Forest Hill Farmhouse Expands in Ontario with West Coast Plans

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December 3, 2024

image - 2024-12-03T132451.017 — Forest Hill Farmhouse in Toronto. Photo: Forest Hill Farmhouse

Toronto-based salad concept Forest Hill Farmhouse is embarking on an expansion after gaining traction with its health-focused, customizable offerings. Founded by Blair Bitove under Bite Brands in 2022, the brand is positioned for growth, with plans to extend its reach across Ontario and introduce its unique salad creations to new markets, including Calgary and Vancouver, as early as next year.

Bitove’s journey with Forest Hill Farmhouse stems from a deeply personal need to find better salad options in Toronto. “I had a really hard time finding salads I like in the city,” Bitove explained. “Many existing options were too heavy, with rice or quinoa bases, but I craved something lighter and freshly made.” Driven by her desire to bring healthier, convenient options to Toronto’s urban landscape, Bitove turned her passion into a thriving business.

Forest Hill Farmhouse has since become a community favourite, offering a menu crafted from fresh, high-quality ingredients. “A lot of our recipes are inspired by what I would make at home,” Bitove shared. “But making these meals yourself can mean buying an overwhelming amount of ingredients. I realized I wasn’t the only one facing this challenge.”

Bitove’s leadership and hands-on involvement with the brand’s operations have played a key role in its success. “I’ve poured everything into this brand,” she said. “From selecting the freshest ingredients to developing our unique dressings, every detail matters to me.”

Standing Out in a Crowded Market

Toronto’s fast-casual dining landscape is filled with competition, but Forest Hill Farmhouse sets itself apart with its commitment to freshness and customization. “We aren’t just another salad bar,” Bitove emphasized. “We offer roasted vegetables like eggplant, garlic-roasted green beans, pickled onions, and proteins cooked fresh in-house daily. Our customers can truly customize their meals with quality ingredients.”

The menu, rooted in the brand’s Forest Hill origins, offers over a dozen signature salads and bowls, as well as a build-your-own option. “Our first core collection of salads is based on street names in Forest Hill,” Bitove noted, adding a local touch that resonates with customers. Recently, the brand introduced wraps to meet the needs of on-the-go customers. “I wanted something I could eat while driving without making a mess,” she said. “It’s all about convenience without sacrificing quality.”

Bitove believes that Forest Hill Farmhouse’s personalized approach is what draws in customers. “We have people telling us they’ve created their own unique salad variations at our bar,” she shared. “It’s become a point of pride for many of our regulars.”

Forest Hill Farmhouse in Toronto’s Parkdale. Photo: Forest Hill Farmhouse

Strategic Expansion Across Ontario and Beyond

Following the success of its flagship location at Yonge Street and Lola Road, Forest Hill Farmhouse has expanded to Leslieville and Parkdale, with a high-traffic Brookfield PATH location further increasing brand visibility. “The Brookfield location really put us on the map,” Bitove said. “It showed us that there’s demand for what we offer, and it validated our plans to grow.”

Next year, the brand plans to open a location in Liberty Village, marking another step in its Ontario expansion. “We’re confident in our brand and ready to bring it to more central locations,” Bitove stated. “We want to become a household name in Toronto.”

Bitove is also setting her sights on Western Canada, with plans to open in Calgary and Vancouver. “Expanding beyond Ontario is a dream come true,” she said. “Calgary and Vancouver are exciting markets that we believe will appreciate what we bring to the table.”

Blair Bitove in front of Forest Hill Farmhouse in Toronto. Photo: Forest Hill Farmhouse

Future Plans: Retail Expansion and New Concepts

Beyond physical locations, Forest Hill Farmhouse is exploring retail opportunities to extend its reach. “We’re working on bringing our salad dressings to retail shelves,” Bitove revealed. “It’s a way for our customers to bring a piece of our brand home with them.”

As the brand grows, Bitove remains mindful of the customer experience. Store sizes and concepts will be tailored to fit each location. “Our current stores average around 1,200 square feet, but it’s location-dependent,” she explained. “In areas like Yorkville, we’re exploring spaces with more seating to encourage a communal dining experience.”

Bitove’s commitment to community and innovation is evident in every aspect of the business. “We’re always listening to our customers,” she said. “Their feedback has shaped our menu and our expansion plans. We want to keep offering options that people love, whether it’s in a grab-and-go format or a sit-down experience.”

