For many, renting a bus for sports, music, or corporate events in the past may have been confusing, costly and overwhelming. Jen Pearson, the current Executive Director for Brandon Area Realtors, and David Anning the former Brandon Wheat Kings coach for 7 seasons and current head scout for MJHL's Steinbach Pistons, are hoping to change those misconceptions about the industry. They own & operate Compass Coach Lines, a new luxurious ground transportation company based out of Brandon. The company currently features a fleet of 3-buses (56-seats per bus) and 6-drivers. In conversation with bdnmb.ca earlier today, Jen said that luxury, safety and professionalism will set them apart from other charter companies. For your travelling comfort, amenities on the bus include premium leather seating, flat screen TVs, clean and modern washrooms, hardwood flooring, USB charging stations at every seat, and more. Compass Coach Lines is available to rent for a number of activities including: sporting events, concerts, corporate functions, airport transfers, graduations, and more. As always, BDNMB.CA is pleased to promote and support new local businesses and we wish Jen and Dave all the best in this venture. For additional information, a list of services available, and price quotes visit their web site: https://www.compasscoachlines.com/

Apple + Pine Present A Farmers’ Market ⠀⠀ Friday, October 2nd (5pm-8pm) ⠀⠀ Saturday, October 3rd (10am-4pm) At the Keystone Grounds! ⠀⠀ Home Decor, Food & Drink, Clothing, Jewelry, Candles and MORE! Shop from 50+ local Manitoba artisans! ⠀ Apple + Pine are thrilled to be hosting this AMAZING event to support MANITOBA LOCAL MAKERS! If you haven’t yet grabbed a ticket you can still get them online at Eventbrite or at the gate upon arrival! One $5 ticket gets you in for the weekend! 12 and under free!⠀ If there is a line please be patient as they will be limiting shoppers. They will have plenty of room to shop and they've  divided into vendors into two groups: some will be under the big tent with others spaced outside and around the tent. There is plenty of room and they are all outdoors!! ⠀ Hand sanitizing stations will be available for your safety as well as every vendor will be doing their part in keeping their area sanitized, clean and friendly! ⠀⠀ The safety of their guests and vendors is most important. Organizers want to ensure you enjoy your visit, but also in a safe manner. ⠀ There will also be directional arrows viewable at your feet, so you can find your favourite vendor! Please follow them. If you do not have a mask there are a number of vendors that will be selling them. ⠀ Organizers look forward to seeing all your colourful faces and they thank you in advance for hanging in there, staying safe and supporting local!

As of Monday, October 5, M&M Food Market (99-18th Street) in Brandon will be under new ownership. After owning/operating the business for the past 25-years, franchise partner Eric Dickson has sold his store to Dave Gabriel. In conversation with bdnmb.ca earlier today, the new owner said he was looking forward to providing the same great customer service to the community. Gabriel, who is currently in Winnipeg undergoing some franchise training, said he’ll be keeping the existing staff and that he is extremely excited for the opportunity.

A new ethnic grocery store in Brandon, Apna Bazar Asian Grocery is targeting a Saturday, October 3rd opening. The store, located at 732-18th Street, will be loaded with everything Indian food lovers could want, including spices (both hot and mild), frozen food, fresh vegetables, many different types of rice, breads, pickles, desserts, snacks, drinks, tea, and also some skin and hair beauty products. Ownership told bdnmb.ca they will stock close to 1,500 authentic/imported products at very reasonable prices. Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10am-8pm

To say that Doug & Diane Willey have a lot on their plate would be a huge understatement. The couple manage a number of road trip worthy businesses on their property, a few minutes outside of Brandon, including the Shady Lane Tea Room, a doll museum, banquet room, commercial kitchen for catering, and a new wedding venue with seating for up to 250. Earlier today, the energetic and hard-working couple took a few minutes out of their busy schedule to provide bdnmb.ca with a tour of their wonderful facility. Shady Lane Tea Room, Banquet Room & Catering The Shady Lane Tea Room has been in operation for 10-years. All meals are made from scratch including the homemade baking, There are different weekly lunch specials ranging from a Ukrainian plate to meatloaf, chili, stew etc.  Healthy, gluten free, and vegetarian options are also available. Take-out available If you love to browse and shop, please check out all of the handmade unique items in their gift shop. The building also has a private dining room (capacity 60 people, reduced capacity currently in effect with Covid-19 protocols) that plays host to many birthday parties, anniversaries, family gatherings, showers and more every year. Full catering is available from their commercial kitchen, which is also located onsite. The catering menu offers a large variety of options and they specialize in weddings year-round, both on and off site. Reduced Covid-19 hours of operation: Tuesdays – Wednesdays – Thursdays 11:00 am – 4:00 pm Doll Museum A doll museum, featuring Western Canada's largest collection of dolls, is located in a building next to the tea room. The assortment of dolls from around the world feature modern and reproductional dolls (1900’s to the dolls of today) including Barbie’s, Vinyl’s, Miniatures and a large collection of porcelain dolls. Fee of $5 is charged. Doug tells bdenmb.ca that the doll museum started in the house in 1994 before locating to its current building in 1996. Wedding Venue The newest addition to the property is a 3800sq ft canvas structure wedding venue with seating for up tp 250 (reduced capacity currently in effect with Covid-19 protocols). The wedding venue was fully booked for weddings this summer, prior to Covid-19, and a lot of those bookings have shifted to the summer of 2021. A large dance floor and full service bar is available. Location: 3.75 km/2.25 mi. east on Hwy. 1 and north on Humesville Road. *Please call 204-728-1245 for a reservation to ensure availability as the business follows Covid-19 protocols. SHADY LANE TEA ROOM (May 15 to October 15) Trans-Canada Hwy 2.5 Miles East of #1 & #10 (204) 728-1245 Facebook page. Web site.