Exactly ten years to the day of having purchased the Days Inn and Suites Brandon, owner-operators Melody and Dave Brooks, will hand the reigns over to new owners on May 1. The transaction also includes their second business in the Wheat City, Motel 6 Brandon.   “We weren’t actively seeking buyers, but we were approached by a local group of investors that own hotels in Dauphin, Virden and Headingley and we really liked them. They are local and really committed to being in the community, it felt like a good fit for us. You don’t get an offer like this every day so we decided it was the right time for us,” said Melody Brooks.   Brooks said that the new owners met with the companies 45 employees recently and assured them that it would be business as usual.   “We had a really positive meeting with the staff at both locations and the news was well received. The new owners are experienced in the industry and have confirmed that everything will remain the same including staffing and wages,” said Brooks.   “We came here 10 years ago and we love Brandon, we just absolutely have so loved being in this town and doing business in this town. We have a lot of mixed feelings, but sometimes a new broom sweeps clean. It’s time for somebody new, for different ideas and some new energy coming in.”   The Brooks moved to Brandon from British Columbia a decade ago to purchase the Days Inn from then owners Phil Hall and Claire Chudley. They built an addition to the hotel, taking it from 61 to 76 rooms. In addition, the local entrepreneurs also purchased Motel 6 Brandon almost three years ago.   The couple intends to stay in the hotel industry, however they weren’t quite ready to publicly share their future plans. bdnmb.ca wishes them well in their future endeavours.

Kim’s Asian Restaurant will be opening a second location in Brandon.  The new restaurant will be located at 2330 Victoria Ave (Old Kam Lung Chinese Restaurant location).  The inside of the building has been undertaking a new transformation, including a new kitchen, over the past few months.   Management tells bdnmb.ca that they are hoping to complete renovations and have the restaurant open in the next 2-3 weeks.  They say that the menu will be the same menu currently being offered at the McTavish Ave location.  The popular buffet will also be available for those with a hungrier appetite.  Restaurant hours, when open, will be from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm daily.  Kim's Asian Restaurant serves a variety of Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese options.  Click here for their menu.

Brandon, Manitoba (April 10, 2018) – Shur-Gro Farm Services Ltd. of Brandon is pleased to announce a celebration of 50 years in business with a special recognition event planned for April 12 in Brandon.  Ron Helwer, President of Shur-Gro Farm Services Ltd. founded the company in Brandon in 1968 as a fuel and fertilizer business.  Shur-Gro acquired Munro Farm Supplies Ltd. in 1990 and a controlling interest in South East Seeds Inc. of Niverville and Dugald in 2017.  The Shur-Gro group of companies operate thirteen locations in Manitoba.  Remarkably, 2018 is also a milestone year for Munro Farm Supplies and South East Seeds, as Munro marks 60 years in business and South East Seeds is in their 10th year. “Servicing your growing needs” has been a time-honoured philosophy at Shur-Gro, who provide a wide array of crop input products and services to their customers.  Ron Helwer, who was inducted into the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2014, states “We are excited about our future and the future of agriculture.  We are in the enduring business of helping to feed people.  We will continue to take on this challenge by committing ourselves and the way we do business to the success of our customers and the products they produce for the world.”

Many faithful customers of The Little Shoppe will be thrilled to see the canopy up and construction progressing on the new store.    The Little Shoppe closed at the beginning of February after 12 years at the former location (across the parking lot from Kullberg’s) after the building had been sold.     Owner Rhonda Kullberg had planned to close the trendy shop permanently, but after overwhelming support from loyal customers decided to reopen in a new location. The new store will be located within the Kullberg’s building, on the north side. They are targeting for an early May opening with new and exciting products.    In the meantime, they have an Off-Site Clearance location at 1733 Pacific Avenue, which will remain open  Tuesday-Friday from 10 am - 6 pm and Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm, possibly until fall. 

Brandon, MB – April 4, 2018 – Genesis Hospitality Management is delighted to announce the purchase of 2 hotels located in Edmonton, Alberta, the Courtyard by Marriott Edmonton West and Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton Edmonton West.   Currently Genesis owns and operates four Marriott properties in Ontario and they are excited of the addition of another Marriott property in Edmonton. Courtyard has long led the industry when it comes to meeting the needs of the modern business traveler and has continuously evolved, pushing the boundaries of design, style and service. The Courtyard Edmonton West offers 136 modern guest rooms and features “Aqua Bistro Bar,” an upscale bistro providing a contemporary twist on local classics. Guests appreciate the fusion of the high tech and high style atmosphere of the 4,600 sq. ft. state of the art meeting space and use of the indoor pool, whirlpool and fitness centre.   The Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton is a new brand added to Genesis portfolio of properties.  Hilton’s global mid-priced hotel is known for its commitment to providing thoughtful service to their guests and serves as an innovative category leader. The Hampton Inn and Suites offers 103 plush and spacious guest rooms and suites with an indoor pool, fitness center and complimentary hot breakfast.   The West Edmonton Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in the world is located within a ten minute drive of both properties and Genesis plans on maintaining their success with a full property renovation for the Courtyard by Marriott including guest rooms, lobby and banquet space. For the Hampton Inn and Suites, a renovation of the front lobby and guestrooms are planned.   With the purchase of the Comfort Inn & Suites in Red Deer, Alberta in 2017, Genesis is proud to expand their services to Northern Alberta and look forward to continue providing high quality standards in their rooms and food and beverage divisions. Founded and based in Brandon, Manitoba, Genesis Hospitality Management is a privately owned company that owns and manages thirteen hotels with over 1,700 guest rooms across 3 provinces in Canada. Their executive team has years of experience in directing and overseeing the operation of hotels ranging from full service hotels, limited service properties and conference centres and are experienced in operating franchised and independent properties. Their team offers a full complement of management services to provide maximum support and achieve revenue growth. This year marks the celebration of their fortieth year in business.