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Slate Grocery REIT reports Q1 2026 results with rental revenue growth of nearly 12% yoy

Photo: Slate
Photo: Slate

Toronto-based Slate Grocery REIT, an owner and operator of U.S. grocery-anchored real estate, announced on Wednesday its financial results and highlights for the three months ended March 31, 2026.

“Our first quarter results reflect the enduring strength and resilience of grocery-anchored real estate,” said Blair Welch, Chief Executive Officer of Slate Grocery REIT. “We completed over 725,000 square feet of leasing at double-digit rental spreads, highlighting the embedded growth and pricing power within our portfolio. With rents that remain meaningfully below market, a stable balance sheet, and sustained demand for high-quality grocery spaces, we believe we are well-positioned for continued strong performance.”

Rental revenue grew to $59.322 million US in the quarter, an increase of 11.8% from a year ago.

In a letter to unitholders, Welch described the quarter as strong with sustained high leasing volumes at double-digit rental spreads driving continued Net Operating Income growth.

“The REIT completed over 725,000 square feet of total leasing throughout the quarter, achieving strong rent growth on new and renewed leases. Renewal spreads were completed at 18.9% above expiring rents, and new deals were completed at 49.0% above comparable average in-place rent,” he noted.

Blair Welch
Blair Welch

“Portfolio occupancy at quarter-end remained stable at 94.4%, and we expect our robust pipeline of new leasing opportunities to support continued steady occupancy over the coming quarters.

“High leasing volumes at double-digit rental spreads over the last several quarters are continuing to translate into healthy NOI growth for the REIT. Adjusting for completed redevelopments, same-property NOI increased by 2.1% or $3.5 million on a trailing twelve-month basis.

“The REIT’s average in-place rent of $12.98 per square foot remains well below the market average of $24.591, providing meaningful runway for continued rent increases.”

Welch said the REIT continues to have a strong conviction in the enduring strength and resilience of grocery-anchored real estate.

“Fundamentals in the grocery sector remain favorable, with elevated construction costs and tight lending conditions continuing to limit new retail development and overall retail availability. Today, the vacancy rate for grocery-anchored properties sits at just 4.0% , underscoring the structural undersupply that continues to define the sector. This dynamic translates directly into pricing power for landlords, creating an
environment that supports tenant retention and meaningful increases in rent as leases expire,” he said.

“Grocery-anchored retail remains well-positioned, and we believe these fundamentals, combined with the resilience of consumer spending on food and essential goods, underscore the longterm stability of our portfolio.”

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Happy Belly Food Group reports $19.3 million in Q1 system wide QSR sales

Heal is part of the Happy Belly Food Group (Photo credit: Heal website)
Heal is part of the Happy Belly Food Group (Photo credit: Heal website)

Happy Belly Food Group Inc., a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands, announced Wednesday its unaudited financial results and corporate update for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2026.

Q1 2026 Financial and Recent Business Highlights

  • System-wide sales across Quick Service Restaurants totalled $19.3M in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, up 80.4% versus the same quarter last year (2025 – $10.7M). The increase is attributed to organic baseline restaurant growth, alongside increased restaurant count, which reached 87 operating restaurants at the end of Q1 2026, up 74.0% versus 50 in the prior year.
  • Total operating revenues, services, interest income and rebates totalled $6.0M in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, up 82.2% versus the same quarter last year (2025 – $3.3M). Year-over-year growth was driven by continued sales growth in QSR, multiple business acquisitions in the past twelve months, and net new restaurants (10 new openings in Q1).
  • Total product sales totalled $4.7M in the first quarter of 2026, up 70.3% versus the same quarter last year (2025 – $2.8M). In addition, royalties and franchise fee revenues reached $0.97M during the quarter, up 118% from the prior year (2025 – $0.45M), which was driven by an increase in royalties collected from added franchised restaurants in the system.
  • Adjusted EBITDA was $(0.17M) or (2.9%) in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 versus $0.14M or 4.2% in the same quarter last year.
  • Total cash and cash equivalents remain healthy at $6.2M as of March 31, 2026 (2025 – $3.0M).
  • As of April 30, 2026, subsequent to fiscal 2025, the Company has opened and is operating 17 additional restaurants.

