This spring, Sho Coffee & Bar opened its doors in the Exchange District with a mission to bring a European-style coffee bar to Winnipeg. By day, it invites you to sip and savour caffeinated brews, while by night, it transforms into a cozy bar with handcrafted cocktails. With its unique coffee blends, European-inspired bites, and relaxed, inviting atmosphere, it’s quickly becoming a local favourite. Owner Hryhorii has created an experience that’s distinct yet familiar—perfect for the vibrant, art-filled streets of the Exchange.
Hryhorii, the owner and creative behind Sho Coffee & Bar, has a rich history in the hospitality industry. He’s spent the last 20 years working at bars, restaurants, and cafes worldwide in destinations like Europe, Qatar, India, and China. In 2022, Hryhorii moved to Winnipeg from Ukraine and envisioned opening a place of his own. His goal was to utilize his wealth of knowledge to open a European-style café and bar that reflects the diverse cultural influences he’s encountered throughout his career. And Winnipeg, with its growing food scene and supportive community, was the perfect place to do just that. Sho Coffee & Bar is his dream realized.
Hryhorii lives in the Exchange District and knows it like the back of his hand. “This area has a soul,” he shares, explaining his decision to open Sho Coffee Bar here. “It’s not just concrete buildings. There’s art, history, and people—it’s alive.” Sho is Hryhorii’s first solo venture, and he wanted to ensure it was in an area that would succeed. Their location on William Ave (in the former Miss Browns) is near the Red River Campus, a main transit line, and tons of walking traffic. He has looked for the perfect space for a long time and is happy to have found it in the Exchange.
During the day, Sho is brimming with students, office staff, and Exchange District regulars seeking a pick-me-up. The drink menu blends caffeinated classics with European flavours and innovative twists.
Try the Bumble, a refreshing concoction of orange juice, espresso, and salted caramel syrup. Their signature drink is the Coffee Sho, which blends a double shot of espresso, french vanilla, and cream. Another favourite is the Espresso Tonic, a cool and citrusy drink perfect for hot Winnipeg summers. Purists will be satisfied with an Americano, latte, or cappuccino made with European beans.
The food menu stays true to European simplicity—think sandwiches on focaccia bread, fresh vegetables, Italian cheese, and delicate sauces. You’ll also find healthy options like avocado salads made with high-quality ingredients. Chef Alexander, who brings Michelin-star experience from Italy, has crafted a menu that has options for everyone. If you have a sweet tooth, check out the delectable selection of pastries and sweets from Cinnabon that feature nitro fruits and flavours. Their rotating selection changes every two weeks, so there’s always something new to try. Stay tuned for some fresh winter pastries coming this October!
If you’re more of a night owl, stop by Sho in the evenings as it transforms into a mixology bar. Sho’s mixologist comes from Europe and brings experience from Dubai, Montenegro, and Kyiv. They aim to create an intentional cocktail experience that allows customers to sit back, relax, and enjoy something different. Fans of Thai flavours should check out the Tom Ha, which blends aged tequila reposado, coconut puree, lychee, ginger, Vietnamese pepper, cilantro, lime juice, grapefruit bitters, and vegan foam. The Basil Beauty is another standout, which mixes Absolut Citron, Malibu, passion fruit, pineapple juice, lemon juice, fresh basil, and passion fruit and pineapple foam for a fruity and herbaceous experience. Their bar concept is just getting started, so expect more updates, including a rotating cocktail list and live music.
Alongside their menu, Hryhorii hopes another standout for Sho is the community vibes and welcoming atmosphere. His whole team is from Europe, a factor that is important to him in adding authenticity to Sho’s European concept. This shared history and sense of connection has helped the staff feel like family, a sentiment he hopes carries on to customers. The art on the walls, created by the team, is heavily influenced by pop and street art, adding a playful and modern vibe to the room. They’re working on updates to the design of the space, including building out the bar area. Keep an eye out for details on their grand opening celebration, which will take place when the finishing touches are complete!
Beyond that, Hryhorii has even bigger dreams—he’s working on opening an Italian restaurant next door and has his sights set on earning Manitoba’s first Michelin star. He’s also planning to open a Pan-Asian restaurant and bakery in the Exchange and hopes to build a rooftop patio at the original Sho Coffee Bar location. “Our goal is to always make progress and give the people something new,” Hryhorii shares, and with his exciting plans, we’re confident the people will love what’s coming next.
On your next visit to the Exchange, check out Sho Coffee & Bar at 290 William Ave.
Or stay in touch online:
Website: https://www.shocoffeebar.ca/
Instagram: @shocoffeebar