Brandon’s The Keg Steakhouse has temporarily closed its doors as the popular steakhouse undergoes renovations aimed at modernizing and elevating the customer experience. The restaurant, located at 1836 Brandon Ave., closed during the final week of August and is expected to remain closed for several months. Management says it is currently aiming for a mid-November reopening. “It was time to modernize and elevate the restaurant,” management said when asked what prompted the renovations. While additional details will be released as the reopening approaches, customers can expect several noticeable changes when they return. Among the updates will be a new lobby, new guest washrooms — including a barrier-free washroom — and a semi-private dining room. The renovations are being completed with the overall guest experience in mind. “There are a lot of aesthetic changes and a great deal of back-of-house changes, all designed to elevate any night out at The Keg,” management said. The work will include changes both customers will see and improvements behind the scenes, with the goal of creating an updated atmosphere while maintaining the experience guests have come to expect from the restaurant. Additional information about the renovations and plans for the reopening will be shared as the project gets closer to completion. If the current timeline holds, The Keg is expected to welcome Brandon customers back in mid-November.

A familiar name in Brandon’s automotive and commercial service community is entering a new chapter as Accent Striping and Lettering Co. Ltd. has been acquired by Atom-Jet Group, a Brandon-based organization with a long-standing commitment to quality service and supporting customers across a range of industries. The acquisition marks a transition for Accent Striping, while maintaining the services and customer relationships the company has built over the years. Previous owners Lori and Allen are retiring following their time operating the business. Atom-Jet Group has congratulated the pair and expressed appreciation for their support throughout the transition. Taking on the role of General Manager of Accent Striping and Lettering Co. Ltd. is Justin LaRocque, who brings experience and a strong passion for the automotive industry to the position. LaRocque will work alongside Allen during the coming months to help ensure a smooth transition for customers and the business. For Accent Striping customers, the message is one of continuity. The company will continue operating from its Brandon location, providing the same range of products and services customers have come to rely on. These include vehicle wraps, signage, decals, window tinting, paint protection, aftermarket accessories, logo design and related branding services. “Our priority is continuity,” the company stated in its announcement to customers, emphasizing that existing customers can continue to rely on the services and relationships they have come to know. The acquisition will also provide Accent Striping with the additional support and resources of the Atom-Jet Group. The goal is to maintain the service standards customers expect while creating opportunities to expand the products and support available in the future. For customers with existing projects, quotes or upcoming service appointments, no immediate action is required. The Accent team will continue working directly with customers, with any necessary updates communicated as the transition progresses. The acquisition represents a new chapter for Accent Striping, while recognizing the foundation established by Lori and Allen over the years. For LaRocque and the Atom-Jet Group, the focus moving forward will be on building on that foundation, maintaining strong customer relationships and continuing to deliver the high-quality products and services Accent Striping customers have come to expect. Accent Striping and Lettering Co. Ltd. remains located in Brandon and will continue serving its existing and new customers as part of the Atom-Jet Group.