“Happy Belly continued to deliver strong growth in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, with system-wide sales across our Quick Service Restaurant portfolio increasing 80.4% year over year to $19.3 million. This growth reflects continued organic baseline restaurant performance, the contribution of recent acquisitions, and the expansion of our operating restaurant base to 87 locations at quarter end, up 74.0% from the prior year,” said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly Food Group. “During the quarter, we opened 10 new restaurants, further demonstrating the strength and repeatability of our growth model. Subsequent to quarter end, we continued that momentum, with 7 additional restaurants opened and operating. This continued expansion reinforces the demand for our brands and the effectiveness of our area developer and franchise platform.

Sean Black
Sean Black

“Total operating revenues also increased 82.2% year over year to $6.0 million, while total product sales increased 70.3% to $4.7 million. Importantly, royalties and franchise fee revenues grew 118% to $0.97 million, driven by the continued expansion of franchised restaurants across our system. This is a key metric for us as we scale towards 100+ operating locations in the first half of this year. As our restaurant footprint grows, these higher-margin revenue streams become an increasingly important contributor to our financial profile.

“With $6.2 million in cash at quarter end, and less than $60,000 in total secured debt, we remain well positioned to continue executing our strategy without having to slow down. We are proud of the progress made in Q1 2026 and remain focused on disciplined growth, operational execution, and scaling Happy Belly as a leading acquirer and operator of emerging food brands. Our expanding franchise system provides increased royalty and franchise fee revenues providing a strong foundation for long-term shareholder value creation. Moving forward in 2026 we anticipate delivering significant organic growth, surpassing our original expectations for the full year. With cash in the bank, building the business in the back half of 2026 is going to be a lot of fun”.

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Cavallo Custom Clothing Opens Toronto Showroom

Cavallo Custom Clothing studio in Toronto. Image supplied

Toronto’s custom menswear landscape is seeing a new, highly personalized entrant with the launch of Cavallo Custom Clothing, founded by industry veteran Domenic Esposto. Operating out of a compact, appointment-only showroom in Etobicoke, the concept blends traditional European tailoring with an experiential retail model rooted in hospitality and relationship-building.

Esposto describes the 500-square-foot space as intentionally intimate, designed to feel more like a home than a store. “It’s very cozy, very welcoming,” he said in an interview, noting that the layout allows clients to fully experience the environment upon entry.

A Tailoring Experience Built Around Clients

The showroom functions as more than a retail environment. It serves as a private venue where clients can engage in fittings, consultations, and social gatherings. Esposto regularly hosts bridal parties and group fittings, transforming the space into a catered experience complete with food and beverages.

“The space is theirs,” he explained. “There’s no rush, no pressure. It’s about creating an environment where people feel comfortable.”

This approach reflects a broader shift in luxury retail, where experiential engagement is becoming as important as the product itself. Esposto has incorporated a bar setup and multi-purpose dining table to support this concept, positioning Cavallo as both a tailoring studio and a social hub.

Domenic Esposto in the Cavallo Custom Clothing studio in Toronto. Image supplied

European Craftsmanship Anchors the Offering

At its core, Cavallo Custom Clothing focuses on made-to-measure garments produced in Europe, with manufacturing partners in Italy and Spain. The offering spans tailored suits, outerwear, knitwear, footwear, and select casual pieces, all crafted using fabrics sourced primarily from Italian and British mills.

Esposto emphasized the importance of quality and heritage in the product mix. “It’s full tailored clothing, from outerwear to shoes. Everything is made to measure and built around the client,” he said.

While the business is currently centered on bespoke services, Esposto plans to introduce limited ready-to-wear capsules in the future. These collections will complement the custom offering while maintaining the brand’s elevated positioning.

Expanding Beyond Menswear

Although Cavallo is rooted in menswear, the brand also offers a women’s made-to-measure program. Using the same fabrics and manufacturing processes, the women’s line includes tailored suiting developed from proprietary fit specifications.

“There is a full ladies made-to-measure program,” Esposto noted, adding that early interest has already emerged from clients seeking tailored alternatives in women’s fashion.

From Industry Veteran to Entrepreneur

Esposto brings more than 25 years of experience in luxury menswear to the venture. His career includes senior roles at major Canadian retailers, where he developed expertise in both operations and client service.

