People’s Place Café and Lounge opens downtown

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This article was published 09/12/2023 (848 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

For Brandonites seeking a blend of cultures and flavours, People’s Place Café and Lounge officially opens its doors this afternoon at 904 Rosser Ave.

The new addition to downtown Brandon offers an array of scented hookah experiences. Beyond hookah, it serves a fusion of flavours, drawing inspiration from Middle Eastern and East African cultures, featuring European dark roast coffees, iconic Middle Eastern sweets like baklava, and fresh juices reminiscent of home.

Owner Sunday Frangi told the Sun that he conceived the business idea when he moved to Brandon in 2019, noting he settled on downtown because of its potential and recognizing the need for revitalization.

His passion for creating a welcoming space for all demographics in downtown, including students and diverse communities, he said, motivated him to establish People’s Place.

“I wanted a space where everyone could gather, connect, and savour a diverse range of cultural experiences,” Frangi said. “This is the first-ever hookah café in Brandon, offering caffeine-free hookah, a cultural staple in various parts of the world.”

However, he agreed that opening a business amid economic uncertainties and rising costs posed challenges. “The economic climate is concerning, especially for a newly established small business,” he said. “But I’m optimistic that offering something unique and affordable will resonate with people.”

The challenges are not limited to the unfavourable economic climate. As a newcomer to downtown, Frangi recognized the importance of safety as a concern for his new business. “Since our opening, things have been fine,” he said. “However, last night, I observed an individual walking in and suddenly reaching for the fire extinguisher. I asked him what he wanted, and he walked away.”

Despite hurdles, his focus remains on providing a safe and inviting space, as he intends to collaborate with the downtown business community and city stakeholders to address security concerns.

The former Brandon city councillor was grateful for the rent abatement from Brandon Downtown Development Corporation but called for the need for continued support from governments to sustain small businesses facing escalating costs.

To attract patrons, he said, People’s Place Café utilizes social media and plans to expand the menu to include African and Middle Eastern dishes.

With ambitions to further diversify offerings and potentially open new locations, “my vision is to expand from a simple café to be a cultural hub that bridges diverse communities in Brandon.”

The new Café is already attracting patrons, including Tony John. The Brandon University student said it is refreshing to have such a diverse spot in Brandon, especially in the downtown area.

“The atmosphere is welcoming, and the variety of offerings is impressive,” he said. “The hookah experience and the cultural foods are a highlight. It’s a great addition to our downtown.”

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