Navigating Challenges and Looking Ahead

The road to success hasn’t been without challenges, particularly in a competitive market with rising costs. “We’ve held out on price increases for two years despite inflation,” Bitove noted. “Our focus has always been on delivering value. We want our bowls and salads to remain affordable, around the $20 range, while offering high-quality ingredients.”

Bitove is optimistic about the brand’s future. “We’re just getting started,” she said. “The response from our customers has been overwhelming, and I’m excited to see where we can take this brand. We’re building something special here—something that fills a real need for healthy, delicious meals.”

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Square and Afterpay surpass records this Black Friday and Cyber Monday with almost 6 million transactions in Canada

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Mario Toneguzzi

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December 3, 2024

Over the Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend, Canadian businesses using Square and Afterpay broke records with 5.9 million transactions, a 18% increase from last year.

With almost one in three shoppers feeling more stressed about holiday shopping this year compared to last (28%), Canadians still turned out in droves for the mega discounting weekend to save on gifts, shopping both online and in-store and driving increased sales on these channels by 31% and 20%, respectively, said a news release.

Canadian Black Friday, Cyber Monday highlights:

Saturday, November 30, 2024 at 8:38 PM EST was the peak minute of shopping in Canada. In 2023, this was Friday, November 24 at 2:07 p.m. EST.
Top cities in total spend included Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Montreal.
Shoppers are doubling down on digital channels with online cart sizes 4.9X larger than in-person carts.
Gift givers who aimed for the least stressful holiday shopping experience leaned on gift cards, making up 15,832 purchased this year, a 9% year-over-year growth. The most popular categories for gift card purchases were food and beverage, beauty and wellness, and retail.

“The Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend are typically a good indicator of the rest of the holiday sales season, so the results from this weekend are encouraging,” said Ara Kharazian, Research and Data Lead at Square.

“It’s our goal with Square and Afterpay to facilitate the options that customers desire, in terms of where and when they shop and how they choose to pay. By offering customers more choice and flexibility through various payment options, we’re expanding access to the economy and empowering both sides of the counter.”

The average promotion offered to consumers over the notoriously discount laden weekend was 18.9% at Square sellers, with online and in-store discounts averaging 19.7% and 18.9%, respectively. To better reach sellers across channels, 13% more businesses tapped into an omnichannel sales strategy, while pre-orders saw 20% growth as shoppers purchased popular items, said the news release.

“Square has also found that the holiday season goes beyond retail as shoppers dined out at local restaurants during the major weekend. Restaurant transactions were up 17%, while restaurants aimed to attract customers through Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts, with a 108% growth in discounts redeemed this past weekend,” it said.

“Mindful shoppers also looked to alternatives to credit cards, with Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) transactions through Afterpay increasing 23% year-over-year.”

IKEA Canada commits $300,000 to Furniture Bank to combat furniture poverty and accelerate a circular economy

By

Mario Toneguzzi

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December 3, 2024

IKEA Canada Limited Partnership-IKEA Canada commits -300-000 to — IKEA Canada commits $300,000 to Furniture Bank in efforts to combat furniture poverty and accelerate a circular economy across Canada. (CNW Group/IKEA Canada Limited Partnership)

IKEA Canada announced Tuesday a $300,000 investment over three years to Furniture Bank, a Toronto-based social enterprise dedicated to alleviating furniture poverty across Canada.

This investment builds upon a successful multi-million-dollar partnership in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and marks a significant step towards a national expansion of their collaborative model, said the retailer in a news release.

The GTA partnership has demonstrated the power of combining social impact with circular economy principles. IKEA Canada has enabled Furniture Bank to reuse over 25,000 returned mattresses and 10,000 other essentials, diverting these valuable resources from landfills and providing home furnishings to over 11,680 individuals and families in need. The amount of mattress donations alone to date is an in-kind value of approximately $4 million. This has resulted in significant environmental savings, preventing an estimated 1,734 metric tons of CO2 emissions, equivalent to CO2 emissions from 7,106,435 kilometres driven by an average gasoline car, said IKEA.

“At IKEA Canada, we are committed to creating a better everyday life for the many people and we know that the issue of furniture poverty has a direct impact on well-being,” said Selwyn Crittendon, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA Canada.

