*This is a throwback interview from June 2021 with our 2023 TOP 5 leader.

What is your WHY? What’s important is that we are bringing people together. No matter where you come from you gather with family and friends and that’s what we are trying to do, by providing great quality and delicious food.

What are the big CHALLENGES in you industry? Many challenges at this point! From full-scale renovations to opening a new restaurant we are faced with challenges every day. Currently facing challenges with demand and hope that the launch of our website and online ordering help alleviate some of these issues. We are extremely grateful for the support we have received in the first three weeks and also appreciate the patience and well wishes from our community!

What keeps you going on difficult days? When you truly believe in your product and what you are doing, the long days are worth it. We really enjoy cooking and baking and sharing that passion with others, makes our days in the kitchen a pretty fun place to be!

PS they now have a full breakfast menu 😋

Brooks & Newell Safe Communities Committee This year’s annual Cram the Cruiser event was the most successful year ever! Our community generously donated: 259 toys, 153 non-perishable food items, $452.75 in cash, and 52 warm clothing options!

Youth Police Academy 2023 applications will open in March 2023.

Brooks & Newell Safe Communities Committee is currently seeking two citizens at large and one youth citizen (ages 15-18) to join its board. Responsibilities of the Committee include cooperating with community groups in creating programs or pursuing initiatives to improve public safety, making recommendations to Council relevant to community issues, providing community feedback concerning Bylaw enforcement strategies or activities and developing educational materials advocating personal safety and security. Interested? Contact Amy Rommens.

Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association – SAEWA has chosen HITACHI ZOSEN INOVA - HZI to build an Energy from Waste facility where the landfill is located. Waste will be collected from communities in southern Alberta to be burned to produce energy. It is a 500-750 million dollar construction project. When completed it will employ about 80 positions.

SAEWA’s primary goals for the development of an Energy from Waste facility are:

• To reduce southern Alberta’s long-term reliance on landfill disposal

• To process non-recyclable solid waste from SAEWA communities and potentially private sector customers

• To reduce greenhouse gas emissions from solid waste management

• produce electricity, heat energy and potentially additional by-products for commercial sale

➡️ Understand the benefits and challenges of being in a farmers’ market.
➡️ Learn how to calculate costs and maximize profits.
➡️ Get pro tips on the importance of a good display and how to stand out.

Arts, Culture, and Heritage Board Grant applications are now being accepted until February 28! The intent is to support initiatives related to arts, culture and heritage. Full details here.

Summer Student Job Fair - meet a variety of employers who are looking to hire students. Explore opportunities in vegetation management, information technologies, food and beverage service, customer service and more. Thursday, Feb. 23, 1-4PM, JBS Canada Centre. Bring your resume and your brilliant smile!

For those post-secondary students that cannot attend you can send your resume to khiebert@brooks.ca and it will be forwarded to the hiring companies.

EcoBrooks is seeking five new board members! The committee explores policies, programs, and procedures that focus on water conservation, energy sustainability, and waste management/reduction while developing municipal sustainability and encouraging public accountability. If interested contact Jenny Wallace.

TOP 5 places to eat in Brooks

Gus’s Steak House joins the race.

P.S. The Brooks Farmers’ Market will be in the spotlight at the Alberta Farmers Market Assoc. conference this weekend. We’ve been nominated for an outstanding award. 👏👏👏👏