Cora Breakfast and Lunch to open mid-October

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This article was published 26/08/2024 (495 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Cora Breakfast and Lunch is set to bring a fresh dining option to Brandon in mid-October, operating from Unit D-1350 18th St.

Local entrepreneurs Mukesh and Gayatri Patel, who moved here from India in 2011, told the Sun they have been working tirelessly over the past five years to bring their dream project to life.

Gayatri currently works as an educational assistant with the Brandon School Division, while Mukesh is a realtor.

Their journey into the restaurant industry, the couple said, began after Gayatri’s eight-year experience working in a small restaurant in a local food court sparked their interest in launching their establishment.

“We always wanted to bring something new to Brandon,” Gayatri said. “After hearing from many friends and families about the lack of a good place for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, we knew that Cora would be the perfect fit.”

Mukesh said they chose Cora, a breakfast and lunch chain with over 125 restaurants nationwide, for its reputation of offering high-quality, family-oriented dining experiences.

“Cora is one of the best brands in the breakfast industry,” he explained. “The colourful plates, warm atmosphere, and excellent customer service make it stand out.”

However, the journey to opening the restaurant was not without its challenges. The couple faced significant difficulties in finding a suitable location that could accommodate their needs.

“We started looking for a place in the summer of 2021,” he added. “It took almost three years to find a location with about 30 vehicle parking spaces, which was crucial for a restaurant with a seating capacity of 114.”

The Brandon location, which will be 3,500 square feet, is expected to create 35 full-time and part-time jobs.

Despite construction delays that have pushed the opening from September to mid-October, the Patels remain optimistic.

“We are a few weeks behind schedule, but we are excited to finally open our doors,” Gayatri said.

The local community has already shown tremendous enthusiasm for the new restaurant, she added.

“A post on social media platforms announcing the opening received over 200 positive responses within a few hours,” she said.

The Patels have also been overwhelmed with job applications, receiving over 150 within a week of posting the first positions.

Once open, Cora will operate from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. The Patels are confident that their pricing, which will match the Winnipeg location, along with the extended operating hours will appeal to Brandon residents.

Before the official public opening, they plan to host a “family and friends” event, with all proceeds going to charity.

As the Patels continue to oversee the final stages of construction and hiring, they are already considering the possibility of expanding in the future.

“If we do well, we hope to open another location in Brandon,” said Mukesh.

For now, Gayatri said the focus is to ensure their first venture into the restaurant industry is a “resounding success, and we are eager to share the Cora experience with the people of Brandon. We’re very excited to serve a good breakfast and to bring something new to the community.”

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