“Our Life at Home Report indicates that many Canadians struggle to get a quality sleep, which affects their daily performance and overall health. Donated mattresses do more than provide comfort; they create a foundation for a better future. Our partnership with Furniture Bank demonstrates our ability to make a tangible difference in communities while expanding our national impact and advancing our sustainability goals.”

Furniture Bank said it has created a startup incubator with proven tools, systems and trainings which helps nonprofit organizations across Canada launch and scale effectively. This framework provides access to digital marketing platforms, call centers, payment processing and pick-up booking services, enabling these organizations to focus on their core mission while benefitting from capabilities that are not traditionally accessible to small nonprofits.

The fees paid to Furniture Bank by IKEA will enable the onboarding of charities and social enterprises in Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, and Winnipeg as the first phase of the national rollout. Over the next two years, Furniture Bank will actively seek other nonprofits in communities with IKEA stores who are interested in joining this national model, it said.

“We’re thrilled to partner with IKEA Canada to scale our proven model nationally,” said Dan Kershaw, Executive Director of Furniture Bank. “This investment will enable us to empower more communities to address furniture poverty while creating a more sustainable future. Unlike other retailers who prioritize destruction through recycling or bypass social good through liquidators, IKEA Canada is truly living up to its commitments.”

In addition to this annual investment, IKEA Canada said it also committed up to $120,000 earlier this year to further support Furniture Bank’s Sleep Well initiative.

“This program is dedicated to addressing furniture poverty by ensuring every child who walks through the doors of Furniture Bank has access to essential sleep items. By providing children with complete bed kits and other necessary furnishings, the initiative not only offers immediate comfort but also lays the foundation for healthier development and improved physical and mental well-being,” said IKEA.

“The partnership between IKEA Canada and Furniture Bank represents a unique approach to corporate social responsibility, demonstrating that businesses can effectively integrate social and environmental objectives while achieving business goals. By investing in Furniture Bank’s national leadership and infrastructure, IKEA Canada is setting a new standard for cross-sector collaboration and paving the way for a more circular and socially equitable economy.”

Founded in 1943 in Sweden, IKEA is a leading home furnishing retailer, offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible can afford them. IKEA Canada is part of Ingka Group which operates 473 IKEA stores in 31 countries, including 16 in Canada. Last year, IKEA Canada welcomed 32.6 million visitors to its stores and 162.6 million visitors to IKEA.ca.

Established in 1998, Furniture Bank is a registered charity and social enterprise that redistributes furniture to those experiencing furniture poverty. This service provides low-income individuals and families with essential home furnishings, creating conditions of comfort, dignity, and stability.

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IKEA Canada commits $300,000 to Furniture Bank in efforts to combat furniture poverty and accelerate a circular economy across Canada. (CNW Group/IKEA Canada Limited Partnership)

Record-breaking year for Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market (Photos/Video)

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Mario Toneguzzi

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December 3, 2024

It was a record-breaking International Christmas Market at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, with nearly 100,000 shoppers visiting the venue over the past three weekends.

The extraordinary figure was achieved despite the recent cold chill, with some days of the world-famous market, which wrapped on Sunday, seeing -20 on the thermometer, said the facility in a news release.

“We were blown away by the incredible turnout at the Christmas Markets,” said Krista Poffenroth, Manager, Exhibits and Business Development.

“Having this many people make the effort to attend the market when it has been so cold is a real testament to the quality of our offerings, from the fantastic vendors, to the gorgeous decorations and entertainment, to the range of tasty food and drinks on offer.

“Our Après Market and Long Table Dinners, as well as the Afternoon High Teas, really took off this year.

“Mostly, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone from Calgary and area who came out to celebrate with us. You are amazing! Watch this space, because next year we will be back, even bigger and better, for Spruce Meadows’ 50th Anniversary.”

There were more than 330 local vendors.

The Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market, presented by TELUS, has been ranked as one of the world’s top festive markets, with not only a distinctive shopping experience but also delightful cuisine, entertainment, décor and seasonal features, for all generations.

“Three back-to-back smash-hit markets now pave the way for Spruce Meadows’ epic 50th Anniversary year to come in 2025—featuring the all-new live and intimate Spruce Meadows Concerts, the return of PetFest, and new summer events ‘Epic Weekends’, including outdoor movie nights, running alongside the world-class show jumping,” said the organization.

The stunning Spruce Meadows Christmas Lights Display, compliments of ATCO, AKITA Drilling, Bennett Jones, PwC, and WestJet, will be running on weekends from Friday, Dec. 6 to Sunday. Dec. 29, plus Dec. 23 and 24.

