Retail Insider is streamlining its Canadian retail news from around the web to include a handful of top news stories that can be viewed quickly during the day. Here are the top stories from the past 24 hours.
Amazon Canada office in Toronto - Photo by Dustin Fuhs
Amazon is facing growing backlash in Quebec following its January 2025 decision to shutter all seven of its warehouses in the province. The closures, set to unfold over the next two months, will eliminate approximately 4,500 jobs, including full-time positions and subcontractors.
The Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN), Quebec’s prominent labour federation, has responded by calling for a public and governmental boycott of Amazon. CSN President Caroline Senneville described Amazon’s move as a clear attempt to stifle unionization efforts and avoid negotiating its first North American collective agreement. “There is no doubt that the closings announced today are part of an anti-union campaign against CSN and Amazon employees,” Senneville stated.
Unionization Efforts and Controversy
The controversy arises from Amazon’s recent labour history in Quebec. In May 2024, workers at an Amazon warehouse in Laval made history by successfully unionizing, marking the company’s first unionized warehouse in Canada. Less than a year later, Amazon announced the closure of its Quebec facilities, sparking accusations that the move is retaliatory.
CSN alleges that Amazon’s decision directly undermines union activities, violating provisions of Quebec’s Labour Code designed to protect workers’ rights to organize. The union plans to pursue legal action against Amazon, arguing that the closures constitute illegal obstruction of unionization efforts.
Amazon’s Response
Amazon has firmly denied these allegations. The company claims the closures are purely operational, aimed at reverting to a third-party delivery model similar to its pre-2020 logistics structure. According to Amazon, this shift is intended to optimize efficiency and deliver long-term cost savings for customers. The company insists the decision followed a comprehensive review of its Quebec operations and is not connected to recent labour developments.
“Our focus remains on providing the best service to our customers while maintaining operational efficiency,” Amazon stated, dismissing claims that the closures are linked to unionization.
Political and Legal Repercussions
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders. François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, expressed disappointment, describing Amazon’s move as “inconsistent with its expressed interest in being a leader and strategic partner within Canada’s industrial economy.” Minister Champagne has reached out to Amazon’s Canadian leadership to discuss the matter further.
Legal experts suggest that the CSN’s lawsuit could mirror historical cases, such as Walmart’s 2005 closure of its Jonquière, Quebec store following a successful union drive. That case led to prolonged legal battles and heightened scrutiny over corporate anti-union practices in Canada.
Broader Implications for Labour Rights
Amazon’s exit from Quebec raises questions about the state of labour rights in Canada, particularly concerning multinational corporations. The case highlights the ongoing tension between corporate strategies aimed at operational efficiency and workers’ rights to organize and bargain collectively.
The CSN’s call for a boycott extends beyond Amazon’s direct operations. The union is urging all levels of government, public agencies, and private entities to terminate contracts with Amazon and its subsidiaries, emphasizing the broader economic and ethical stakes involved.
Flow Beverage Corp. has announced a strategic partnership with Toronto Blue Jays legend José Bautista. As Flow approaches its 10th anniversary, the collaboration is set to enhance the company’s visibility, retail footprint, and consumer demand through high-impact marketing and athlete-backed credibility.
Bautista joins Flow as a Strategic Advisor and investor, bringing his renowned high-performance mindset to the company’s marketing and media strategy. This move aligns with Flow’s mission to cater to achievement-oriented consumers seeking clean-label, functional hydration in an increasingly competitive beverage market.
Aligning with Elite Performance
Flow’s partnership with Bautista underscores the brand’s commitment to excellence, both in product quality and brand positioning. Bautista, a six-time MLB All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger Award winner, embodies the peak performance and discipline that resonate with Flow’s target audience. His involvement is expected to strengthen Flow’s appeal among active consumers and sports enthusiasts, reinforcing the brand’s image as a trusted hydration choice for high achievers.
