Discussions

maybe not olive garden in particular but a pasta place would be great. maybe something like alesios that used to be on 10th

Yes that would be good, I miss that place.

Would love to see a Mongolian grill concept here in Brandon

zdeno721 said "how has no one said olive garden!? we always go while visiting Winnipeg. that being said, I wouldn't mind seeing a new burger place at all! harveys is my fav tho "

I was told by a Montana's employee that a Harveys/Swiss Chalet is about to break ground in the old Target parking lot. I'm assuming at the corner of 18th and Richmond

Top quality instead of just obscure "quality" goes a lot further in my books. Homemade (my definition: from scratch) is a good path as well.  
 
I like the thought of this too...as long as it had homemade cheesecakes (but half the sugar so that I can taste more than just the sugar). No whipped topping, but homemade sauces and real cream on top. This is my favorite. Mmmm...  
 
In the past, I had eaten at the Cheesecake Factory in Calgary and really liked it. I have no idea if it is still good as places can change over time.  
 
In suggesting the dessert thing, I do have to mention Castelyn's on Rosser. They had an awesome place set up in true European style. Atmosphere was lovely. They made fantastic Belgian created, made in house cheesecakes and chocolates, pleasant specialty coffees, gelato & a bit more. The family was Belgian, training was done there as well. I believe what Mark & Luke created was true art.  
 
I miss it...but they left because Brandon did not quite support the business enough. They moved to Montreal and are doing great business there.  
 
I wonder if they had started here now, if anything would be different and if they would still be here today. Timing can be a big factor.  
 
Coffee Culture is busy. Their selection is small but good. Atmosphere is pleasant and relaxing. So, thinking of the better "coffee" places...there is Forbidden Flavors, CC, and now Frazer Sneaths. I would like to know how what you are suggesting is different than these or Castelyn's.  
 
Something to consider is that specialty places do well where there is a very large customer base, one where there is enough variety in clientele that a place can stay open even if each person/couple/family only goes through those doors on occasion. Here, as much as the city is growing, and as much as there can be eclectic tastes in foods, more of a percentage of the population needs to be a regular customer to keep a place going. There needs to be a really good, appealing & compelling reason to draw a large number of folks in that will then become loyal, regular customers instead of once or twice a year customers.  
 
I think Brandon does need something quite different than what exists if someone was to start something new, but the kicker is what is enough different from what already exists and what will this type of market truly support?  
 
Some things to think on.

sassylass said "    zdeno721 said "how has no one said olive garden!? we always go while visiting Winnipeg. that being said, I wouldn't mind seeing a new burger place at all! harveys is my fav tho " I was told by a Montana's employee that a Harveys/Swiss Chalet is about to break ground in the old Target parking lot. I'm assuming at the corner of 18th and Richmond "

Could he or she be talking about the proposed development at 34th and Victoria Ave. The old Zellars/Kmart location??

 
On their franchise page yet. They are definetly looking to expand in the MANITOBA and Saskatchewan area.  
 
http://www.carafranchising.com/

Never miss going there when staying in Wpg. Big portions and reasonably priced. Never had a disappointing visit yet.  
Very family orientated.

Though I do enjoy a good burger and would enjoy, it's not something I indulge in often. We love 5 Guys but only go about once a year.  
 
I agree that if there was a Mongolian Grill concept we would eat there often. Or healthier option like soups, salads, Panini's, with some bakery treats to chose from.

It is always nice to think of different restaurants that one has gone to in other cities and think they would do well here in Brandon.  
 
However, when thinking of having them in Brandon anyone that is actually thinking of opening one here, has to remember that there is only so much pie to go around, especially when it is a very similar type that is already here and doing well. It just makes each one's piece a little smaller until the slice is so thin that all restaurants suffer and then the public will suffer too, in quality and service, and some will not be profitable enough to keep in operation.  
Very detailed research has to be done. Demographics, how often the average person goes to a fast food restaurant, how often to a higher end place, the average amount spent by the population on restaurant food, etc etc etc. And actually do personal surveillance, go to each one each week, watch each of the others for 4-6 weeks and see what the patterns are here in town. It is not just about can we entice business away from somewhere else,,, or at least shouldn't be because the same can and will be done to you if you open,  
And always remember that 90% of the potential customers will go to "the new place" in the first 3 months,,,,, but what happens after that, like a year down the line.  
See, with the two threads presently going on here, we already have lots of similar fine places already.  
 
With Buffalo Wild Wings we have The Dock, Double Decker, 34th Street Bar and Grill, Boston Pizza, Smitty's, AppleBees and a couple of others, Browns.  
 
With a "burger place" we already have all the ones I mentioned about Buffalo Wild Wings (as they already have good burgers) but there is also Five Guys, Humptys, Huggies, Joe Beaver, Echos, and Chalet have a good homemade burger.  
 
