Yes, We Are Open!

This week Al sits down with Ashley Donald, the owner of BasketCases, a prominent gift basket store in Regina. Ashley shares her inspiring journey of buying and running the business, discussing her origins, struggles, and future outlook.Discover how she transformed from a dedicated customer to the “Chief Basket Case” herself, navigating the challenges of pandemic, inflation, and marketing, while also maintaining a strong community spirit.You can learn more about BasketCases at basketcases.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.

In the season 8 premier of ‘Yes, We Are Open’, Al flies to Regina, Saskatchewan to visit Kevin Toth, President of Prairie Flying Service. They delve into the storied history and rich legacy of the company which began in 1946, founded by four World War II pilots.The aviation industry has had many highs and lows during that time. Significant events like 9/11, the pandemic, and rising costs for parts and labour have made it increasingly difficult to stay in the game.Learn about Kevin's personal journey from a ramp-rat to president of the company. Hear the full story and get inspired by Kevin's dedication and leadership!You can learn more about Prairie Flying Service at prairieflying.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.

Season 8 of the award-winning 'Yes, We Are Open' podcast starts April 7th, 2025!In this season, Al visits Regina, Saskatchewan.Here is a little teaser for the upcoming season.  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 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 - LeadershipRick Stephan - LeadershipCaleigh Ellis – Graphic ArtistChetan Dhananjaya – WebmasterLoki Nichlani – WebmasterNiyati Budhiraja – WebmasterMallory McWhirther – Social MediaCheyenne Jenkins - Social MediaPatricia Crowe – PMJessica Lepage  – TranslationPascale Dumas-Bresse – TranslationPao-Lan Ladouceur – TranslationMelanie Bell – TranslationValérieBoisvert – TranslationMarc-AndréHoule – TranslationGladys Bagang – Logistics & AdminThe rest of the Moneris for their support! 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.

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.  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.

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.  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.

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.  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.

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.  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.

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.  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.

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.