Lower costs drew new business to city

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This article was published 16/05/2024 (701 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A new business called Pizza & Chicken by Kanwal has opened its doors at 935 Rosser Ave.

Co-owner Naseer Chaudhry said the decision to establish the takeout and delivery restaurant in Wheat City was driven by the rising costs of doing business in Winnipeg, coupled with increased competition and labour challenges, and a combination of other factors.

The owners found Brandon to be a more attractive prospect, with lower retail prices and enticing incentives from the local landlord and the city.

“The landlord was extremely helpful in giving us time and a very good rent,” Chaudhry told the Sun. “We also got an incentive program covering exterior, interior and security systems. These factors contribute to the overall cost-effectiveness, allowing Pizza & Chicken by Kanwal to offer competitive pricing while maintaining quality in Brandon.”

The expenses associated with doing business in Winnipeg, he said, have seen a significant surge. Labour costs have also escalated, prompting the owners to seek a more cost-effective alternative.

“Consider a medium pizza with a single sauce, priced at a staggering $37 including delivery, which is quite exorbitant,” Chaudhry said. “This situation sparked an idea for us — we aim to provide an equal or superior product at a considerably lower cost of $15. It’s a concept that challenges the norm and offers customers a more affordable and appealing alternative.”

The company also operates a grocery store in Winnipeg specializing in ethnic foods, with a meat shop and a takeout section, employing about 20 staff members, Chaudry said.

“Having invested about $200,000, we remain optimistic about Pizza & Chicken by Kanwal’s potential impact on Brandon,” he added.

Manager Imtiaz Ahmad said the company will ensure everyone enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank.

With a team of 10 dedicated staff members, Pizza & Chicken by Kanwal operates from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m., with the flexibility to extend hours based on demand, Ahmad said.

“Unlike traditional pizzerias, we infuse our ingredients into the pizza dough, resulting in a one-of-a-kind taste sensation,” he told the Sun. “Our signature barbecue chicken pizza prepared in-house and the exclusive shami egg burger with liquid shami mix are standout offerings that have already garnered attention from locals.”

The dedication to customer satisfaction extends beyond the menu, with plans to potentially expand operations in response to positive feedback and demand from the community.

The decision to establish the restaurant in downtown Brandon was deliberate, with Ahmad citing the area’s central location and bustling atmosphere as key factors.

“Downtown is the heart of Brandon,” Ahmad said. “By setting up here, we’re able to reach a wide range of customers and become a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike.”

However, the process of opening the business did encounter obstacles, primarily in the form of delays in approval from the fire department.

Converting the space from its previous state as a defunct restaurant presented numerous hurdles and obtaining construction permits and meeting renovation requirements were time-consuming tasks too, Ahmad said. Staffing was another challenge, he said, noting the management needed to train employees to handle the company’s unique products and the job demands effectively.

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