Also, if we had all the "good restaurants" in Brandon,, then you wouldn't be able to go to some other city and say I really had a good so and so at-  
 
Why not think of something really different: like Golden Corral Steak Buffet, Culvers ( up scale family bugers and sandwiches) Monks, Mongolian BBQ or Mustards Last Stand Delicacy Hot Dogs (52 kinds of dogs)

It is always nice to think of different restaurants that one has gone to in other cities and think they would do well here in Brandon.  
 
However, when thinking of having them in Brandon anyone that is actually thinking of opening one here, has to remember that there is only so much pie to go around, especially when it is a very similar type that is already here and doing well. It just makes each one's piece a little smaller until the slice is so thin that all restaurants suffer and then the public will suffer too, in quality and service, and some will not be profitable enough to keep in operation.  
Very detailed research has to be done. Demographics, how often the average person goes to a fast food restaurant, how often to a higher end place, the average amount spent by the population on restaurant food, etc etc etc. And actually do personal surveillance, go to each one each week, watch each of the others for 4-6 weeks and see what the patterns are here in town. It is not just about can we entice business away from somewhere else,,, or at least shouldn't be because the same can and will be done to you if you open,  
And always remember that 90% of the potential customers will go to "the new place" in the first 3 months,,,,, but what happens after that, like a year down the line.  
See, with the two threads presently going on here, we already have lots of similar fine places already.  
 
With Buffalo Wild Wings we have The Dock, Double Decker, 34th Street Bar and Grill, Boston Pizza, Smitty's, AppleBees and a couple of others, Browns.  
 
With a "burger place" we already have all the ones I mentioned about Buffalo Wild Wings (as they already have good burgers) but there is also Five Guys, Humptys, Huggies, Joe Beaver, Echos, and Chalet have a good homemade burger.  
 
Also, if we had all the "good restaurants" in Brandon,, then you wouldn't be able to go to some other city and say I really had a good so and so at-  
 
Why not think of something really different: like Golden Corral Steak Buffet, Culvers ( up scale family bugers and sandwiches) Monks, Mongolian BBQ or Mustards Last Stand Delicacy Hot Dogs (52 kinds of dogs)

She actually told me it would be in the Target parking lot. I guess time will tell!

Best burgers ever!! Yum I would go for sure. My favourite part to taking a trip to Winnipeg. Mongos would also be really awesome in Brandon. Or shabusens ( spellings likely wrong ) but that place is unreal and great prices to. Good luck!  

I think I have eaten most places in town and to pricey for what you get or not enough. I miss Bonanza the all you can eat shrimp and the buffet

CBS said "    sassylass said "    zdeno721 said "how has no one said olive garden!? we always go while visiting Winnipeg. that being said, I wouldn't mind seeing a new burger place at all! harveys is my fav tho " I was told by a Montana's employee that a Harveys/Swiss Chalet is about to break ground in the old Target parking lot. I'm assuming at the corner of 18th and Richmond " Could he or she be talking about the proposed development at 34th and Victoria Ave. The old Zellars/Kmart location?? "

Paddock Drilling drilling in the mall parking lot near 18th and Richmond, but not sure why. To build a restaurant could be the reason. I like going to the Harvey's at Winnipeg Airport when staying at the Four Points.

If Harvey's is coming, opening a George's might not be the best plan. The "pieces of pie" are going to be smaller and smaller for everyone. I know George's and Harvey's are different but still burger joints, still competitors.

Mongos is the best restaurant! We can't make a trip to Winnipeg without going there! Even my kids who are picky eaters, LOVE it!!

Winnipeg population is over 800,000 with many coming in to make the customer population close to a million for some items.  
 
Brandon has a population of 60,000 and a customer population of around 100,000 depending on the product. We do not have the customer base to support many of the places being discussed like Red Lobster and Cora and George's. We do have a Joey's as well as a Remingtons, Humpty's is like Cora, and Komfort Kitchen is my burger place.  
 
Seriously check out some of the local restaurants before complaining about not having the nationally advertised ones.

Pasta? Check out Express Pizza on Tenth Street at Louise. They support a number of teams in the area.  
 
Komfort Kitchen hires Manitoba Institute of Culinary Arts graduates and pays them a fair wage. The servers are also very well paid so there is little turnover. The owner is known to support many local events.  
 
The Dock on Princess is another wonderful local establishment. I have also seen their logo on a few event posters as well.  
 
When you are looking for support for a school or team fundraising, it is the locally owned and operated businesses that are there to help them. The franchises too often have national campaigns and are restricted in the support they can give to local interests. So that extra dollar for the burger or the pasta will be there when you or your child is asking for financial assistance to become a better citizen.  
 
I just remembered that Coffee Culture was a major supporter of an event. Forbidden Flavours is also popping up with gift baskets and gift cards for various organizations.  
 
This is why I am willing to support these local restaurants rather than the franchises. Just something to consider.  
 

"Humpty's is like Cora"??  
Will have to go back and check, last time I was there there was no similarity whatever.  
Having said that, must agree with Katwalk to a point, we all have our wishlist but look at all the restaurants that have been short-lived because people just didn't support them after the first rush.