McDonald's Canada has named Myra Merino of the Brandon McDonald's restaurant at 1021 Middleton Avenue as a 2026 Outstanding Manager of the Year, recognizing them as one of the top five per cent of restaurant leaders across Canada. Merino has distinguished themselves through strong leadership skills, a commitment to providing high-quality guest experiences, and dedication to building a workplace where team members can succeed and grow. Merino started working for McDonald's in 2004 as a Guest Experience Leader in the Philippines while studying business administration and marketing. After leaving McDonald's and working at a bank for two years, she was given an opportunity to move to Canada. After a few years, she started at McDonald's Canada and has worked in Strathmore, AB; Regina, SK; Winnipeg, MB; and has now been serving the community in Brandon for ten years. "I am so honoured to receive this award. It's my first time winning Outstanding Manager of the Year," said Merino. "It's a true reflection of the hard work and dedication of my entire team. Every day, we focus on delivering excellent customer service, maintaining the highest standards of quality, and building a supportive team culture. This recognition belongs to all of us, and I am so grateful." Every year, McDonald's Canada franchisees and regional management nominate outstanding restaurant managers based on their dedication to quality, customer service, team development, and community support. This year’s honour reflects Merino's exceptional leadership and positive impact on both sides of the counter. "Myra is an outstanding leader who leads by example," said Jason Ammar, Brandon McDonald's Franchisee. "She has been dedicated to serving guests in Brandon for the last ten years and she's brought world-class service and standards of quality to our restaurant. This award is a well-deserved tribute to her relentless hard work, her passion for mentoring her crew, and her success in building a positive team culture." The Outstanding Manager of the Year award celebrates McDonald's Canada’s commitment to developing leaders and creating career pathways for employees of all ages and backgrounds. Candidates looking for restaurant positions with the opportunity for career growth and development can visit https://careers.mcdonalds.ca/ to find local job openings and apply online.

The City of Brandon is pleased to announce that the canteen at Brandon Community Sportsplex (30 Knowlton Dr.) is now open and serving delicious food made by Los Brothers! Construction and preparations have been underway since last fall, with the canteen ready to once again serve athletes, families, spectators, and visitors. Visitors can enjoy a variety of menu items, including traditional canteen favourites alongside the authentic flavours that have made Los Brothers a local favourite. The canteen is operating Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., depending on the day. The canteen may stay open longer if there is an event or a game happening. For Los Brothers owners Rick and Alma Yanes, the opportunity represents more than just opening a new location. “For us, cooking has always been about bringing people together,” said Rick Yanes, owner of Los Brothers. “Opening our canteen at Brandon's Community Sportsplex is an incredible privilege, and we want to thank the City of Brandon for believing in us and giving us this opportunity. We built Los Brothers on long hours, real passion, and food made with care. When athletes, parents, and visitors walk up to our counter, we want them to feel like family. Whether you are grabbing our signature Birria tacos, a fresh smash burger, or a warm drink between games, our promise is to serve you with pride and heart every single day. We are here to serve this community for years to come.” "We are excited to officially welcome Los Brothers to the Brandon Community Sportsplex," said Mayor Jeff Fawcett. "Having food service back is a great addition for athletes, families, spectators and visitors, while also supporting a local business in our community. It’s a win for everyone and another great way to make the Sportsplex an even better place for our community to gather and enjoy." Residents are encouraged to stop by, meet the Los Brothers team, and experience the new canteen while helping celebrate a new chapter at Brandon’s Community Sportsplex.

Westman Communications Group (WCG) brought its annual Connecting Westman Tour to a close on August 27, raising $2,412.10 for the Pilot Mound Millennium Volunteers. The total includes a matched donation from WCG, supporting the volunteer-based organization as it continues local events and hosts fundraisers for the Pilot Mound Millennium Recreation Complex. The Connecting Westman Tour is a community-focused initiative designed to amplify local giving; it features a series of community barbecue lunches hosted by WCG throughout the summer season. For a donation, guests can enjoy a lunch of hot dogs, smokies, chips, and drinks, knowing that 100 percent of the funds go straight to a nominated neighbourhood charity. WCG matches the day’s total, effectively doubling the community’s investment in its own grassroots projects. “Supporting the Pilot Mound Millennium Volunteers and their work with the Recreation Complex is a fantastic way to wrap up this year’s tour,” said Brandi Crowe, Marketing Manager at WCG. “This group does so much to keep the community connected, and while Pilot Mound marks the end of our 2026 Connecting Westman Tour, we're already looking forward to next summer.” The Connecting Westman Tour is just one of the many ways WCG actively engages with the communities it serves, demonstrating its commitment not just as a service provider, but as a dedicated community partner. For more information about Westman Communications Group and the Connecting Westman Tour, or to submit a community initiative for funding consideration, please visit westmancom.com.