In the season 7 finale of Yes, We Are Open, Al is in Oakville, Ontario visiting Tyler and Jordie Schwartz from Retrofestive, a unique pop culture and Christmas store.

Tyler started selling Christmas Story leg lamps back in 2007. When that went well, he added Christmas Vacation moose mugs. Now Retrofestive is Canada’s top shop for old-school fun! Learn how he did it and about his journey along the way.

You can learn more about Retrofestive at retrofestive.ca.

Credits:

• Amy Blundell - Leadership
• Rick Stephan - Leadership
• Caleigh Ellis – Graphic Artist
• Chetan Dhananjaya – Webmaster
• Loki Nichlani – Webmaster
• Niyati Budhiraja – Webmaster
• Mallory McWhirther – Social Media
• Cheyenne Jenkins - Social Media
• Patricia Crowe – PM
• Jessica Lepage – Translation
• Pascale Dumas-Bresse – Translation
• Pao-Lan Ladouceur – Translation
• Melanie Bell – Translation
• ValérieBoisvert – Translation
• Marc-AndréHoule – Translation
• Gladys Bagang – Logistics & Admin
• The rest of the Moneris for their support!

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If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.

Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.

Al’s final stop in Winnipeg is at Jenna Rae Cakes, co-owned by twin-sisters Jenna Hutchinson and Ashley Kosowan. Their dream began 15 years ago in their small apartment, sparked by an episode of Cake Boss, and grew into a legitimate business despite numerous legal and logistical hurdles.

Hear about the challenges of balancing school, work, and starting their bakery from the ground up, including the crucial moments they realized they needed to take the business to the next level.

You can learn more about Jenna Rae Cakes at jennaraecakes.com.

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If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.

Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.

We hit the bullseye with this episode this week! Al visits Neil Migalski, General Manager at AVO Gameroom. They talk about the rich history and unique charm of this beloved Winnipeg establishment founded in April 1963 by three brothers, and how it has evolved into a community staple known for its pool supplies, dart equipment, poker accessories, and more.

Neil shares his passion and vision for keeping this family-friendly hub at the forefront of recreational gaming.

You can learn more about AVO Gameroom at avogameroom.com.

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If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.

Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.

We tee off episode 5 as Al visits with Amy Cerasani, from Shooters Family Golf Centre and Restaurant. The Cerasani family transformed a modest driving range into a beloved community hub serving Winnipeg for the past 31 years and counting.

Listen now to learn about the family's deep-rooted entrepreneurial spirit, the challenges and triumphs they've faced, and Amy’s own journey growing up within the vibrant atmosphere of Shooters.

You can learn more about Shooters Family Golf Centre at shootersgolf.ca.

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If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.

Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.

This week Al is back in Ontario for a visit with Dave Guenther, owner of Door World in Tillsonburg.

Dave balanced a growing family and an expanding business during an unprecedented global pandemic. Hear how together with his wife Breanne, their resilience and adaptability helped them build a thriving company from the ground up.

You can learn more about Door World at doorworld.ca.

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If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.

Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.

Things get spicy in episode 3 when Al visits Nikhil Dutt, owner of Spice Circle. His family opened the restaurant in 2019, despite having no prior business experience.

Nikhil opens up about his early emotional struggles of receiving customer criticism and the determination that drove him to keep improving their service and food quality. Today Spice Circle boast the best Indian food in Winnipeg. How did they do it? Listen to find out.

You can learn more about Spice Circle at spicecircle.ca.

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If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.

Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.

Al visits Katrina Tessier, Owner of Scout Coffee: + Community. Katrina shares her journey of opening the unique Winnipeg café, providing a welcoming space for parents to relax while their children play.

Tune in for the story of how a mother turned her idea into a reality. Learn how Katrina navigated financial hurdles, the pandemic, and a change in location to create a unique space for families.

You can learn more about Scout Coffee + Community at scoutwinnipeg.com.

Subscribe now!

If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.

Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.

In the season 7 premiere of ‘Yes, We Are Open’ Al flies to Winnipeg, Manitoba. His first visit is with Ashley Lyons and Mikol Markiw from The Real Escape Canada to delve into the intricacies of the escape room industry.

Tune in to hear how a family’s shared passion for puzzles turned into a successful escape room empire and how they navigated the challenges thrown by the pandemic. Discover the cutting-edge technologies they plan to integrate to stay ahead in the thrilling world of escape rooms.

You can learn more about The Real Escape Canada at therealescape.ca.

Subscribe now!

If you're the owner of a small business in Canada and you'd like us to help tell your story, email us at podcast@moneris.com.

Yes, We Are Open is a Moneris podcast production hosted by Al Grego.