Nicholas Reichenbach, Founder and CEO of Flow
“José’s commitment to excellence in training, lifestyle, and recovery aligns strongly with Flow’s achievement-oriented consumers,” said Nicholas Reichenbach, Founder and CEO of Flow. “Our newly innovated brand emphasizes the superior mineral content and hydration benefits of Flow Mineral Spring Water. We believe people like José understand our value proposition and the positive impact superior hydration can have on performance.”
Bautista’s Impact on Flow’s Growth Strategy
Beyond lending his name, Bautista is actively involved in shaping Flow’s brand strategy. His role as Strategic Advisor will influence marketing initiatives designed to boost consumer engagement and retail presence. Additionally, Bautista’s participation in Flow’s recent private placement solidifies his long-term commitment, granting him ownership in the company.
“Joining Flow as a strategic advisor and investing in the company was an easy decision for me,” said Bautista in a statement. “As a passionate consumer of Flow, I appreciate its essential minerals and electrolytes, which provide superior hydration benefits for athletes. It’s not just about quenching thirst—it’s about fueling the body to perform at its best.”
Photo: Flow Hydration
Sustainability at the Core
This partnership comes as Flow continues to prioritize sustainability across its operations. Since its founding in 2014, Flow has been dedicated to reducing environmental impact through sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly packaging. As a B-Corp Certified company with an impressive score of 126.5, Flow remains committed to its mission of “bringing wellness to the world through the positive power of water.”
Flow offers a diversified range of health-focused beverage products, including original mineral spring water, award-winning organic flavours, and sparkling mineral spring water. Each product is rich in naturally occurring electrolytes and essential minerals, available in various sizes from 300 ml to 1 litre.
About Flow
Flow is one of North America’s fastest-growing premium water companies. With a strong presence in Canada and the United States, Flow products are available through major retailers and online at flowhydration.com.
L'OCA Quality Market in Edmonton. Photo: L'OCA Quality Market
L’OCA Quality Market, the Alberta-based specialty grocery chain, has opened its second location and first in Edmonton. This opening marks a milestone in its rapid expansion since its debut in Sherwood Park in May 2024. The new Edmonton store, located at 9106 142 Street NW, brings L’OCA’s commitment to high-quality, locally-sourced products and exceptional customer service to the Parkview community.
Continuing a Legacy: From Andy’s IGA to L’OCA Quality Market
The new Edmonton location occupies the former site of Andy’s IGA, a community staple for decades. “Andy’s IGA had been here since, like, 1960,” said Ben Cochrane, Partner at L’OCA Market. “Andy finally retired to play more golf, and we had the chance to take over the store and bring L’OCA here.”
Ben Cochrane
In honour of the store’s history, L’OCA has preserved beloved elements from Andy’s IGA, including the much-loved horse statue that has been a local icon for decades.
“The horse has been here since the 60s,” Cochrane said. “I used to ride it as a kid when visiting my grandparents in the neighbourhood. It’s part of the community’s fabric, and we’re proud to keep it right where it belongs.”
What’s Inside: Artisanal Offerings with a Local Touch
While the Edmonton location is smaller at approximately 21,000 square feet—less than half the size of the flagship Sherwood Park store—it maintains the brand’s hallmark features.
“We’ve got all our pre-mades, a massive selection of grocery items, a full-service butcher, local produce sourced as close to home as possible, and a great deli counter with Alberta dairy,” Cochrane shared.
The store also features fresh fast food options, including an on-demand pizzeria and a deli sandwich station, complemented by a cozy café serving fresh coffee and house-made gelato. Notably, the Edmonton store retains and expands upon Andy’s cherished kosher section.
“The kosher section here is the biggest difference from our Sherwood Park store. We took Andy’s foundation and expanded it, ensuring it remains a cornerstone for the community,” Cochrane explained.
Produce area in the new L’OCA Quality Market in Edmonton. Photo: L’OCA Quality MarketCafe area in the new L’OCA Quality Market in Edmonton. Photo: L’OCA Quality Market
A Different Vibe: What Sets It Apart
Unlike the Sherwood Park location, which boasts a wine cellar and in-house restaurants like PYRO Pizzeria & Rotisserie and ORO Trattoria, the Edmonton store focuses on core grocery offerings with an artisanal twist. Despite these differences, Cochrane emphasized the consistent quality across both stores.