In addition, the Spruce Meadows Leg Up Foundation raised $15,000 for Calgary and area food banks via the Christmas Market 50/50s.

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Bento and Too Good To Go partner to reduce food waste

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Mario Toneguzzi

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December 3, 2024

Bento Inc., Canada’s largest sushi chain, and Too Good To Go, the social impact company behind the world’s largest marketplace for selling surplus food, have announced Canada’s first national surplus sushi partnership.

According to the latest Second Harvest report, 41.7% of total food waste in Canada could be rescued, an increase from 2019.

In a news release, Bento and Too Good To Go said they are committed to addressing this issue by making surplus sushi and prepared foods available to consumers at a lower cost.

“This collaboration began in August 2022 with a pilot in three retail locations and has since expanded to include corporate stores, franchisees, and commissary kitchens, in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia. The initiative is scaling up across grocery kiosks all over Ontario, and plans for even further expansion. To date, more than 25,000 Bento meals have been saved from going to waste, which is the equivalent to more than 67,000 kg of CO2e avoided,” they said.

“Expanding Too Good To Go across Bento’s stores has been a truly rewarding journey, demonstrating both teams’ dedication to reducing food waste,” said Andrea Li, Country Director of Too Good To Go Canada. “The expansion into grocery store kiosks is a significant milestone, offering more Canadians the chance to save quality food from going to waste. It’s amazing to see this partnership grow and continue making an impact.”

Consumers can expect Bento Surprise Bags to include a variety of fresh sushi packs and prepared foods that are either at their best before date or just one day prior.

“Reducing food waste is important to Bento because it aligns with our commitment to sustainability. Food waste contributes to 10% of greenhouse gas emissions, and by reducing it, Bento can lower its environmental footprint,” said Erica Gale, Senior Vice President, Brand Development at Bento.

“Partnering with Too Good To Go gives us an opportunity to introduce our products to new consumers, at favourable prices. Additionally, we’ve seen a positive boost in employee engagement as our teams take pride in making sure perfectly good food reaches consumers rather than being wasted.”

The Too Good To Go app is available for free download in the Apple App Store for iOS and Google Play for Android.

Since its inception in 1996 in Toronto, Bento Inc. has emerged as one of North America’s premier sushi providers. Products are available in grocery stores, universities, colleges, hospital food courts, airports, quick-service restaurants, shopping malls and food courts. Its nine commissaries across North America produce products which serve over 2,500 stores. Cumulatively, it delivers over 35 million sushi servings annually.

Too Good To Go is a certified B Corp social impact company that connects users with partners to rescue unsold food and stop it from going to waste. With 100 million registered users and 170,000 active partners across 19 countries, Too Good To Go operates the world’s largest marketplace for surplus food. Since its launch in 2016, Too Good To Go has helped to save over 350 million meals from going to waste, the equivalent to 945,000 tonnes of CO2e avoided.

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Walmart Canada launches toy donation campaign for Children’s Miracle Network

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Mario Toneguzzi

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December 3, 2024

New this year, on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3, Walmart Canada will donate $1 from every toy sold in-store or online to Children’s Miracle Network up to $200,000.

Recently, the retailer launched its holiday Spark a Miracle campaign in support of Children’s Miracle Network and its network of premier children’s hospitals. Customers can donate in-store and online from Nov. 14 to Dec. 24, with all funds staying local.

“About six weeks after our son James was born, my husband and I noticed something was wrong,” said Hilary Wingate, Senior Director of Toys at Walmart Canada. “James had stomach issues. We took him to several doctors. Shortly after, we were told he needed more specialized care, and he was referred to SickKids (Hospital in Toronto). I immediately knew our family was going to be in excellent hands.”

SickKids was a familiar place for Wingate.

“Growing up, her younger sister was a patient at SickKids and was in and out of the hospital for over a period of five years. She vividly remembers the incredible team of doctors and nurses who treated her sister, the comforting kids’ play spaces and the exceptional care her sister received,” said Walmart.

“Today, James and his twin sister Brooke are thriving, rambunctious 5-year-olds who – like many kids right now – are eagerly awaiting the holidays and a visit from Santa.”

Walmart said donation dollars help hospitals fund groundbreaking research and critical hospital needs and ensure children, like James, receive the very best care.

