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...

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. 

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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!

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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.

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 sti...

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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...

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.

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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 stor...

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.

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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.

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.

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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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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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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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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 p...

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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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.

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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 the...

Season 7 of the award-winning 'Yes, We Are Open' podcast starts October 7th, 2024!

In this season, Al visits Winnipeg, Manitoba. Here is a little teaser for the upcoming season.

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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.

Yes, Kawartha TV & Stereo Is Open!

In the season 6 finale of ‘Yes, We Are Open’, Al visits Peterborough, Ontario and Scott Stuart, owner of Kawartha TV & Stereo. They’ve been fixtures in the city for over half a century! In that time, their industry has gone through countless disruptive technology changes but they’ve been able to adapt and today they continued to provide their customers with top quality products and service.

This is their story.

You can learn more about Kawartha TV & Stereo at kawarthatv.com.

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Yes, Italian Ice Cream Is Open!

Back from His Calgary trip, Al heads down to the “Honeymoon Capital of the World” Niagara Falls to visit Andrew Vergalito, owner of Italian Ice Cream. The business was opened by Andrew’s parents Joe and Anna in 1978 and for 46 years they’ve been serving the locals and tourists alike.

There have been many challenges and changes to the area in their almost half-century of business. This is their story.

You can learn more about Italian Ice Cream at italianicecream.ca.

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Al’s final stop on his Calgary trip is to  Heritage Park Historical Village. It’s one of Calgary’s premier tourist attractions, originally opened in 1964 with a mission to connect visitors with the history of Western Canada.

Al visits with Dominic Terry, a spokesperson at the park. Dominic talks about the park’s origins and how it has evolved in the past 60 years bringing history lessons to life through immersive storytelling and fun attractions for everyone.

This is the story of Heritage Park.

You can learn more about Heritage Park at heritagepark.ca.

Virginia Borges came to Canada in 2014 from Venezuela with the dream of starting her own business. She wanted her business to give back to the community in some way. She then opened Re:Grub Burger Bar.

Known for their highly instagrammable milkshakes and burgers, Re:Grub has become a popular Calgary hotspot for their unique and delicious creations.

This is Virginia’s story.

You can learn more about Re:Grub Burger Bar at regrub.ca.

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Al’s next stop in Alberta is beautiful Canmore, home of Sara and Joe Titus, owners of Going With The Grain. For almost 20 years Sara and Joe have been installing and restoring hardwood floors in the Canmore area. They are one of only two husband & wife teams in North America to hold the designation of ‘Bona Certified Craftsmen’. All this to say, they know their craft!

Throughout their 20 years of business, Sara and Joe have encountered many struggles. From building their brand when they opened, to a recession, to unpredictable scheduling issues, to increasing material costs, their busine...

This week Al goes to picturesque Banff, Alberta to visit Ken McMurdo, owner of Mountain Chocolates. Ken started his business in 1989 when Banff was just beginning to grow into the tourist attraction it has become. But it hasn’t always been a sweet time for Mountain Chocolates.

Being so heavily reliant on tourism has meant many ups and downs for Ken’s business and he’s seen it all, from natural disasters to global conflicts to the pandemic. His latest challenges involve inflation and supply chain issues.

How is he managing? Listen to find out.

Y...

In this week’s episode of ‘Yes, We Are Open’ Al heads downtown to Calgary’s Beltline District to visit KAKS Bar & Podcast. You read that right. It’s a bar, with a built-in podcast studio! Needless to say, Al is more than a little excited.

He speaks with the owners Kass Kielly-Burke and Shawn Chan. They opened KAKS in June 2023, so they’re approaching their first year in business. First years are a challenge for any business, but when you pair that with record inflation and rising interest rates, you have recipe for struggle early on. 

How are...

You can learn more about River Café at river-cafe.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.

Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts to hear them as they publish each week, 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.

You can learn more about Maritime Fun Group at maritimefun.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...

You can learn more about Tech Fuel at techfuel.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.

You can learn more about Strikers Den at strikersden.ca.

Check out Ash's History book "India And Faraway Lands".

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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.

You can learn more about aaniin at aaniin.shop.

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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.

You can learn more about Torpedo Rays at torpedorays.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.

You can learn more about Bradford Academy of Music at bradfordacademyofmusic.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.

You can learn more about Lane Gallery at lanegallery.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.

You can learn more about Ocean Quest Adventures at oceanquestadventures.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.

Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts to hear them as they publish each week!

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.

You can learn more about Top Talent Entertainment at toptalent.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 pod...