Multi Cook an ‘opportunity for Ukrainian newcomers’

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This article was published 24/03/2025 (192 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The doors of Multi Cook, a Ukrainian fast-food store, officially opened at 155 18th St. on Saturday, marking the first location of its kind in Manitoba and one of only three in Canada.

The grand opening was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett, Brandon East MLA Glen Simard, Tryzub Ukrainian Association president Vartan Davtian, Downtown BIZ executive director Emmy Sanderson and other residents.

Owners Kateryna Doboshynska and Oksana Golovka, who arrived in Canada just 2 1/2 years ago, expressed their excitement and gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community.

“It’s overwhelming,” Golovka said. “So many people came, even though it’s a Saturday and they had their plans. It just shows how amazing this community is.”

The opening of Multi Cook is a testament to Brandon’s growing support for new businesses, particularly those established by newcomers to Canada, Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett told the Sun.

The business has already hired 17 employees, many of whom are Ukrainian newcomers.

Fawcett praised the business as a significant addition to Brandon’s downtown and a reflection of the city’s entrepreneurial spirit.

“We’re always happy to welcome new businesses to Brandon, and it’s particularly exciting to see recent immigrants seizing opportunities here,” Fawcett said. “Small businesses are the heartbeat of our community, and Multi Cook is a wonderful addition.”

Simard echoed this sentiment, highlighting the economic impact of Multi Cook on the local job market.

“This is a major contribution to the local economy,” Simard said. “It also provides a space where workers can communicate in their native Ukrainian language, easing their settlement process and employment transition.”

For the Tryzub Ukrainian Association, the launch of Multi Cook represents an opportunity for Ukrainian newcomers who may face language barriers when seeking employment, president Vartan Davtian told the Sun.

“This business is a great opportunity for newcomers from Ukraine, especially those who came because of the war and were not prepared,” Davtian said. “It allows them to find jobs in a familiar environment.”

The opening of Multi Cook demonstrates Brandon’s strong support for new Canadians, Downtown BIZ executive director Emmy Sanderson told the Sun at the event.

“This is proof that everything Brandon has to offer works for people, from city council to Westman Immigrant Services, the supports are there and we see the results here today,” she said.

“To see a business like this from somebody that’s only been here a couple of years and has already become such a great part of the community is indeed a great addition to the downtown area.”

As for the future, Doboshynska and Golovka are already thinking ahead.

“We would love to expand — maybe go into catering for weddings, work with existing catering companies, and even open a ‘Multi Bar,’ a Ukrainian fast-food concept unlike anything in Canada,” Doboshynska said.

Multi Cook Brandon offers an extensive menu, with an initial selection of 70 to 80 dishes out of the franchise’s broader lineup of more than 400 items. Customers can find a variety of perogies, including potato and cheddar cheese, cottage cheese and sweet versions filled with sour cherry or blueberry. The shop also features dumplings made with pork, beef or fish, alongside homemade Ukrainian sausages, cabbage rolls and both sweet and savoury crepes.

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