AllStars to bring multicultural venue to Brandon

A new dining and entertainment venue in Brandon is expected to formally open its doors at 2604 Victoria Ave. in two weeks, bringing people from different cultures together through food, music and events.

AllStars Club, Lounge and Events will offer a combination of fine dining, lounge services and live entertainment, with an emphasis on creating a welcoming space where residents can celebrate special occasions, socialize and unwind, company president Abidemi Oyeniyi said.

“The business was developed after identifying a gap in Brandon’s dining and entertainment scene, particularly for people looking for a place to enjoy a meal, meet friends or celebrate without having to travel outside the city,” Oyeniyi told the Sun Friday.

“We want to bridge cultures together, and then a place where you can have your business meeting, your date night, engage your future wife, or wedding anniversary.”

After the formal grand opening, the lounge will be opened daily from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m., according to the company website.

Oyeniyi, who has about 24 years of experience in the food and hospitality business, said she grew up around the industry, which had been established in her family before she started her own business in Nigeria.

After moving to Canada and settling in Brampton, Ont., she began considering the possibility of bringing the concept to Brandon. On her first visit to the city in February 2025, she noticed the limited options for sit-down dining experiences of the kind she envisioned.

She said she spent about a year conducting a feasibility study and assessing the market before deciding to establish the venue in Brandon.

The restaurant’s multicultural approach is reflected in the menu, which is designed to accommodate different cultural preferences.

“Canadians, Americans, Mexicans, Africans and Caribbeans can come in,” she said. “Whoever you are, AllStars is ready for you.”

She said the business also places importance on food safety, staff training and responsible alcohol service, with employees expected to meet the necessary food-handling and service standards.

Beyond dining, AllStars plans to host regular entertainment events featuring musicians, comedians and DJs with diverse backgrounds.

Oyeniyi said the venue’s monthly entertainment series, called Night With Stars, will bring performers from around the world to Brandon on the last weekend of each month, with events scheduled on either Saturday or Sunday.

The venue hosted a Nigerian comedy and entertainment show last week, she said.

“The event was a huge success with all available tables fully booked and had to turn some guests back,” she said. “We flew a Nigerian actor-comedian and a musician to Brandon last week for the show. We have events lined up through June 2027.”

She said the entertainment program will also feature Canadian performers, DJs and artists from other cultural communities, with the aim of creating an inclusive atmosphere.

The venue can accommodate approximately 50 to 55 people, general manager Josh Adebayo said.

“It features different seating categories, including classic, diamond and exclusive VIP sections, with varying menus, prices and services,” he told the Sun on Friday.

“Customers interested in the VIP section must make reservations in advance, with bookings available for one to four hours.”

Walk-in customers are also welcome, although they may have to wait approximately 15 to 20 minutes during busy periods, he said.

“Reservations allow customers to secure their tables ahead of time,” Adebayo said.

Oyeniyi said customer safety is another priority, particularly for those consuming alcohol.

She said staff can arrange taxis for customers who may be unfit to drive. The business also provides a company vehicle and driver to take regular VIP customers home, she said.

“We want to make sure that you are in check to drive back home safe,” she said.

While the business is still hiring, Oyeniyi said staffing levels will depend on the number of employees needed to provide timely service and maintain the experience customers expect.

She also confirmed that the business is considering expansion in 2027, including the possibility of opening another unit on 18th Street and extending its current premises, subject to approval from the City of Brandon.

Despite the challenges involved in establishing a new business, including renovations, furniture relocation, licensing, public health requirements and staff training, Oyeniyi said she remains confident about AllStars’ prospects.

Oyeniyi said she hopes residents will support the new venture and provide feedback as it continues to develop.

“We want them to feel safe to know that this is their own business as well,” she said. “Yes, AllStars is for all Brandon, all Manitoba, all Canadian.”

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