After decades working within established organizations, he launched Cavallo Custom Clothing in 2023, initially operating through home visits and off-site appointments. The decision to open a dedicated showroom followed growing demand and a desire to elevate the client experience.

“I didn’t have four walls at first,” he said. “But as the business grew, it became clear that we needed a home to present things properly.”

Domenic Esposto sets up for entertaining in the Cavallo Custom Clothing studio in Toronto. Image supplied

A Community-Focused Retail Model

Beyond tailoring, Esposto is positioning the showroom as a community gathering space. Plans include hosting wine tastings, client events, and seasonal gatherings such as summer barbecues. Partnerships with local businesses, including Etobicoke-based beverage suppliers, are also part of the strategy.

The goal is to create an ecosystem that extends beyond transactions. “I want it to be a gathering spot,” he said. “It’s about building relationships and bringing people together.”

Cavallo Custom Clothing studio in Toronto. Image supplied

Growth Through Localized Expansion

Looking ahead, Esposto sees opportunities for expansion through additional neighbourhood-based locations rather than traditional retail scaling. Potential future spaces in areas such as Yorkville or Burlington could replicate the Cavallo concept with slight modifications, including a broader ready-to-wear component.

“There could be satellite touchpoints in other communities,” he said, noting that each would be tailored to its local market.

Digital growth will also play a role, though Esposto remains cautious about e-commerce for a bespoke business. Instead, he sees digital channels as a way to drive awareness and appointments rather than direct sales.

Embracing Quiet Luxury and Italian Influence

Cavallo’s aesthetic is heavily influenced by Italian tailoring traditions, with a focus on understated elegance and craftsmanship. Esposto points to the concept of “sprezzatura,” or effortless style, as a guiding principle.

“We’re seeing a move toward that timeless, gentlemanly look,” he said. “It’s about subtle details and confidence, not something that screams at you.”

This philosophy aligns with broader trends in luxury fashion, where “quiet luxury” continues to gain traction among consumers seeking refined, enduring style over overt branding.

A Niche Concept in a Changing Market

Cavallo Custom Clothing enters the market at a time when personalization and experiential retail are reshaping consumer expectations. By combining bespoke tailoring with hospitality-driven engagement, the brand offers a differentiated approach within Toronto’s competitive menswear sector.

For Esposto, the focus remains clear. “It’s about creating something personal,” he said. “A place where people feel at home, and where the experience matters as much as the garment.”

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Calgary retail market stable with healthy demand: JLL

CF Chinook Centre. Photo: Mario Toneguzzi
CF Chinook Centre. Photo: Mario Toneguzzi

Calgary’s retail real estate market demonstrates stability and healthy demand. The vacancy rate has held steady, while average market asking rents have climbed to nearly $30 per square foot, according to JLL’s Q1 2026 Market Dynamics report. 

This consistent rent growth reflects ongoing retailer confidence in the market. Net absorption remained positive in 2025 even with the Hudson’s Bay closures. General retail drove absorption, while malls lagged, said the report.

Airdrie and Northwest Calgary were the most popular submarkets for retail expansion. Construction starts and under-construction volume increased significantly, highlighting developer optimism for future demand, it added.

“Overall, Calgary’s retail market offers strong occupancy, rising rents, and measured new supply additions. Anthem Properties and Rencor Developments have secured Costco as an anchor retailer to its 300-acre Bingham Crossing development in Springbank, west of Calgary,” said JLL. 

“Meanwhile, Brookfield is developing Livingston Commercial Centre, a 113,000-s.f. daily needs shopping plaza in Northeast Calgary. Calgary’s food & beverage sector continues to gain momentum, reinforcing the city’s position as an emerging dining destination. Recent openings include Foodtastic’s Enoteca Monza at CF Market Mall, while Happy Belly Food Group is bringing iQ Food’s first Western Canada location to the city. 

Ron Odagaki
Ron Odagaki

“Beyond dining, Lululemon opened a flagship on 17th Ave. Outlook Calgary is expected to remain a top growth market for household expenditures, with new communities driving retail plaza demand. The city is well-positioned for CUSMA renegotiations, with the Trans Mountain pipeline providing expanded export capacity to non-U.S. markets. Sales of core discretionary goods have outperformed expectations, particularly in home furnishings, clothing & accessories, and jewellery.”

