Karla’s continues to evolve after 20 years

Karla’s International Foods is marking a milestone after two decades in business.

Owner Karla Ortega said the business reflects both the evolution of Brandon’s multicultural community and the resilience of a small, family-run enterprise.

Originally from Mexico, she arrived in Brandon in February 2006. One month later, she and her husband opened the doors to what would become a staple in the city’s downtown.

“It was not even planned like this,” Ortega told the Sun. “I couldn’t work at the time because of my paperwork, so my husband started the business and I just helped him. But then it became everything.”

At the time, Brandon was seeing an influx of newcomers, particularly workers from El Salvador arriving to work at local plants such as Maple Leaf Foods. Ortega noticed a clear gap.

“There was nothing that spoke the language or the culture,” she said in an interview. “People needed to send money home, but it was difficult. They didn’t speak English, and the services available didn’t speak Spanish. It was very challenging.”

Karla’s began by offering money transfer services alongside imported food products that reminded customers of home. Over time, the store became more than a business; it became a gathering place, she said.

“The people who were working back then, we all grew together,” she said.

The business started in a small space at 908 Rosser Ave. before moving several times within the downtown core. Today, it continues to operate in a larger, though still limited, space, where a small seating area has been added to adapt to changing customer needs.

In the early years, Ortega ran the business almost entirely on her own.

“For about 10 years, it was just me,” she said. “You can’t afford staff at the beginning. It was busy, but it was hard.”

Now, the business employs a small team, many of whom have been with her for years.

“We have six people now, not full-time, but they’ve been here a long time. One has been here over 13 years,” she said. “We’re all from the same community. It’s not just about language, it’s about culture and how we make people feel at home.”

Over the years, the business model has shifted. As Brandon’s international food options expanded and larger retailers began carrying similar products, Karla’s had to evolve.

“Before, it was mostly money transfers and food people couldn’t find anywhere else,” Ortega said. “Now, people don’t send as much money home and they don’t miss the food the same way.”

In response, the store introduced a restaurant-style seating area and began appealing to a broader customer base.

“Now, about 50 per cent of my customers are new people who never came before,” she said. “We’re focusing more on the Canadian community, too. Social media has helped … People see recipes and want to try new foods.”

Despite the changes, Ortega said the business remains steady.

“We know what to expect every day — Monday, Tuesday, all of it. It’s very stable now,” she said.

Running a small business hasn’t been easy, Ortega said.

“There were many times I wanted to throw in the towel,” she said. “It’s hard to go to bed knowing how much you owe. Not everyone can handle that.”

On several occasions, she even attempted to sell the business — but deals never went through.

“My customers would find out and say, ‘Why? We come here because of you,’” she said. “That kept me going.”

Family has also played a key role. Her husband, who worked for Maple Leaf for years, recently left his job to join her full-time.

“It’s a big help,” she said. “We do it together now.”

As Karla marks its 20th anniversary, Ortega is already thinking about the future. Expansion is top of mind — particularly increasing the seating area and kitchen space.

“We would like to double the seating, but we need more space and another washroom,” she said. “So we may have to move again.”

While she has explored options, affordability remains a major challenge.

“You have to find something you can always pay, even when sales go up and down,” she said.

One thing she is certain about, however, is staying in downtown Brandon.

“I’m a downtown person,” Ortega said. “A lot of people are scared to come here, but it’s good. In the summer, it’s beautiful. I’ve been here for 20 years — I want to stay here.”

As the business celebrates two decades, Ortega said gratitude is at the forefront.

“I’m very, very grateful,” she said. “Grateful that people continue to come, support us and look after us.”

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

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