Craft brewery coming to key intersection

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This article was published 27/09/2024 (456 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Trans Canada Brewing Company is planning to open a new taproom on the former Barney’s Motel site in Brandon — and one of the draws was the “huge market potentials” in the Wheat City, the company says.

The commercial property at 105 Middleton Ave. — at the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 10 — was sold in December 2023 by Jenny Kang, the longtime owner of Barney’s Motel, to a Winnipeg developer.

Trans Canada brand and marketing leader Emma Houldsworth told the Sun Brandon was an easy choice for the company’s first expansion beyond its flagship operation in Winnipeg.

“Brandon is an exciting city, and the surrounding areas represent a huge market that has only recently started its craft beer journey,” Houldsworth said in an email. “We aspire to be a household name in the beer industry in Manitoba, and Brandon allows us to speak directly to customers in a whole new segment.”

Houldsworth said the move to Brandon was also due to the strategic location at the highly visible intersection.

“The chance to have Trans Canada Brewing Company on the Trans-Canada Highway means that we will be a convenient stop, whether you are passing through or coming home,” the spokesperson said.

The new taproom is expected to open in spring 2026.

“While still in the planning stages, the Brandon location will include an on-site production facility, offering exclusive beers brewed locally that customers won’t find anywhere else,” Houldsworth said.

In addition to its unique beer offerings, the taproom will include a full menu with stone oven pizzas — a feature of the Winnipeg location — and a grab-and-go retail store.

The company also plans to create an outdoor space for patrons to relax, play games and enjoy the atmosphere.

“We strive to create a space where everyone feels welcome and looks forward to their next visit,” Houldsworth said.

To further connect with the Brandon community, Houldsworth said, Trans Canada Brewing Company intends to deepen its engagement by participating in local events and collaborations.

“We’ve been immersing ourselves in Brandon over the last few years by participating in festivals and making our products available in local vendors and bars,” Houldsworth said. “The early announcement of the expansion offers us the chance to strengthen our relationship with the community ahead of the opening.”

While the estimated project cost has yet to be finalized, she said the company anticipates the Brandon expansion to be its most significant investment since its initial build in Winnipeg.

The economic impact is expected to be considerable, creating approximately 20-25 jobs across the facility, including positions in production, taproom service, the kitchen and retail, Houldsworth said.

She added the project will involve numerous tradespeople working on the construction over the next 18 months.

City of Brandon economic development director Gerald Cathcart said the city is excited to see “a long-term client” deciding to build in Brandon.

Economic Development Brandon, he said, was engaged for more than a year by the company to assist in finding just the right location.

“The new taproom carrying the TCB brand certainly adds a modern appeal to our busiest intersection. The high-visibility location, brand awareness and great hospitality will undoubtedly become a destination, drawing travellers, and contributing to overall tourism spend,” Cathcart said in an email.

“Brandon provided only one incentive, demonstrating that we are open for business and are highly responsive to investors’ decision-making needs.”

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

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