The report said the vacancy rate remains stable at 2.4 per cent − among the lowest in North America. Construction activity surged by 67 per cent, with over 2 million square feet under construction in 2025. New development activity is expected to continue in the foreseeable future.  Despite closures, the market posted positive net absorption of approximately 360,000 square feet in 2025. Leasing volume increased by 10 per cent in 2025, reaching 1,370,000 square feet.

Ron Odagaki, Associate Vice President, Retail at JLL, said Calgary still has a fairly strong retail base with retail sales being stable. 

“We still have a relatively low and stable vacancy rate. I think that’s what’s driving demand, and the lack of supply of retail spaces is keeping rental rates up and keeping demand up as well, he said. 

Calgary’s fundamentals in terms of retail and consumption, and new businesses looking at Calgary as a market to expand into, are strong. Calgary has fundamentals that are attractive to a lot of retailers, existing or new entrants, and I believe that will continue in the foreseeable future. We’re probably one of the stronger markets in the country, with a very rosy-looking future relative to what’s happening elsewhere. Because of that, Calgary continues to be a focal point for retailers entering Canada or expanding from other provinces.”

Odagaki said there’s been a transition to value-conscious retail.

“If you look at grocery, dollar stores, thrift stores, those segments are doing well. There’s also been an uptick in discretionary spending in what I’d call “sweet rewards”—sweet treats, desserts, things like that. That part of the food sector in Calgary has seen an increase in sales,” he said.

We are getting a lot of calls from retailers seeking to capitalize on the resurgence and new stability of the downtown. Overall, when you include the Beltline as part of the larger downtown core, and the residential coming in, it’s creating a stabilizing effect for the inner city. There’s optimism around a new benchmark in terms of return to office and regular workweeks. That’s reflected in increased traffic and optimism from retailers, including fast food operators, looking to expand downtown.

“I think retail in Calgary is still stable. The influx of residents might be slowing down, but we’re still probably one of the cities leading the pack. That data continues to support retailers looking at Calgary as a destination for new stores.”

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Banditos names Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk brand ambassador, shareholder

Toronto Blue Jays website photo
Toronto Blue Jays website photo

Banditos Mexican Lager says Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk has joined the company as its first global brand ambassador and a shareholder.

The Toronto-based beer company announced that Kirk will participate in campaigns, activations and other brand initiatives as the company expands its marketing and partnership efforts across Ontario.

Banditos founder Anthony CK Thomas said the partnership is intended to extend beyond a traditional endorsement arrangement as the company positions itself as a challenger brand in Canada’s beer market.

Founded by Thomas, the company said it was created to build a lifestyle-focused brand tied to hospitality, sports and entertainment.

“With growing investments across sports, entertainment and culture, Banditos continues to expand its presence as a lifestyle-driven challenger brand designed to stand apart within Canada’s beer market,” the company said in the release.

Anthony CK Thomas
Anthony CK Thomas

The company said Kirk’s ties to both Mexico and Canada, along with his path to becoming an MLB all-star, aligned with the brand’s image and growth strategy.

“Alejandro represents a lot of what Banditos stands for,” said Thomas. “He earned everything that came his way. Nothing was handed to him, and that mentality matters to us. We are building a brand that wants to compete, grow and earn the right to blaze its own trail in the market. This goes beyond a traditional partnership. He is someone we want building this with us, side by side.”

Kirk said the partnership appealed to him because of the company’s connection to both countries.

“This partnership felt natural to me right away,” said Kirk. “Being from Mexico and now playing baseball in Canada, it is exciting to be part of a brand that brings those two worlds together. What Anthony and the Banditos team are building feels authentic, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

The company said the partnership was first teased May 5 through a joint Instagram post announcing Kirk as “the newest member and global ambassador of La Familia Banditos.”

Banditos said the beer is available at LCBO locations, Longo’s stores and select restaurants and bars across Ontario.

The company describes itself as a Canadian-made Mexican-style lager brand founded by Thomas and focused on hospitality, sports, culture and community.

