A handful of new and expanding businesses were given the green light by Niverville’s council at the May 20 public meeting. Most of them are destined for the new strip mall proposed for 300 Drovers Run. Council’s chambers were filled with a group of enthusiastic entrepreneurs to represent their various businesses.
Only one business owner declined comment to The Citizen at this time. He attended the council meeting as a representative for a dental clinic which is coming to 300 Drovers Run.
Negash Coffee
Artisanal coffee lovers will be glad to discover that, in a few months’ time, they’ll be able to grab their Negash coffee in the drive-thru planned for 300 Drovers Run.
Proprietor Mohamed Ali says that their decision to move to the new location was inspired by a desire to serve the community more effectively.
“We’ve seen increasing demand and wanted to offer a more spacious, comfortable, and versatile environment,” Ali says. “The support and love from the town has always encouraged us to aim higher, and this expansion is our way of giving back.”
What’s new for Negash customers is more than just the convenience of a drive thru window.
The interior café will be twice as large and, with the addition of a cozy outdoor patio, will be even more welcoming for those who wish to sit down and linger. Ali and his partner Khalid will be adding a new menu to include breakfast and lunch options.
Ali says, all in all, their new space will be the perfect spot for students to study and groups to meet.
“We’ve been proudly operating Negash Coffee in Niverville since April 2019,” says Ali. “It’s been an incredible journey filled with growth, learning, and unwavering community support.”
George’s Burgers and Subs
Moving in next door, and sharing in the patio space, is a well-known Manitoba restaurant chain that will be new to Niverville: George’s Burgers and Subs.
Proprietors Dimitri Ifantis and Kosta Makrigiannis say they’ve had their sights set on Niverville for a couple of years now.
“Being part of a growing community is fantastic, and we’re thrilled to be part of one that supports local businesses,” says Ifantis. “As we give back to neighbourhoods across Manitoba, we ensure the community can count on us when needed.”
For the ownership duo, Niverville’s location will be their tenth in the province.
George’s Burgers specializes in Greek and Canadian cuisine, offering not only their famous Fatboy burger but also Greek salads, gyros, souvlaki, and more.
At the Niverville location, patrons will be able to drop by for hard ice cream and a shake to go.
The 40-seat dining room will be fully licensed.
“As we celebrate George’s Burgers’ fiftieth year, we’ve learned to adapt to changes and prioritize our customers,” Ifantis says. “Each location has its unique character, and we plan to do the same in Niverville, becoming more than just a restaurant, but also neighbours and friends.”
Warehouse Family Entertainment
A new business venture, Warehouse Family Entertainment, will be moving in next door to George’s Burgers to provide the families of Niverville with some unique entertainment options.
“The Warehouse will be packed with the latest and greatest in interactive entertainment,” says proprietor Trevor Rempel. “We’re talking modern arcade games, axe throwing, and a high-tech golf and multisport simulator, plus an event space perfect for birthday parties, special events, or just a great night out.”
Rempel says the space will also be available for live music events, e-sports tournaments, Jets and Bombers watch parties, or trivia nights.
In collaboration with the proprietors of George’s Burgers, the businesses will share connected access, making it easy for patrons to grab a bite while enjoying some arcade fun.
“[In] our axe-throwing and simulator bays, [users] will be able to order [George’s Burgers] directly from their bay so they can keep the food and drinks coming without leaving the action,” Rempel adds.
Warehouse Family Entertainment is owned by Rempel and his wife along with partners from Niverville and Steinbach. Rempel is also the co-owner of Steel Creek Developers, the company behind the Blue Crescent Hotel coming soon to Niverville.
Warehouse Family Entertainment opened its only other location in Altona, although in recent weeks that location was forced to close its doors as the community wasn’t large enough to support the venture.
Rempel is confident that Niverville’s growing population with a high ratio of young families will provide the right atmosphere for this business to thrive.
“We were drawn to Niverville because of the need to provide new and exciting entertainment options for this growing community and a desire, by the local owners, to provide a venue to foster a face-to-face social experience that appeals to all ages,” Rempel says.
Rempel has such high hopes for Niverville, in fact, that he already imagines opportunities for growth into other entertainment genres such as bowling and virtual reality.
And there’s the employment pool to consider as well, since his business will need a local manager and staff to operate it.
“Partnering with Warehouse Entertainment has been a fantastic project, bringing something new to the town,” adds Ifantis of George’s Burgers.
Prime Physiotherapy
Niverville’s Justin Giesbrecht is no stranger to local sports fans. He’s the official physiotherapist for the Niverville Nighthawks team and has been treating the public for five years. And in a few short months, Giesbrecht will open his own location at 300 Drovers Run, calling it Prime Physiotherapy.
“I like this new location on Drovers Run, as it is on a side of town that continues to grow with new businesses,” says Giesbrecht. “It is also very close to the recreation centre, which is such a central gathering space in town, and I hope it will be a great market for myself to reach out to people with their various injuries.”
Giesbrecht says that Prime Physiotherapy will be a state-of-the-art facility with a welcoming atmosphere. LaShawn Giesbrecht will move in to provide massage therapy, and at some point there will be room for another three or more physiotherapists to work onsite.
At the same time, Giesbrecht hopes to continue in his role with the Nighthawks.
“I have created many great relationships with the players, past and present, including billeting some of the Nighthawks this previous year, so it is something that I would continue if the opportunity remains there,” he says.