“Everything is done with as many local ingredients as we can by Michelin-trained chefs, from butter chicken to freshly baked bread,” he said.
The Sherwood Park flagship, located at 340 Baseline Road, spans 48,000 square feet and was extensively renovated from its previous life as a RONA store. It set the standard for L’OCA’s commitment to quality, community, and culinary excellence, a model the Edmonton store follows closely.
L’OCA Quality Market in Edmonton. Photo: L’OCA Quality MarketButcher and Kosher goods at L’OCA Quality Market in Edmonton. Photo: L’OCA Quality Market
The Human Touch: Staff and Community Connection
L’OCA’s dedication to community extends beyond its products. The Edmonton store retained about 95% of Andy’s original staff, ensuring continuity and familiarity for long-time customers.
“A key priority was keeping as many of the original team members as possible,” Cochrane noted. “They’re part of the store’s history and bring invaluable experience.”
The staff’s professionalism and product knowledge are evident at both locations. “We have a strong training program, but the passion and dedication of our team members truly set us apart,” Cochrane said.
L’OCA Quality Market in Edmonton. Photo: L’OCA Quality MarketL’OCA Quality Market in Edmonton. Photo: L’OCA Quality Market
Building the L’OCA Brand: A Focus on Quality
Discussing L’OCA Market’s origins, Cochrane highlighted the brand’s mission to “do food differently.”
“Food is about community, connection, and sharing with family and friends. We wanted to bring those values back into grocery shopping,” he explained.
L’OCA offers over 500 private-label products made in-house, from butter chicken to artisanal bread, crafted with local ingredients by Michelin-trained chefs.
Local investors have also played a significant role in supporting L’OCA’s growth. “We’ve been fortunate to have the backing of local investors who believe in our vision and the value we bring to the community,” Cochrane noted.
The famous historic horse statue, and historic IGA fliers at L’OCA Quality Market in Edmonton. Photo: L’OCA Quality Market
Growth and the Road Ahead
L’OCA Quality Market’s growth has been swift and strategic. “Two stores in 266 days,” Cochrane said. “There’s no end in sight. We’re eyeing more locations in Edmonton, and maybe even Calgary down the road.”
The brand’s success is rooted in its focus on local sourcing and community connections. “Food is about community, connection, and tradition,” Cochrane reflected. “Our goal has always been to do food differently—bringing people together through simple, fresh, natural ingredients.”
Sleep Country has unveiled a groundbreaking retail concept in South Edmonton Common, marking the company’s first multi-brand store combining Silk & Snow and Endy.
It’s part of a bigger strategy to combine different banners across the country as well as expanding its footprint including more Sleep Country and The Rest stores in Canada.
Stewart Schaefer
“We’ve had that (Sleep Country) store in the Edmonton mall forever. It’s always been a great store for us,” said Stewart Schaefer, President and CEO of Sleep Country Canada. The innovative approach arose serendipitously when two neighboring stores closed, creating an opportunity for Sleep Country to test a multi-brand format. “The landlord reached out, and I said, well, interestingly enough, I wanted to test a combo store. So let’s do it out there.”
Sleep Country operates under the retailer banners; Sleep Country Canada, Dormez-vous, The Rest, Endy, Silk & Snow, Hush and Casper Canada with more than 300 locations.
Expanding Consumer Choice in Brick-and-Mortar
This new retail strategy aims to integrate Sleep Country’s online direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands into tactile shopping environments. “We’re testing our DTC concept, which just seems to be going really well,” Schaefer explained. “We’re choosing locations if the opportunity presents itself because you have to have the real estate near some of our best stores.”
The Edmonton location houses Silk & Snow and Endy while maintaining a separate Sleep Country store nearby.
“So when a consumer shops, it makes it a lot easier.”
Source: Sleep Country
This setup reflects Schaefer’s vision of mimicking online shopping dynamics within physical stores. “When you go online and search something, right away on Google it pops up one, two, and three choices. That’s now what I’m trying to do in a retail brick-and-mortar environment. Giving our customers as much choice. We’re agnostic. We want the customer to be happy. We don’t care which one of our brands that they shop at.”