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Banditos photo
Banditos photo

Home Depot Canada Foundation launches spring fundraising campaign targeting youth homelessness

Photo: The Home Depot

The Home Depot Canada Foundation has launched its annual spring Orange Door Project campaign with a goal of raising $1.3 million to support youth homelessness initiatives across Canada.

The campaign runs to June 14 and will direct funds to 127 local youth-serving organizations in communities where donations are collected, according to the foundation. The organization said the initiative follows its 2025 campaigns, which raised $2.9 million.

“The Orange Door Project campaign makes a powerful investment to help create new pathways for youth–among the more than 35,000 young people in Canada experiencing homelessness. With the unwavering support of our customers and associates, we’re driving real progress and we believe that together with our community partners, we can help end youth homelessness,” said Doug Graham, board chair of The Home Depot Canada Foundation and vice-president of e-commerce and marketing at The Home Depot Canada.

Doug Graham
Doug Graham

Canadians can donate to the campaign in stores or online through OrangeDoorProject.ca. The foundation said all funds raised will remain in the communities where they are collected.

The organization also said it will match all donations made in-store and online on May 23, marking the first time the foundation has offered matching contributions during the spring campaign.

In addition to direct donations, the foundation said customers can support the campaign by purchasing TradeWorx baseball caps, with net proceeds helping fund its TradeWorx initiative.

The program provides skills training and certifications for youth facing barriers to employment and housing, with the foundation saying the initiative partners with organizations across Canada to support more than 200 young people pursuing careers in the skilled trades.

The Home Depot Canada Foundation said its broader strategy focuses on preventing and ending youth homelessness through investments in housing, community supports and employment readiness programs.

The foundation has pledged $125 million in support by 2030.

According to the organization, it invested $12.2 million in grants in 2025, supporting 179 charitable partners and programs that included housing renovation projects, prevention programs, emergency short-term housing initiatives, trades training, and personal and professional development programs.

The foundation also said associates contributed more than 48,000 volunteer hours through its Team Depot volunteer program last year, with all stores participating in community events focused on shelters, housing units and youth centres.

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Lightspeed Commerce appoints Bhawna Singh as Chief Technology Officer

Lightspeed Commerce Inc., a unified omnichannel platform powering retail, golf and hospitality businesses in over 100 countries, recently announced the appointment of Bhawna Singh as Chief Technology Officer.

The company said Singh is a technology executive with more than 25 years of experience leading platform transformation and global engineering organizations across enterprise SaaS and consumer businesses. She is recognized for aligning technology investment with growth, modernizing complex systems, and driving secure, scalable innovation in high-growth environments.

Most recently, as Chief Technology Officer at Okta, she led the technology strategy for a global customer identity platform powering billions of secure authentications, while advancing AI adoption and security-first architecture. Prior to that, she served as CTO at Glassdoor, where she led global engineering, accelerated international expansion, and delivered data-driven product innovation. She also serves on several boards as a member and advisor, contributing to AI governance, cybersecurity, and product strategy discussions, it said.

Bhawna Singh
Bhawna Singh

Lightspeed said Singh’s appointment deepens its technical leadership, alongside John Shapiro as Chief Product Officer, as the company accelerates its AI roadmap. Lightspeed recently launched Lightspeed AI, introducing conversational assistants within Lightspeed Retail and Lightspeed Restaurant that help merchants get answers quickly and make smarter decisions.

It said Singh will play a central role in shaping the platform’s next chapter, driving the technical depth and execution speed required to deliver on that roadmap at scale.

John Shapiro
John Shapiro

“Merchants today are navigating extraordinary complexity and the technology they rely on has to work harder, scale faster, and deliver measurable outcomes,” said Singh.

“What drew me to Lightspeed is the opportunity to build a platform that truly integrates every dimension of a commerce business; from the point of sale, to payments, inventory, and beyond. I’m here to make sure Lightspeed’s technology leads the way.”

Dax Dasilva, CEO, Lightspeed
Dax Dasilva, CEO, Lightspeed

“Bhawna is exactly the kind of technology leader Lightspeed needs at this stage of our journey,” said Dax Dasilva, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Lightspeed. “She has a rare combination of deep engineering expertise and the strategic instinct to move fast, and that’s critical as we accelerate our AI roadmap and deepen the integration across our platform.”

