Antique collection inspires new store

Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 03/12/2016 (3203 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

If you build it, they will come. While this isn’t always the case, it certainly is for Crow’s General Store. This unique ice cream and coffee shop has already been dubbed as a great new attraction for Brandon.

Owner Don Ditchfield isn’t new to the business world. He had a landscape business for years, a sod farm, a driving range and he opened the first Ski-Doo/Bombardier snowmobile dealership in the city years and years ago. His collection of antiques, however, is what spurred the idea for his latest venture.

“Collecting antiques and old stuff has been a hobby of mine for years, pretty much my entire life,” Ditchfield said.

The antiques that Ditchfield has collected, along with the location, is what makes the ice cream shop so unique. There are literally antiques everywhere, inside and out, for guests to admire and reminisce about. The building that houses the ice cream parlour was built in 2008; the second storey is where Ditchfield lives.

Crow’s General Store is a little off the beaten path at 33 17th St. East, just travel east down Rosser Avenue past The Green Spot to find it. This new business welcomed hundreds of visitors this past summer and what many found to be appealing was the opportunity to explore and walk around the grounds before or after enjoying a treat.

The great news is that this is continuing throughout the winter months. Ditchfield is staying open year round and is happy to finally see some snow on the ground because he’s added a new dimension by creating cross-country ski trails for people to enjoy.

“I haven’t figured out the distance yet, but it’s a beautiful trail, very scenic. People can come for a cross-country ski, a nature walk or do some snowshoeing and then relax with a good cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate afterwards,” Ditchfield said.

Ditchfield said that what he’s doing with the ski trails is complementary to what his neighbour to the south, David Barnes, is doing with the Assiniboine Food Forest.

“This is natural land. It’s encouraging people to get back to nature and enjoy the outdoors in its most natural setting. It’s beautiful along the river. There’s lots to explore,” Ditchfield said

Crow’s General Store is a great location for meetings, group functions, family gatherings, school tours or other special events. For store hours, call 204-571-6875 or follow them on Facebook.

Designer Baking

Another new hot spot in town is Well Dressed Cakes by Brett. The cake shop just opened a couple of weeks ago and their grand opening is today from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

They will have a good selection of their most popular goodies to choose from. The menu changes on a daily basis, but they usually have a great selection of macaroons, cookie sandwiches, cupcakes, mini cheesecakes, and cakes by the slice.

Well Dressed Cakes by Brett is owned by Brett Kennedy. She officially started in the baking industry four years ago and until now had worked out of her commercial kitchen at home, doing special orders.

Kennedy has become well-known in Brandon for her creativity on the made-to-order cakes for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays and anniversaries. Be sure to check out the showcase page on her website to see the incredible creations she has come up with.

In addition, the shop has coffee. They carry Forbidden Flavours and it’s available for takeout, plus they do have a small space to enjoy a cup or two on location.

You can find them at 1250 Richmond Ave. and can take your pick of these tasty treats during regular store hours, which are: Monday through Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Visit their website — welldressedcakesbybrett.com — or call 204-730-0997 for more details.