Yes, We Are Open! 🍁

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.

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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.

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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 busin...

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 yo...

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 s...

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 increasing...

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 Retrofe...

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...

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...

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 ...

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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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...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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.

Yo...