“There’s nothing I love more than the magic of Christmas and seeing little faces light up when they unwrap a toy on their wish-list,” added Wingate. “But I also love having a full heart knowing that a portion of our toys sales will go towards helping children who need it most.

“I’m so proud to work a for a company with such a strong commitment to children’s health and making a difference the lives of kids and their families.”

In their 30-year partnership, Walmart Canada has raised and donated more than $215 million to Children’s Miracle Network and has grown to become their top corporate sponsor.

Meanwhile, Walmart Canada recently kicked off the holiday season by giving customers a head start with the release of its highly-anticipated Top Toys list for 2024. This year, 40 per cent of the Top Toys included are exclusive to Walmart Canada.

To help Canadians celebrate and maximize their holiday shopping budgets while checking off all the items on their lists, all of Walmart Canada’s Top Toys are available for under $60 and will be on Rollback for the duration of the holiday season. In fact, 70 per cent of this year’s Top Toys are available for under $40, it said.

“As a mom of two, there’s nothing I love more than seeing little faces light up when they unwrap that perfect gift. That’s why we work hard every year to offer an amazing selection of standout toys at budget-friendly prices for all ages, stages and interests,” said Wingate. “We’re always committed to making playtime fun and affordable, and I’m so proud that this year’s Top Toys are all available for under $60 to help make the holidays magical for every family.”

Walmart Canada operates a chain of more than 400 stores nationwide serving 1.5 million customers each day. Walmart Canada’s flagship online store, Walmart.ca is visited by more than 1.5 million customers daily. With more than 100,000 associates, Walmart Canada is one of Canada’s largest employers and is ranked one of the country’s top 10 most influential brands. Walmart Canada’s extensive philanthropy program is focused on supporting Canadian families in need, and since 1994 Walmart Canada has raised and donated more than $750 million to Canadian charities.

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Children’s Miracle Network and Walmart Canada celebrate 30-year partnership with 2024 Spark a Miracle Campaign (Video)

Underwear retailer Devon + Lang opens first retail space at CF Chinook Centre (Photos/Videos)

By

Mario Toneguzzi

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December 3, 2024

Tired of constantly buying “premium” boxers that did not provide the support or comfort that Tyler McCombs was looking for, he and his wife Dayna set out to create some truly life-changing underwear.

They had a goal to create underwear that was built to support you all day, didn’t chafe or ride up as you went through your day, used the newest technologies, and built with environmentally sustainable fabrics.

After working for over a year with world class apparel designers and garment manufacturers the first Devon + Lang men’s boxers (under the original brand name of OKE Apparel) arrived August 2019.

And in early November, the brand opened its first brick-and-mortar retail storefront at Calgary’s CF Chinook Centre in 1,400 square feet of space, located near popular brands Pandora, Nike and Sephora.

“We sell a lot online via e-commerce and it is probably the majority of our sales, and we actually have a warehouse right in Calgary. And then we also wholesale our products to about 90 retailers across Canada. So these are more like smaller mom and pop shops and stuff,” said Tyler, the company’s CEO.

The brand, named after Tyler’s daughter and grandfather, focuses on quality, durability, and comfort, with a significant shift towards women’s underwear, now constituting 65% of their business. The women’s line, launched in late 2021, has surpassed expectations in popularity.

“This is our first year doing brick and mortar. We had done lmarkets beforehand. So we were doing the Calgary Stampede and Spruce Meadows Christmas Market and Millarville. We do a lot of the holiday markets as well. We’ve historically mainly done those, but this is going to be our first year doing the retail store.

“I think there’s a few reasons why we wanted to do a retail store. One of the first ones is we love the city, we love Chinook mall, we had an opportunity to get our brand into a new space and find a new audience of customers that don’t go to the markets or go online as much, who still love to shop in person. And when we had the opportunity to do a storefront in Chinook mall, the third busiest mall in Canada, I think we really felt there was there was no way we could say no to the opportunity. It creates legitimacy to the brand as well versus just being online. I think people can see it in person and go, ‘Oh, this is a real thing. This is more than just something I saw online. I actually see this as a real space. And I’m interested in checking out what this brand has to offer through that retail connection’.”

Tyler said it is “absolutely within the cards” to open more locations eventually.

“The goal with this is this is a test operation for us. This is our first chance to kind of see how customers connect with our brand in a retail environment. And if it goes well, then I see the sky’s the limit when it comes down to where we could be opening up.”

