Christmas traffic boon for businesses

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This article was published 30/12/2023 (909 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Brandon’s downtown businesses experienced a surge in sales and a satisfying influx of customers during this year’s Christmas season.

The holiday boost, business owners said, signalled a notable upswing compared to last year, as restaurants, cafés and grocery stores witnessed a significant uptick in both commercial activity and foot traffic.

Guinness Tavern By The Double Decker owner Niral Patel told the Sun the vibrant atmosphere that enveloped the bar and restaurant at 943 Rosser Ave. during the festive season was better than what was witnessed in 2022.

“It was heartening to witness families and friends gathering, many of whom hadn’t visited us before,” Patel said. “It was exciting to see people hanging outside the bar because our facility was filled to the brim.”

Patel attributed the catalyst behind this surge, in large part, to the Rural and Northern Immigration Program, an initiative that enabled businesses to acquire skilled staff. The influx of professional talent, he said, not only elevated service standards but also fostered the introduction of a diverse menu, adding a unique charm and flavour to the local bar scene.

“Our journey has been enriched by the RNIP, sourcing talented individuals who’ve brought a fresh perspective to our establishment,” he said. “With the Downtown Development Corporation’s unwavering support, our infrastructure upgrades, notably the techno-savvy POS system, have markedly improved customer experiences.”

Amidst the revelry and successes, The Double Decker embarked on an ambitious phase of expansion, currently underway with ongoing renovations for an underground lounge. Patel anticipates this endeavour will significantly augment the establishment’s capacity, accommodating larger gatherings and injecting further verve into the downtown nightlife. “The ultimate goal remains to entice more visitors, showcasing the lively and inviting facets of downtown Brandon’s nightlife,” he said.

At Trinity Meat and Food Place (320 10th St.), co-owner Olatoye Olaosebikan recounted a similar trend of increased sales, particularly in European and African groceries, resonating with the spirit of cultural diversity and traditional holiday foods.

“I can estimate the increase in our sales on Christmas Eve to be around $1,000 compared to the same day in 2022,” Olaosebikan told the Sun. “However, if we’re considering the entire month, the sales have surpassed last year’s figures by Christmas Eve. We have exceeded our total last year’s sales by over $7,000 already, which is quite impressive.”

Among the factors contributing to this surge, Olaosebikan said it’s a combination of population growth, coupled with the availability of unique products and traditions that cater to people’s preferences.

Equally, The Dock on Princess, led by general manager Erin Wells, witnessed a bustling holiday season that drew more visitors than last year.

“The holiday season was abuzz with activity, marked by an influx of patrons attending Christmas parties and enjoying our live music nights,” Wells said. “While our strategy wasn’t radically different, our festive offerings like the murder mystery parties and feature menus resonated well with our clientele.”

Adding a fresh perspective, Sunday Frangi, owner of the recently opened People’s Place Café and Lounge, was surprised and delighted with a bustling first Christmas despite initial safety concerns based on downtown perceptions.

The café, he said, witnessed a steady stream of visitors during the holiday season, showcasing a compelling need for a welcoming space during festive times.

“We experienced unexpected traffic during Christmas, dispelling concerns about downtown safety,” he said. “The Café was consistently full, as people sought a place to gather, drawn by our offerings, including our Middle Eastern-inspired menu like our specially prepared fava beans, along with amenities such as hookah and pool, fostering a social atmosphere.”

Looking ahead to New Year’s Eve, Frangi plans to operate as usual, expecting considerable foot traffic as many people have inquired about his opening hours, which he said is encouraging.

He told the Sun that his aspirations for fall 2024 are centred on fostering business growth and catering to his diverse customer base, notably immigrants contributing to his expanding clientele.

“We’re actively expanding our menu by incorporating five new items, including Nigerian cuisine such as jollof rice, aiming to cater to a wider audience,” he said. “These additions are in the approval phase, and once authorized, will further diversify our menu, enhancing our appeal to a broader spectrum of patrons.”

However, the high spirits aren’t confined to just Christmas, as these establishments gear up for the eagerly awaited New Year’s Eve festivities. While The Dock plans a kids’ party and a special musical event, The Double Decker is fervently preparing for the expanded capacity of its underground lounge.

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

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