Yes, We Are Open! 🍁

In this episode, Al visits Chika Oguh, founder of My Afromania Inc., a fashion business in Ottawa that brings the vibrancy of African prints to Western styles.Chika  recounts how her love for fashion inspired her to create a marketplace supporting artisans from both Africa and Canada. She candidly discusses the financial and emotional challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of community, and the role her family’s entrepreneurial spirit played in her journey.Listen now to learn how Chika overcame setbacks, and built a thriving business from scratch.You can learn more about My Afromania Inc. at MyAfromania.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 9 premiere of Yes, We Are Open, Al visits Paulo Chira, Owner of Champlain Table Tennis Club in Ottawa, Ontario. Originally founded in 1989, the club developed numerous national and international players but closed in 2015 due to a lack of support.  Paulo, who started playing table tennis at six in Peru and moved to Canada for better training opportunities, decided to revive the club in 2023. This is his story.  You can learn more about Champlain Table Tennis Club at ChamplainTTC.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.

Season 9 of the award-winning 'Yes, We Are Open' podcast starts October 6th, 2025!In this season, Al visits Ottawa, Ontario. Here is a little teaser for the upcoming season.Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts or visit YesWeAreOpenPodcast.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 8 finale of ‘Yes, We Are Open’, Al is back in Ontario, visiting Brenda and Rick Coletta, owners of The Fry’s The Limit and The Parlour.After retiring from her corporate career, Brenda gave entrepreneurship a try. She bought a food truck, called it The Fry’s The Limit, and sold poutine. Then Rick joined her and they bought a second truck.After a few years of toiling on the festival circuit, the couple decided to settle in Thornton, Ontario and add ice cream to their empire. They opened The Parlour amid some stiff competition in the small town. Eight years later, they’re not only still standing, they’re thriving, even after a pandemic and high inflation. How did they do it? Listen to find out.You can learn more about The Parlour & The Fry’s The Limit at thefrysthelimit.com.Credits:Amy Blundell - LeadershipDarren Leroux - LeadershipCaleigh Ellis – Graphic ArtistNiyati Budhiraja – WebmasterChetan Dhananjaya – WebmasterLoki Nichlani – WebmasterCheyenne Jenkins - Social MediaPatricia Crowe – PMJessica Lepage  – 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 visits Jim Baiton, the founder and owner of Tumblers Pizza in Regina, Saskatchewan. Jim shares his journey from making pizza boxes at 14 to building a pizza empire that sells Regina-style pizza in over 140 locations across Saskatchewan.Hear the story behind the unique name, the secret formula for their incredible sauce, and the challenges faced along the way.You can learn more about Tumblers Pizza at tumblerspizzaregina.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 this episode of YWAO, Al sits down with Grant Frew, Bar and Marketing Manager at Bushwakker Brewpub in Regina, Saskatchewan.  Grant recounts Bushwakker’s unique German beer-inspired roots, and how it evolved to become a staple in Regina's brewing culture.  Listen to stories and insights spanning over three decades at the brewery, detailing their origins, struggles, and triumphs to remain a beloved local establishment.You can learn more about Bushwakker Brewpub at bushwakker.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.

This week, Al visits Gloria Walsh, Manager of Creative Kids, a charitable organization dedicated to removing financial barriers for Saskatchewan children aged 4 to 19 to participate in arts and culture.  From its inception in 2007 to its growth and community impact, discover how Creative Kids has enriched lives and fostered cultural appreciation among the youth. Learn about their struggles, successes, and future aspirations.You can learn more about Creative Kids at creativekidssask.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 this episode of YWAO, Al visits Tracy Bosche, the owner of Zippity Zoom Toys in Regina, Saskatchewan.Tracy shares the inspiring story of how she started the toy store in 2009, juggling a newborn and a new business. She talks about the evolution of the store, her background in retail, and her passion for toys.Tracy also discusses the challenges her business faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, her family's involvement in the business, and future plans for expansion.You can learn more about Zippity Zoom Toys at zippityzoomtoys.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 this episode, Al sits down with Amanda Rae, the owner of Base Studio, a thriving hair salon in Regina.  Amanda shares her journey from a stylist to a business owner, the challenges she faced, and the resilience it took to overcome them, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.  You can learn more about Base Studio at basestudio.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 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.

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.