Multi Cook opens doors

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This article was published 04/03/2025 (198 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A growing Ukrainian food franchise specializing in homemade-style semi-processed meals has arrived in Brandon, bringing a taste of tradition and convenience to the city’s food scene.

Multi Cook, located at 155 18th St., is the first of its kind in Manitoba and one of only three locations in Canada.

The franchise opened on Feb. 22 to offer high-quality, preservative-free Ukrainian cuisine, made fresh and frozen for easy preparation at home, co-owner Kateryna Doboshynska told the Sun Monday afternoon.

The inspiration stemmed from a longing for familiar flavours and a desire to bring a well-loved Ukrainian concept to their new home.

Doboshynska, who has lived in Canada for 13 years, first learned about Multi Cook from her parents back home. “My mom would say, ‘Oh, I just buy it instead of making it,’” she recalled. Given the strong tradition of home cooking in Ukraine, this shift in habits caught her attention.

When she and co-owner Oksana Golovka — who arrived in Canada just two and a half years ago — began discussing business ideas, Multi Cook’s expansion into international markets seemed like the perfect opportunity.

“The franchise started in Lutsk, our hometown, but has expanded so much that people across Ukraine think it originated in their city,” said Doboshynska. Today, Multi Cook boasts more than 1,000 locations in Ukraine and more than 200 globally, spanning 28 countries. The original name in Ukraine, “Halya Baluvana,” which roughly translated to “Lazy Lady” or “Spoiled Lady” in its original form, was rebranded to Multi Cook for international markets.

The process of opening the Brandon location required determination and careful planning. After securing the franchise rights, the pair navigated regulations, funding challenges and logistical hurdles.

Last spring, while en route to Ukraine, they received confirmation of their business loan approval.

“It felt like a sign,” Doboshynska said. Their visit to their hometown allowed them to complete franchise training and finalize the paperwork before launching their venture.

While Doboshynska now works at Multi Cook full-time, Golovka continues to balance another job alongside her responsibilities at the store.

Multi Cook Brandon offers an extensive menu, with an initial selection of 70 to 80 dishes out of the franchise’s broader lineup of more than 400 items. Customers can find a variety of perogies, including potato and cheddar cheese, cottage cheese and sweet versions filled with sour cherry or blueberry. The shop also features dumplings made with pork, beef or fish, alongside homemade Ukrainian sausages, cabbage rolls and both sweet and savoury crepes.

“We missed our food and our country,” Golovka said. “Multi Cook makes it easy for people with busy lives to enjoy authentic meals without spending hours in the kitchen.”

Although the Brandon location is still in a soft-opening phase, it has already attracted interest from residents and beyond. Customers from Winnipeg have inquired about delivery options, and while Multi Cook plans to expand in Manitoba, Brandon will remain the sole location in the city due to franchise regulations.

The owners see growth potential and are open to expansion in other locations if the opportunity arises. They have also introduced catering services for weddings and events under the Multi Cook brand.

For now, Doboshynska and Golovka remain focused on fine-tuning their offerings, ensuring affordability while maintaining quality.

“Our priority is using fresh ingredients, so we don’t have a large frozen stock — everything is made fresh, frozen, and sold,” Doboshynska explained.

As Multi Cook continues to gain recognition, Golovka said, “the franchise is set to become a staple for Ukrainian cuisine lovers in Brandon, offering a convenient and delicious way to enjoy traditional homemade meals.”

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