Innovative Store Concepts Across Canada
The Edmonton store is part of a broader national rollout. “We’re testing right now in Halifax, a Casper and Endy combination,” Schaefer said. Additional concepts include a Silk & Snow and Hush store-within-a-store format in Montreal inside a Dormez-vous and a cluster of standalone Sleep Country, Casper, and Endy stores in Toronto’s CF Sherway Gardens Mall. Looking ahead, Vancouver will have Silk & Snow and Endy combination store in March.
Customer-Centric Approach Driving Success
By strategically locating these multi-brand stores near existing Sleep Country outlets, the company aims to provide consumers with seamless and abundant options.
This approach resonates with consumers who appreciate the convenience of exploring diverse products under one roof. “Combining these stores close together just makes it even more of a choice for a consumer so that there’s no reason they can’t find what they need for their sleep needs within those stores.”
A Long-Term Perspective in a Timeless Industry
As Sleep Country celebrates its 30th anniversary, Schaefer remains optimistic about the future.
“There’s six new locations that we’re going to be opening up across the country,” he said. “There’s probably be four to six new test stores of our digital brands.
“We just celebrated our 30th year anniversary. We’re in the world of sleep which is never going out of style and we don’t manage our business based on ups and downs and cycles. This is not a bullish or bearish bet on the economy. This is exactly what we’ve done for 30 years. Remember the cycle of someone buying a bed from us is once every eight to 10 years. We’re very long-term thinkers especially in the world of retail where fashion changes monthly or even quarterly.
“We’re here to stay and continue to do what we do best. We don’t look at the economic cycles.’
Ultra-Luxury with “The Rest”
Another exciting addition to Sleep Country’s portfolio is “The Rest,” a high-end concept targeting the top 1% of consumers. Located in Toronto’s Yorkdale Mall, this store features premium products, including beds priced between $5,000 and $20,000, crafted with materials like horsehair and alpaca wool.
“As our business continues to evolve, Sleep Country is almost like the supermarket of all the different brands that you’re familiar with and you know . . . That’s how you should think of Sleep Country and Dormez-vous. Now there’s these fabulous digital brands that started in the digital world like Casper, Endy and Hush and those are a bit of a younger demographic but a combination of all different ages. A lot of people love shopping online but a lot of these customers have asked to test the product. So it’s really our customers who are asking for that,” said Schaefer.
“When you think of The Rest, that’s the top 1%. So far it’s going well. Maybe six to 10 stores in Canada (eventually). There will be one in Calgary, one in Edmonton, maybe two in Vancouver, one or two in Montreal and probably a couple in Toronto. That’s for the high-end consumer who wants just the extreme in luxury.”
Lacoste at CF Pacific Centre in Vancouver. Source- Lacoste
Lacoste, the iconic brand and pioneer of fashion-sport, is opening its newest store at CF Pacific Centre located at 701 West Georgia St, Vancouver.
“Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, CF Pacific Centre is a premier shopping destination that attracts both locals and tourists alike. The new store offers an immersive experience into Lacoste’s lifestyle universe and features a wide range of products, including classic polo shirts, stylish outerwear, footwear, and accessories for men, women, and children,” said the retailer in a news release.
The grand opening is Saturday, February 15 – Sunday, February 16.
“Step into a world where classic style meets creativity and modern sophistication and discover the latest collections that embody the spirit of Lacoste. Enjoy exclusive customizations & delightful surprises that reflect Lacoste’s iconic heritage and commitment to quality,” said the retailer.
Lacoste at CF Pacific Centre in Vancouver. Source- Lacoste
The company is established in 98 countries, throughout a network of 1100 shops.
The first store in Canada opened more than 25 years ago in Montreal.
The successful international brand was co-founded in France by tennis player René Lacoste. The chain known for Polo shirts sells men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, leather goods and sportswear.