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Salvation Army Thrift Store to open second Saskatoon location

Every purchase and donation made at The Salvation Army Thrift Store directly contributes to the organization’s mission of giving hope and transforming lives. (CNW Group/The Salvation Army Thrift Store – National Recycling Operations)

The Salvation Army Thrift Store is expanding in Saskatoon with the opening of a second and larger location in the city this week.

The non-profit organization said its new 13,500-square-foot Saskatoon South store at 503 Nelson Rd. will open to the public on Thursday at 10 a.m., adding to its existing presence in the Saskatchewan city.

The organization said the new location is intended to expand access to lower-cost shopping options while supporting Salvation Army programs and services in the community. The store will carry new and used clothing, household goods, books and electronics.

The Salvation Army said proceeds from sales at the store will help fund programs and services including food security initiatives, shelter and housing supports, rehabilitation and recovery programs, and emergency disaster relief efforts.

Ted Troughton
Ted Troughton

“We’re excited to open our doors in Saskatoon South and welcome even more members of the community to shop and donate,” said Ted Troughton, managing director of The Salvation Army Thrift Store.

“Donations are at the heart of what we do, and the generosity of the community plays a vital role in helping us support individuals and families in need.”

The organization said the new store is located near residential neighbourhoods and local businesses and includes parking for customers and donors.

The Salvation Army said donations collected through its thrift store operations help divert items from landfills while generating funding for local programs.

Community members will be able to donate and shop for a range of items including clothing, textiles and household goods. The organization said the store’s inventory will include both new and gently used merchandise priced to help households manage costs.

“This new store represents so much more than a place to shop. It’s a celebration of community,” said Troughton.

“Every visit to this store, whether to shop or donate, helps us extend hope, dignity, and support to our neighbours. We can’t wait to welcome the Saskatoon community into this new space.”

The Saskatoon South location will operate Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Donations will be accepted during the same hours, with Sunday donation hours running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Salvation Army Thrift Store said it operates 98 thrift stores across Canada through its National Recycling Operations division. The organization said it diverted more than 80 million pounds of items from landfills last year through its textile collection and resale activities.

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Dunkin’ Return to Canada Signals New Coffee War

Photo: Dunkin' Doughnuts

For years, Dunkin’ Donuts’ collapse in Canada was viewed as one of the great business failures in the country’s foodservice sector. Once a formidable rival to Tim Hortons, especially in Quebec, Dunkin’ gradually disappeared from the Canadian landscape before officially exiting in 2018. Many assumed the brand was gone for good.

Now it’s coming back.

And the reason matters.

The decision by Foodtastic to revive Dunkin’ in Canada is not really about donuts. It is about identifying weakness in a market that, for decades, looked untouchable.

 

For years, Tim Hortons dominated Canada’s quick-service coffee market with extraordinary efficiency. It wasn’t just a coffee chain; it became part of Canada’s cultural identity. But dominance can create complacency, and the Canadian marketplace today is very different from the one Dunkin’ left behind.

Consumer loyalty has weakened. Canadians are far more willing to switch brands than they were twenty years ago. Inflation has changed buying habits. Consumers are increasingly critical of value, quality, consistency and service. At the same time, the coffee market itself has evolved dramatically.

Coffee is no longer simply about caffeine and donuts.

Photo: Dunkin’
 

Today’s market revolves around specialty beverages, convenience, digital ordering, customization and brand experience. Starbucks owns the premium space. McDonald’s has become a major coffee competitor in Canada. Independent cafés are thriving in many urban centers. Meanwhile, Tim Hortons still commands enormous market share, but it no longer enjoys the same unquestioned dominance it once did.

Foodtastic sees that opening.

The Montreal-based restaurant consolidator has built a reputation for aggressively acquiring and revitalizing brands across Canada. Pita Pit, Second Cup, Freshii and Quesada are all examples of Foodtastic betting on established brands with fading momentum but strong consumer recognition. Dunkin’ fits perfectly into that strategy.

And unlike many foreign operators trying to enter Canada, Foodtastic actually understands the Canadian and Quebec markets intimately.

That matters.

