A sector of the economy that was hurt the most during Covid 19 is the restaurant industry. Having the toughest health regulations in North America Manitoban restaurants have had to get creative. As is stands now indoor dining is at 25 percent and outdoor patios is at 50 percent.  In order to generate some funds during the current restrictions many restaurant owners have either created an outdoor patio space or increased the size of their current patio to enable more dining guests. Darren Burdeniuk, owner of The Dock on Princess, told BDNMB.CA that it has created some difficulties adapting and adjusting to meet the often changing provincial government's guidelines during the shutdown. Whether you have to set up the kitchen for 45 people or 150 guests your fixed costs remain the same either way.  Also Burdeniuk added he feels that people are craving human interaction.

Meltwich, a restaurant serving gourmet grilled cheese, burgers, poutines, soups, salads, milkshakes & so much more, is targeting an early September opening in Brandon. Following numerous delays starting from the building permits & health department they finally have all the approvals & permits and construction on the location (Unit C & D 1260 18th St, between Browns Social House & Santa Lucia) will commence later this week. The franchise has opened 28 locations in Canada thus far and they've signed 70 more locations across coast to coast. Everything is made to order with fresh quality ingredients and both vegan and gluten free options are available. To visit their Facebook page, please click this link.

As provinces across Western Canada take steps to re-open, Co-op Community Spaces is funding projects that will help bring our communities back together. This year, Co-op is providing $70,000 to fund the Co-op Community Pavilion which will offer accessible options for all children as well as a community garden. ”This singular grant allows us to proceed with the development of the playground, including two shelters that will be part of our park re-development. The project is designed to be an accessible park which means it can be used by everyone, including all children regardless of physical or mental capability. It even includes a senior’s corner. The 2 shelters will permit guardians to watch their children while enjoying the park atmosphere, and meeting with other members of the community. Quite simply, we could NOT have done this without the support of the Co-op Community Spaces Program”, said Frank Thomas, Kiwanis Club of Brandon Member.. Co-op Community Spaces has been developed to help protect, beautify and improve spaces across Western Canada. As our community begins to re-open after the COVID-19 pandemic, we are reminded of the value these projects bring in connecting and improving our communities. “We are so excited to partner with the Kiwanis Club of Brandon through the Co-op Community Spaces program. The last 15 months have been very challenging, and it’s such an honor for our Co-op to contribute to creating a space for residents to safely come back together” explained Dennis Laing, General Manager of Heritage Co-op. “Investing in our community is central to our values as a Co-op. Partnering with community groups on important projects like this is a natural fit. We are creating beautiful spaces for our community to enjoy now and for years to come.” In 2021, the program is providing $1 million to 15 communities projects across Western Canada. Since 2015, Co-op has supported 147 projects with $10.5 million in capital funding. The giving program is administered by Federated Co-operatives Limited on behalf of more than 160 independent retail co-operatives across Western Canada that form the Co-operative Retailing System. For more information about Co-op Community Spaces or to view the complete list of 2021 funding recipients, visit www.communityspaces.ca. (submitted)

The very first edition of La Pizza Week recently concluded and Brandon's Fast Fired by Carbone franchise took home three awards including Saputo's choice as the "Best Pizza in Canada". The winning entry, The Pac Mac, is a Smoked & Sauced Food Truck collaboration made with a BBQ/Tomato Sauce combo, mozza, cheddar, boss-level Smoked & pulled pork, homemade mac & cheese, and some more full flavour BBQ Sauce. Nearly 1,000 restaurants participated in the competition, from May 1 to May 7, including entries from Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. In addition to Saputo's choice as the "Best Pizza in Canada", The Pac Mac was also crowned as "The Cheesiest Pizza" and the "Best Pizza in the Prairies".  For additional information on La Pizza week, please visit this link.

Wing lovers in Brandon and the Westman area have been waiting for the opening of this restaurant for some time now. After a brief delay, the Little Bones Wings restaurant (935 Rosser Ave.) is set to open their doors to the public on Tuesday, June 22nd at 3 pm. Tuesday will also be #WingNight which means buy one/get one at 33% off on wings! The Little Bones Wings menu features 75 different flavors (in 3 menu categories: classic, original and gourmet) with vegan and gluten friendly options also available.