“Founded by French tennis legend René Lacoste, four-time international champion and the word’s best player in 1926-1927, the Lacoste brand draws inspiration from sporting values of high standards, fair play and daring. We pass down these values through the generations and cultivate elegance as a way of being and inventing one’s life,” says the company on its website.
The data from the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy (OSB) reveals that consumer insolvencies rose by 11.4% in 2024 compared to the previous year. This sharp increase amounts to 137,295 filings—over 14,000 more than in 2023—averaging about 375 insolvencies per day. The surge underscores the mounting financial pressures faced by many Canadians amid increasingly challenging economic conditions, said the association in a news release on Tuesday.
Consumer insolvencies increased 6.1% in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, while declining modestly by 2.5% from the third quarter of 2024, said the report.
With many Canadians concerned about the impact of potential tariffs and upcoming mortgage renewals at higher interest rates, Bolduc warned that these factors could further strain household finances in 2025.
“The rising cost of living is putting increasing pressure on already stretched household budgets. At the same time, homeowners facing mortgage renewals this year may see significant increases in their monthly payments, leaving less room for essential expenses and debt repayment,” he said.
Business Insolvencies Surge 30% in 2024, Hitting a 15-Year High
The report said business insolvencies jumped significantly in 2024, with a total of 6,188 filings, up 28.6% from 2023. This marks the highest number of filings in 15 years, underscoring the financial challenges many businesses faced in an uncertain economic environment. About 1,400 more businesses filed in 2024 compared to the previous year. Business insolvencies remain 68.2% higher than they were pre-pandemic in 2019.
Compared to the previous quarter, business insolvencies remained stable in the fourth quarter, rising 1.5%. However, compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, business insolvencies decreased by 12.4%, explained the association.
It said some sectors were hit harder than others in 2024. The construction sector experienced the largest increase in the number of business insolvencies, rising by 205 filings compared to 2023, followed by the transportation and warehousing sector (+198) and the accommodation and food services sector (+163). The construction sector accounted for the largest share of insolvencies in 2024, at 14.3%.
“The record high number of filings last year shows that many businesses already face significant obstacles. Many have been struggling to stay afloat since the pandemic, grappling with ongoing pressures from high operational costs and weakened consumer spending,” added Bolduc.
“Rising production costs, supply chain disruptions, reduced consumer demand, and overall uncertainty are making it increasingly difficult for Canadian businesses to maintain financial stability, particularly for those reliant on cross-border trade or already facing significant strain. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are especially vulnerable to tariff-driven price hikes and the loss of key export markets, as they often lack the financial flexibility to withstand these pressures.”
As global trade tensions continue to ripple through industries, Canada’s restaurant sector faces unique challenges. Peter Mammas, President and CEO of Foodtastic, one of the country’s fastest-growing restaurant franchising companies, shared his perspective on the impact of tariffs, the resilience of the restaurant industry, and the importance of supporting Canadian suppliers.
Foodtastic, founded in 2016, has rapidly expanded to manage over 1,200 restaurants across Canada and internationally. The company’s diverse portfolio includes well-known brands like Milestones Grill & Bar, Second Cup Café, Pita Pit, and La Belle & La Boeuf Burger Bar. Despite the looming threat of tariffs, Mammas remains optimistic about the company’s ability to adapt.
“Right now, less than 10% of our supply chain comes from the U.S., and what we do buy includes items we can’t source locally, like lettuce and tomatoes,” Mammas explained. “For produce, we’re shifting our procurement directly to Mexico, bringing goods bonded straight to Canada, which helps us avoid U.S. tariffs altogether.”
When it comes to alcohol, another area affected by trade disputes, Foodtastic is turning the situation into an opportunity to support local producers. “We’re reaching out to Canadian alcohol producers to list more of their products in our restaurants. It’s about doing our part to support Canadian businesses,” Mammas said.
The Broader Impact on Canada’s Restaurant Industry
While Foodtastic’s proactive approach has minimized its exposure to international trade disruptions, Mammas acknowledges that the broader industry may feel the pinch.
