‘We want to make going out the default again’

Special deals are available at dozens of Winnipeg businesses — but you’ve got to become a member first.

Local entrepreneur Nikola Maharajh launched Commonwealth Members last month. People who sign up and pay the membership fee are entitled to discounts at more than 30 participating businesses, including restaurants, a computer store and combat sports gym.

Maharajh said his goal is to help Winnipeg thrive by making it easier for people to leave the comfort of home and support local establishments.

“We want to make going out the default again,” he said. “It’s very convenient to go home and order food online and watch Netflix and not go out, but then the city dies. The streets become less safe (and) the businesses struggle to survive in that as well. We want to preserve living culture.”

Patrons who sign up with Commonwealth Members can choose to pay $40 each month (with the option to cancel any time) or an annual fee of $300. In exchange, they receive 50 per cent off certain products and services at certain times at participating businesses.

For example, members who visit the Habibiz Café locations on Portage Avenue and McDermot Avenue are entitled to 50 per cent off their food between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. daily.

Meanwhile, Woodbine Burgers on Main Street offers members 50 per cent off their bills from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every Saturday through Wednesday.

The arrangement is advantageous for participating businesses for a number of reasons, Maharajh said. They can potentially gain new customers, see increased traffic during their slowest hours and receive guaranteed tips, since members pay a 20 per cent gratuity on the pre-discounted bill. Additionally, Maharajh provides the businesses with marketing support.

“Local businesses are what make your city great, so we really want to see those places thrive.”

The program is strictly for local businesses, he said, adding he’s already turned down “big chains” that have asked to join.

“Local businesses are what make your city great, so we really want to see those places thrive.”

It’s personal for the 34-year-old, who lost a few businesses due to challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. They included 441 Main, an Exchange District nightclub that closed shortly after the novel coronavirus was detected in Manitoba.

The entrepreneur started the Commonwealth Members program at Commonwealth Kitchen & Bar, the restaurant and lounge at 456 Main St. he opened in 2024. For $40 a month, patrons could receive 50 per cent off their food and drinks (excluding champagne).

“We had some members that originally would come once every two months who started coming twice a week,” Maharajh said.

That response led him to expand the program to include other businesses.

The expanded Commonwealth Members launched on Sept. 15. Around 200 people have signed up since then, Maharajh said, adding that Commonwealth Members has partnered with nearly 40 local businesses so far.

“A lot of people are struggling right now and can’t afford to go out for a bite to eat, so we wanted to do that. Why not?”

Sammy Zeid, co-owner of Habibiz Café, said he was happy to join.

“I thought it was a great idea — bringing more people in through the doors during our slower times and giving them 50 per cent off,” Zeid said. “A lot of people are struggling right now and can’t afford to go out for a bite to eat, so we wanted to do that. Why not?”

It’s too early to tell if participating in Commonwealth Members is paying off for Habibiz Café, Zeid added, but the program has potential. “I think it’ll be great for the future.”

Constance Popp, owner of Chocolatier Constance Popp on Provencher Boulevard, said she’s participated in numerous third-party promotions throughout her store’s 19-year history.

Ultimately, what’s most successful for her business are her own marketing efforts, she said. Still, she’s partnering with Commonwealth Members because she wants to support Maharajh.

“These programs are never huge, big draws for our shop, which is fine,” Popp said. “Nik (is) very enthusiastic… so I thought we (could) try it.”

Commonwealth Members is hosting weekly member appreciation events throughout October, Maharajh said. They include an event Thursday at Woodbine Burgers from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. that entitles members to a free double cheeseburger and fries.

Maharajh is footing the bill for the events. He has high hopes for Commonwealth Members.

“Our goal is to get to multiple thousands of members and hopefully have a few hundred (participating) businesses in the city,” he said.

aaron.epp@winnipegfreepress.com