JP is the creator behind @spotsbyjp, a Winnipeg-based platform dedicated to uncovering the stories behind the city’s food, culture, and community. Through short-form videos, he shines a light on local chefs, creatives, and entrepreneurs who help shape Winnipeg’s identity. What began as a way to explore a new city quickly evolved into a passion for connecting people with the places and stories often hiding in plain sight. Known for his curiosity, community-first approach, and honest recommendations, JP’s content encourages viewers to look beyond the surface and discover what makes Winnipeg special. When he’s not filming, he’s working in the food and beverage industry, searching for his next hidden gem, or dreaming about opening a spot of his own one day. We spoke with JP to learn more.
What is your channel called and what is it about?
My channel is called spotsbyjp. It’s all about amplifying Winnipeg through food, music, art, and local events. I love highlighting the people and places that make this city unique and help push its culture forward. At its core, it’s about helping people discover and reconnect with their city.
When did you start it? What motivated you at the beginning?
I started creating content in January 2026 after realizing there were so many incredible local businesses and stories that weren’t getting the attention they deserved. As someone who loves food, I spent a lot of time exploring Winnipeg and found plenty of food reviews online, but very few creators were talking about the history, people, and stories behind these places. I wanted to create something that helped people connect with their community while supporting local entrepreneurs, artists, and restaurants.
Who were you inspired by? Any influences?
I’ve always admired creatives and entrepreneurs who make a meaningful impact in their communities. A lot of my inspiration comes from local business owners like Chef Renée Girard (Made by Paste / Shirley’s) and Aubrey & Jessie Margolis (Danali / AD Consignment). The passion and enthusiasm they bring to their work motivates me to share their stories, and the stories of others, in a meaningful way.
How would you describe your audience?
My audience is made up of curious locals, food lovers, and people looking for new experiences around the city. They’re community-minded, supportive of local businesses, and always on the hunt for their next great spot to eat, shop, or explore. Living in the same city your whole life can sometimes make it feel a little stale. I hope my content helps people see Winnipeg through a fresh lens and rediscover what makes it special. I also selfishly want more friends from out of town to visit!
What is your creative process? Do you have people who work with you?
When I first moved to Winnipeg, I spent hours scrolling Reddit looking for the city’s hidden gems. Most of my content starts the same way: finding a business, event, or story that deserves more recognition. From there, I research, film, edit, and post everything myself. While I handle most of the creative process independently, I often collaborate with local businesses, artists, and organizations to help tell their stories accurately and authentically. One rule I stick to: if I don’t enjoy a spot, I won’t post it.
How do you monetize your content? Do you also have another job?
I currently don’t make money from my content or charge restaurants for videos. While I’ve received a few sponsorship offers, I usually pass on anything that doesn’t align with my audience or my taste. That said, if a fast-food chain came knocking with the right offer, I would consider it. Those 2 am McDoubles have gotten me through some tough times, and I enjoy the occasional Oreo Cheesequake Blizzard.
Outside of content creation, I work full-time in beverage sales and part-time at a local restaurant, which I genuinely love. Both roles give me valuable insight into the challenges and successes of local businesses. I try to keep the playing field level by only promoting places and experiences that I genuinely enjoy. If you see me at those spots, please say hi!
What is your favourite piece of content you have created?
One of my favourite videos was with Adam Woodbury from Woody’s Barbershop. We headed to Bistro Dansk (Goated Spot) to try his monstrous creation: The “Bistro BangBang” – A full schnitzel sandwich wedged between a double smash burger. It was equal parts brilliant and ridiculous. There aren’t enough napkins in the world to survive that thing.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part is connecting people with local businesses, artists, and experiences they might not have discovered otherwise. It’s incredibly rewarding when business owners tell me they’ve seen new customers come through the door because of a video.
The most challenging part is balancing content creation with a full-time career while keeping up with the constant pressure to create new content. There’s always another story to tell, another place to visit, and another video to edit. Luckily, my ADHD brain is always coming up with new ideas and concepts, so I never have to worry about running out of videos.
What are your future plans for your channel?
I want to continue growing the platform while expanding the types of stories I tell. My goal is to become an even stronger resource for discovering local businesses, events, food, and culture across Manitoba and eventually across Canada. More than anything, I want to keep building meaningful connections within the community. And one day, I’d love to create a spot of my own in this city!
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another Canadian content creator that you love?
There are so many talented Canadian creators, but a couple of local creators I really enjoy watching are Vivian (@hungryinwpg) and Kelly (@kuhleelee.eats). Beyond creating quality content, they were both early supporters of mine and have been incredibly helpful when it comes to navigating the world of content creation. Their content is thoughtful, refreshing, and genuinely benefits the city. It’s been a pleasure getting to work with them, and I’m always excited to see what they post next.