“Most restaurants in Canada can source what they need domestically, except for seasonal produce,” he noted. “The real concern is the potential economic ripple effect. If the overall economy slows down, restaurant sales could soften, and that would impact the entire supply chain.”
However, Mammas is confident in the industry’s resilience. “We’ve survived COVID, hyperinflation, and labour shortages. We’ll get through this too. The restaurant industry is incredibly adaptable,” he emphasized.
Freshii food items. Photo: Foodtastic
Managing Costs and Pricing Strategies
Despite potential cost increases due to tariffs, Mammas believes the impact on pricing will be manageable.
“Even if we had to absorb additional costs from U.S. imports, it would translate to about a $10 million hit across our network of over 1,000 restaurants,” he explained. “That’s roughly $10,000 per store, which we can offset with a modest 2% price adjustment.”
This strategic approach ensures that Foodtastic can maintain profitability while minimizing price hikes for consumers. “We’re in a strong position because we prioritized local sourcing years ago,” Mammas added.
Embracing Canadian Pride and Supporting Local Businesses
For Mammas, the current trade climate has highlighted the importance of national unity and supporting Canadian businesses.
“I haven’t seen the country this unified in a long time. There’s a renewed sense of pride in buying Canadian and supporting local brands,” he said. “At Foodtastic, we’re committed to working with Canadian suppliers. If there are producers out there who think their products could fit in our restaurants, we want to hear from them.”
Pita Pit food items. Photo: Foodtastic
Breaking Down Barriers Within Canada
While international trade issues dominate headlines, Mammas pointed out that interprovincial trade barriers within Canada pose significant challenges.
“It’s sometimes easier for Canadian producers to sell to the U.S. than to neighbouring provinces,” he said. “We need to eliminate these barriers to create a truly free internal market. If a product is approved in one province, it should be accepted nationwide.”
This sentiment reflects a broader call for policy changes to support domestic businesses.
“We have abundant natural resources and high-quality products. It’s time to streamline our internal trade and showcase Canadian goods to the world,” Mammas emphasized.
Delayed Tariffs Provide Temporary Relief
On February 3, President Donald Trump announced that tariffs on Canadian imports would be delayed until March 1. This postponement offers temporary relief to Canadian businesses, providing more time for negotiations and adjustments.
While this delay is a welcome development, the threat of tariffs still looms large. The possibility of future trade restrictions continues to create uncertainty for Canadian businesses. Additionally, the unpredictability of U.S. trade policy under President Trump could pose significant risks to Canada’s economy throughout his term, potentially affecting industries far beyond the restaurant sector.
Looking Ahead
As Foodtastic continues to grow its business in Canada, the company remains focused on its core values of innovation, quality, and community support.
“We’re proudly Canadian, and our growth strategy reflects that,” Mammas concluded. “Whether it’s through acquiring new brands or supporting local suppliers, we’re committed to strengthening Canada’s restaurant industry.”
Montreal-based Pizzeria Bros, a fast-casual pizzeria known for its artisanal-style pizzas, is set for major expansion across Quebec and Ontario.
Founded in Old Montreal in 2016, this award-winning pizzeria has quickly gained a loyal following for its fresh ingredients, house-made dough, and high-heat ovens that ensure the perfect pizza experience.
Currently operating 13 corporate and franchise locations, including three outside Quebec (Hamilton, Edmonton and Moncton, Pizzeria Bros is preparing to open three new locations this winter in Montreal’s Ahuntsic and downtown areas by the Bell Centre, as well as Candiac. Future expansion plans include key markets such as the South Shore, Laval, Terrebonne, Nun’s Island, and Mont Tremblant in Quebec, along with Burlington and Oakville in Ontario.
Tony Flanz and the team at Think Retail are collaborating with Pizzeria Bros as they embark on a nationwide expansion.
Source: Pizzeria Bros website
A Commitment to Quality and Innovation
Founder and President Carl Sexton explains the inspiration behind Pizzeria Bros, saying, “Patrick (Doignaux) and I had both worked in the restaurant industry for many years. Patrick had worked in an Italian restaurant that also had a pizza oven and he really liked the whole pizza side of it with the takeout and the quick turnaround times was what interested him. We went with that and developed a concept around that.”