Photo: Dunkin’

Many Canadians forget how significant Dunkin’ once was in Quebec. At one point, the chain operated hundreds of locations and had genuine consumer loyalty. Older consumers still remember it fondly. Nostalgia alone will not guarantee success, but it certainly lowers the barrier to re-entry.

The bigger question is whether Canada’s coffee market can realistically support another major player.

It will not be easy.

Canada is arguably one of the most competitive coffee markets in the world on a per-capita basis. Tim Hortons remains a giant. McDonald’s has quietly built one of the strongest coffee programs in the country. Starbucks dominates affluent urban consumers. Convenience stores have upgraded their offerings dramatically. Even grocery stores are now competing more aggressively with ready-to-drink beverages and premium beans.

But Foodtastic is likely betting on something very specific: fragmentation.

The Canadian consumer today is less loyal, more price sensitive, more curious and more willing to experiment than at any point in the last two decades. That creates opportunity for challenger brands.

Ironically, Dunkin’s return may say less about the strength of Dunkin’ itself and more about the reality that Tim Hortons is no longer viewed as invincible.

That alone makes this story worth watching carefully.

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IKEA Canada opens Gatineau planning and order location as part of Quebec expansion

IKEA Canada is excited to announce that its newest Plan and order point, located in Gatineau, QC is now open for business, marking an important step in its journey to bring IKEA closer to the many Quebecers. (CNW Group/IKEA Canada Limited Partnership)

IKEA Canada has opened a new Plan and order point in Gatineau, Que., expanding the retailer’s service-based footprint in the province and adding another customer access point in the National Capital Region.

The location at 1100 boulevard Maloney Ouest offers design consultation services and order support for customers planning home furnishing projects, with purchases available for home delivery or pickup at the site.

The opening marks the retailer’s 13th Plan and order point location across Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia. The company said the Gatineau site is part of its strategy to increase accessibility for customers seeking planning assistance for larger or more complex home furnishing purchases.

It held a grand opening event attended by company employees, community partners and representatives from the City of Gatineau.

IKEA Canada hosted a grand opening celebration attended by IKEA Canada co-workers; representatives from the City of Gatineau; and other key partners from the community. (CNW Group/IKEA Canada Limited Partnership)

“Today, the demands of life at home continue to grow and we see that many Canadians are either moving or renovating to better meet their evolving needs and dreams,” said Amadou Diop, market area manager, IKEA Canada. “We’re committed to supporting Canadians by offering customer touchpoints and services that deliver more affordable, accessible, and sustainable home furnishing solutions — no matter how they choose to shop with us.”

The company said customers visiting the Gatineau location can receive one-on-one planning support from IKEA staff for rooms throughout the home. Orders placed through the location can either be delivered directly to customers or collected onsite.

The Plan and order point also carries a limited range of IKEA products available for immediate takeaway purchases, excluding food items.

IKEA Canada said the Gatineau opening strengthens its existing Quebec network, which includes three full-size stores, four pickup locations and five other Plan and order points located in Boisbriand, Brossard, Lachenaie, Sherbrooke and Vaudreuil.

“Gatineau is a growing and vibrant community with diverse housing needs. We believe that this Plan and order point will support local residents in all stages of their lives. Whether it’s small space living, living with children, or renovation planning, we’re here to help customers in the Outaouais and national capital regions create a better everyday life at home,” said Ginette Pion, shopkeeper at the IKEA Gatineau Plan and Order Point.

Located at 1100 boulevard Maloney Ouest, the Gatineau Plan and order point is a convenient and inspiring destination for nearby residents to get one-on-one design support from IKEA experts to plan, order, and purchase complex home furnishing solutions for any room in their home. (CNW Group/IKEA Canada Limited Partnership)

Customers can book planning appointments online through IKEA Canada’s website.

Founded in Sweden in 1943, IKEA operates 574 stores in 31 countries through Ingka Group, including 15 stores and 13 Plan and order points in Canada. The company said its Canadian operations welcomed 33.3 million in-store visitors and 199.9 million visitors to IKEA.ca last year.

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Once orders have been placed, they can be delivered to their homes or collected from the pick-up location at the Plan and order point. Visitors can also bring a bit of IKEA home with them as the Plan and order point offers a selection of products from the IKEA range (excluding food) for immediate purchase and takeaway. (CNW Group/IKEA Canada Limited Partnership)