in either late 2018 or early 2019.  Laird said that new store will employ approximately 35-40 people. The original Dairy Queen in Brandon was started in 1954 and has been in the Lidster family since 1973.  Laird purchased the business on 18th Street from his father 11 years ago.  He also has been the owner/operator of the Dairy Queen in the Brandon Shoppers Mall for the past 18 years and is the franchisee of the Qdoba location in Brandon.  Dairy Queen will continue to operate at it's 18th Street location.