With a menu featuring Italian-style sandwiches, artisanal salads, chicken fingers, fries, and desserts, the pizzeria offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery options. Each location showcases a modern industrial-chic design, allowing customers to watch their pizzas being made through a glass partition.
Strategic Growth Across Canada
As demand for high-quality, quick-service pizza continues to rise, Pizzeria Bros is strategically selecting high-density areas with strong foot traffic for its new locations. “We’re starting to reduce the size of footprints. Since COVID, there’s more and more takeout. It’s become a bigger percentage of our sales. So we’re looking at spots as small as 1,000 square feet and pretty much maxing out at 1,500 square feet,” says Sexton. “Unlike your typical pizzerias we also do a dining room. There’s the option to eat in. We offer beer and wine, desserts.”
The company’s long-term vision includes sustainable, responsible growth, with a goal of reaching over 50 stores in the coming years. “We want to do it in a healthy way and a responsible way so we’re not just putting stores everywhere,” Sexton notes. “We take opportunities as they come and grow organically.”
With six new stores planned this year and franchise agreements signed in Oakville, Burlington, and the Maritimes, Pizzeria Bros is well on its way to becoming a household name across Canada. The company is expecting to open about six new stores this year, perhaps more.
“We’re looking to expand in the GTA. We have a franchisee signed on for either Oakville or Burlington, Ontario. So we’re looking for real estate there. And we’re also looking to expand with our developer in the Maritimes. Most likely Halifax will be the next area. But we’re also looking at Fredericton and Saint John’s. Big expansion plans,” adds Sexton.
As Sexton puts it, “We’re excited about expanding the Pizzeria Bros brand and bringing our signature pizza experience to even more cities.”
Nearly 250 restaurants across the country are participating in Canada Beef’s third-annualBurger It Forward campaign aimed at relieving the growing food insecurity in Canada.
The national campaign, which runs until February 28, supports local restaurants while also raising funds for food banks regionally and nationally.
Each participating restaurant will feature a select burger for the Burger It Forward campaign. For every campaign-featured burger purchase, Canada Beef will donate the equivalent of one meal to Food Banks Canada, up to a maximum of 20,000 meals (based on Food Banks Canada’s meal metric: $1 = two meals). Additionally, provincial cattle associations and/or partners will give back to their communities by making ground beef or cash donations to regional food banks. Unique to Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, the campaign has partnered exclusively with Big Stop Restaurants to feature all five of their burgers in 15 locations across these Atlantic provinces.
“The need for food banks has nearly doubled in only five years, and one in four Canadians are living in food insecure households,” said Joyce Parslow, Executive Director of Consumer Marketing at Canada Beef. “When donations drop, Food Banks Canada still continues to help, so Canada Beef is proud to host Burger It Forward again this year to help support this very important effort and organization. By simply dining at a local restaurant and ordering a Burger It Forward burger, Canadians will be helping their communities in a meaningful, tangible way.”
Modern Steak Calgary
In a news release Canada Beef said Food Banks Canada reports that use is at its highest in Canadian history. There will be over two million visits to food banks this month, with 700,000 visits being from children. As people in Canada rely on food banks more than ever, the food-banking system is reaching its limit. Last year nearly thirty per cent of food banks ran out of food before they were able to meet demands. Burger It Forward takes a simple approach to supporting these food banks, making the campaign accessible to both restaurateurs and consumers who want to help.
River Cafe Calgary
Visit burgeritforward.cafor more information, including descriptions of all the Burger It Forward burgers, a map of participating restaurants and more. Canadians are also encouraged to share snaps of their experience enjoying Burger It Forward burgers on Instagram using the hashtag #BurgerItForward and tagging @lovecdnbeef.
As the marketing division of the Canadian Beef Cattle Research, Market Development and Promotion Agency, Canada Beef is the cattle producer-funded and run organization responsible for domestic and international beef and veal market development. It has staff in Canada, Mexico, Japan, China, and Taiwan, and representation in Vietnam and South Korea.
