The new Empire Inn and Suites beer vendor (5th and Rosser) recently opened to the public to walk-in customers. Manager Hamul Patel told bdnmb.ca earlier today that he expects the drive-thru area and parking lot to be paved on Tuesday, or Wednesday, of the coming week. The 3,000 sq foot vendor (1,000 sq foot cooler) currently has a selection of 100 different beer and malt coolers to choose from, with more arriving daily. The original vendor burned to the ground in May of 2018 when a fire ripped through several buildings in downtown Brandon. Hours of operation: Sunday-Thursday: 10am-midnight Friday & Saturday: 10am-2am

Regis Salon Brandon, citing unseen circumstances, will be shutting down their Shoppers Mall location effective July 28. The announcement was made on their Instagram page earlier today. The post further states that all retail items are currently buy one get one free on everything in the store.

Lois C. Henderson, a Brandon resident and author, has launched a first novel entitled ‘Harley’s Bootstraps’. This work of fiction about loneliness, connection, and survival takes place in Brandon, Twin Lakes Beach and Winnipeg, and chronicles how three young women, wounded in different ways, form friendships, and become an unlikely family. Against all odds and their own inclinations, they help one another negotiate relationships, disappointments, losses, and brave reimaginings, and emerge as strong, independent, and loving women. “Writing Harley’s Bootstraps was a rewarding process, and I’m thrilled to announce that it is now available for purchase on Amazon,” said Henderson. “Any readers with a tie to Manitoba, whether they’ve visited or call the province home, may recognize many of the characters’ locations throughout the novel.” Kirkus Reviews describes this novel as a perceptive, tender, and affirmative tale about women repairing old hurts and forging new bonds. “Henderson’s poignant narrative is engrossing and optimistic, depicting the inner lives of her characters with savvy precision. Her language is incisively descriptive. The themes of healing and forgiveness are expanded to include the redemption of even the most unlikely characters.” –Kirkus Reviews A publication by Friesen Press, hard copies of the novel can be purchased on the Friesen Press website at: https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000132614826 Digital copies can be purchased for Kindle on Amazon.ca at: https://www.amazon.ca/Harleys-Bootstraps-Lois-C-Henderson-ebook/dp/B08BW3LPBG/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=lois+c.+henderson&qid=1594908531&sr=8-1 About Lois C. Henderson Lois Henderson expertly wields her life experience, from her career as a senior executive in the mining industry, volunteering in her community and agency mentorship programs, and as a mother to three daughters and four stepdaughters, to craft this first novel, Harley’s Bootstraps. Her intimate knowledge surrounding the importance and power of female relationships is evident throughout this powerful tale and convincingly informs the dominant themes of the narrative. In 2016, Ms. Henderson won a coveted, six-month Sheldon Oberman writing mentorship through the Manitoba Writer’s Guild, which allowed her to work with a successful Manitoba author. She lives in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada with her husband Dave, and her dog Archie. (submitted)

Painting continues, shelving will be arriving any day now, stock has been ordered and the sign is getting ready to be hung...a new locally owned/operated convenience store (Victoria Mini Mart) will be opening soon at 510-1st Street in Brandon. The space had previously been occupied by a Shell gas station prior to its closing in February of 2018. In conversation with bdnmb.ca earlier today, ownership said they are targeting opening the week immediately following the August long weekend. The mini-mart will stock a range of everyday items for people on the go such as snack foods, confectionery, grocery, lottery tickets, soft drinks, tobacco products, and more. Hard/soft ice cream, slushies and movie rentals will also be available.

In May, we introduced you to a new food truck (Mexican King) that would be operating n the city. Ownership informed us earlier today that they be open for business starting this Thursday in the parking lot of Canadian Tire and Tim Horton’s on 18th Street. They will be serving an authentic Mexican menu with items like burritos, tacos, nachos, churros, and quesadillas. Mexican King is owned/operated by the same family who run Sabor Latino in Brandon.  The trailer will be available for catering including weddings, anniversaries, staff functions, festivals & more. Cash & debit card is accepted. Business Hours are: Monday-Saturday: 11am-8pm Sunday: 1pm-5pm