A new African grocery store recently opened (February 1, 2021) in Brandon, Located at 719-10th Street, Sangees African Groceries Shop will carry a couple of hundred different African grocery items unique to the cuisines of several African countries. Among the items currently filling the shelves are a selection of noddle's, beans, Banku, custard, peatuts, Garri, spices, rice, soft drinks, flour, frozen food and different types of fish & vegetables. You can follow them on Facebook here.

Brandon's newest family chiropractic center opened its doors earlier this year in the west end of the city. Resilient Family Chiropractic is located in the strip mall at the corner of 34th and Victoria. Dr. Avery Grossart brings a wealth of experience to the city, including a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Manitoba and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life University in Marietta, Georgia. While the clinic will provide various techniques, Dr. Grossart has a special focus in helping pregnant women and children. "I am passionate about working with pregnant women to help them have a more comfortable and reassuring pregnancy as well as post-partum," Grossart told BDNMB. "I am passionate about working with kids as well to help optimize their health and wellness." Photo Submitted It wasn't always a childhood dream for Grossart to enter into the world of chiropractic care. Growing up on an organic and regenerative farm near Brandon, Grossart learned about the importance of nutrition and exercise at an early age. However, it was discomfort in her back and legs while training for a half-marathon at University that turned her on to chiropractic care. "Little did I know that on top of relieving my low back pain and shin splints, chiropractic care would allow me to sleep better, feel calmer and increase my energy levels." The clinic officially opened on January 4, 2021, and is currently accepting new patients ranging in age from newborn to 100 years old. "As your chiropractor, I am committed to providing hope and light and giving my best to help you towards ultimate health. In my office, everyone is community and family. I welcome you into my office. It would be my honour and privilege to take care of you and your family!" You can learn more about Resilient Family Chiropractic and book an appointment by visiting www.resilientfamilychiro.ca. Photo Submitted

Sisson Auto Finance And Sales, established in April of 2020, recently won AutoTrader.ca’s coveted “Best Priced Dealer” award for 2021. "Now in its second year, the Best Priced Dealer Awards spotlights the top Canadian automotive dealers consistently offering great value for car buyers through competitive pricing." From the TRADER Corporation release. "Winners are determined based on a scientific analysis of the top dealerships on the marketplace with the highest percentage of "Good" and "Great" price badges on their vehicle inventory, according to the autoTRADER.ca iQ Inventory Algorithm. This algorithm analyzes real-time pricing data of over 450,000 cars on the marketplace to offer a statistically backed benchmark for the nation." In total 241 dealers from across the country were recognized. Sisson Auto Finance And Sales (1625 Parker Blvd) was one 9 Manitoba dealerships to receive the award. The full list can be found here.

A term we at bdnmb.ca like to use occasionally to describe a local business is “hidden gem“, whether it is an ice cream place in Rivers or a business that sells amazing wings at Pelican Lake. Today our hidden gem is a business that has been in Brandon for over 17 years, Westman Installations and Innovative Audio Video Solutions. They are a one stop shop for all your structured media and home entertainment needs. Owner Troy Gould used to be a technician for Advance in Winnipeg in their Pro Division.  He installed the sound system in the old Winnipeg Arena and Bomber Stadium, in addition to several several other major projects. I don’t know about you but the thought of hanging a TV on the wall and running cables, mounting equipment etc. gives me stress and anxiety, therefore Troy’s company can handle small projects to of course large projects.   He will come to your home, walk through what your requirements are and give you several packages and options to pick from. “We specialize in custom whole house entertainment solutions; such as home theater, multi-room audio and video systems, lighting control and automation over the entire system using Smartphone / tablet APPs.  We also provide security camera systems and AV solutions for the commercial industry such as restaurants, box stores, arenas, etc." Troy told bdnmb.ca. Recently Troy provided a system for a client that included 18 TV locations with 12 video sources, custom in-wall /in-ceiling 11.2 home theater with projector and 180” screen, a golf simulator, a 12 zone multi-room audio system, 16 cameras and whole house lighting control.  This complete system is fully automated with App control and all the electronics is located in a central location. Feeling overwhelmed? Just wanting to turn on the TV and have great sound? Westman Installations can handle all those details including walking you through the operation of your new system. Contact Troy for all your questions and ideas:Troy GouldCall or Text:  204-573-5316   1-877-573-5316Email: support@westmaninstallations.com  or ltgould@hotmail.comWebsite: www.westmaninstallations.com

City of Brandon’s Development Services is introducing a Temporary Sidewalk / On-Street Patio program, which allows food and beverage establishments to set up patios on City property, with no fee payable to the City of Brandon. In addition, the City is prepared to offer the required safety signs for on-street patios at no cost to the applicant.  To apply, business owners must produce a site plan, proof of insurance, and a signed declaration, which is included in the application. Compliance with health, liquor and fire regulations will also be required. If alcohol is being served, a barrier / fence surrounding the patio is required. Patios are already permitted on private property, with no fees to the City.  This newly introduced program is not just to assist businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, but is also part of the Downtown Brandon Secondary Plan*, which is to support and promote new public and private investment that furthers the vision of a vibrant and dynamic place for people to visit, live, work, and play.   “The patio program is one way the City can work to provide greater flexibility to eating and drinking establishments during this challenging time,” notes Ryan Nickel, Director of Planning & Buildings. “We are hoping that many local businesses take us up on the program and bring life to the street during the pandemic and into the future.”   For more information, please visit City of Brandon - Temporary Patios On City Property, email planning@brandon.ca, or call 204-729-2110.  *It should be noted that even though this program is part of the Downtown Brandon Secondary Plan, it is not limited to only downtown businesses. For more info on the requirements, please review the Temporary Patio Permit Application form.