Hermanos nears finish line ahead of Brandon debut

Hermanos South American Steakhouse is nearly ready to welcome guests to its Brandon location in the historic Brandon Firehall, with just over a week to go before its first special events.

Co-owner Riley Bernier said the restaurant remains on track for its planned June 18 launch.

“We’re 99 per cent of the way there,” he told the Sun on Friday. “Everything that we need is here, and we’re emotionally, physically, everything else — we’re all ready. It’s just the little bits and pieces we’re tying up now.”

Co-owner Juliana Bernier said the kitchen equipment has been installed and is being connected.

“Contractors are completing the final hookups before staff begin bringing in food and preparing for service,” she said. “All the big pieces are here. We’re just getting professionals in for the hookups, then bringing in the food and getting ready. It’s really in the final stages at this point.”

The restaurant’s opening-night event on June 18 has already sold out, as has the June 20 Argentinian-themed evening, she said.

“Additional ticketed events scheduled for June 24, 25 and 26 still have space available,” she added.

Following the event series, the restaurant will pause briefly before officially opening for regular service in early July.

“We’d be looking at opening around July 17,” Riley said.

The ticketed events will not accept walk-ins, but once regular operations begin, the restaurant will offer reservations while also accommodating walk-in customers, Juliana said.

The dining room currently seats 72 guests, with plans to add a patio that will expand capacity.

Like many new businesses, Hermanos has faced challenges during the setup process.

“There are always challenges with restaurants,” Riley said.

“But we have a lot of experience with Hermanos in Winnipeg and doing cooking and these things before, so I have a lot of confidence. The experience gained has helped the team navigate the hurdles.”

He said Brandon’s dining room is smaller than the Winnipeg location, which he said will help the team maintain high standards.

“With the size of the room pared down, we’re able to focus on ensuring quality and good service,” he said. “We really want to make sure everything is perfect and nail the quality control.”

Beyond serving food, the restaurant is also looking to establish strong local partnerships.

Riley said Hermanos plans to source coffee from a local roaster and is exploring opportunities to feature locally brewed beer.

“We want to do this right,” he said. “We want to support local businesses and integrate into the community. We are meeting the owners of Section 6 Brewing Co. to discuss partnership opportunities.”

As the countdown to opening continues, Juliana said the team is eager to become part of Brandon’s restaurant scene.

“Just excited to come be a part of the community,” she said. “We’re very close.”

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