First Calgary then possible to other parts of Canada.

Devon is their daughter’s name and Lang is his grandfather’s last name.

“And so the idea behind the name was we wanted to look at apparel from a generational standpoint, what made it great in the past, which just was quality and durability, and then we can move that apparel into the next generation of where we want to see it become. So that’s using sustainable fabrics, using the new technologies, and finding ways that we can make it truly comfortable and long lasting. That’s kind of the idea behind the name, at least,” he said.

“Underwear really has become a big thing. I think especially with the pandemic, it kind of helped people realize how important being comfortable is, and the kind of underwear we sell, I think, is a little bit unique. When we started the company, we just were a men’s underwear company . . . And then as time went on, we launched our women’s underwear, because my wife kept taking my boxers to sleep in at night. She’s like, ‘these are great, but I don’t actually need the whole pouch that’s in here’. So we started making our own women’s underwear, and the women’s underwear has become now 65% of our business. We are selling more women than men’s underwear, which is really surprising, at least it was very surprising to me to see, but it’s our women’s boxers, it’s our women’s boy shorts, it’s our women’s, more comfort focused underwear that has really been taking off for us.

“They also really like the fact they can do matching his and hers prints. We’ve got matching his prints and hers prints, you can kind of get together, and I think that sort of couples idea for underwear, and then just a comfort focused underwear has really been a great way for us to grow our company. There’s lots of sexy women’s lingerie stores out there, which are definitely still doing well, but I think a lot of women now are going ‘I want underwear that I can just wear and just feel good in. If I’m working from home, I’m going out and about just some nice, comfortable underwear’. And we’ve been able to provide that product for these women who are then also going and seeing, ‘hey, we got this amazing men’s underwear too. I’m going to buy this for my partner or husband or adult son. And that’s been a really great way for us to kind of grow and expand the brand in both ways.

“It’s going to be coming up to coming up to three years now, we’ve been doing the women’s underwear and we thought it was going to be just an add on. We saw the majority of our customers were women buying for their boyfriends or husband . . . I could not anticipate how popular the women’s underwear line has become for us. It’s really cool to see that that aspect of the brand really take off.”

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New food and beverage concept The Tavern Collective launched in Calgary (Photos/Video)

By

Mario Toneguzzi

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December 3, 2024

Vancouver-based Northland Properties, a Canadian hospitality group with several brands such as Moxie’s and Denny’s, has launched its newest concept, The Tavern Collective in Deerfoot Meadows in Calgary.

The brand-new public house is situated in the former premises of the renowned Shark Club Bar & Grill in South Calgary.

Brandon Thordarson. Photo by Mario Toneguzzi

Director of Culinary Food and Beverage for Northland, Brandon Thordarson, said it’s the company’s new, modern day pub meets a classic tavern.

“We just wanted a fun concept where you could come in and come as you are. You know, not pretentious, really good pizzas. We’re focusing on Windsor, Detroit style pizza. Really good cocktails, not complicating it with like a massive menu. The menu is quite small and streamlined, so we can execute at a high level . . . Most of everything’s made in house . . . a great, modern day pub.”

“Calgary is a great city. There’s lots of fun things to do. And we just want to be a part of a fun scene. Obviously we had the opportunity to take over this space and reinvent it. And that’s what we did here.

“Winnipeg will open in roughly May of next year. And then we’ve got one in Texas opening up in Las Colinas. That’s a suburb of Dallas. And then we’ve got another one in Toronto. We’ve got about four on the go right now. The Toronto ones are Vaughan and Markham. I think if we have two per year, 10 in the next five years, it’ll be successful.”

Thordarson said the establishment’s name was a collaboration between the team and the owner of the company.

“Everyone knows what a tavern is, but you know, here it’s unexpected.”

The logo is JD the French bulldog.

“It’s just a nice touch that people will come in and remember. And you see the dog throughout the menu or some iconography throughout the restaurant, on the girl’s shirts.”

Bob Gaglardi, started Northland Properties Corporation in 1963 with the vision to build spaces where people could come together.

Among its many brands it also has the Sandman Hotel Group, Grouse Mountain Resort, Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing, Dallas Stars and Kamloops Blazers.

“We wanted to remix the best of Gen X, Y, and Z to create a social destination for all of the community that’s casual, friendly, and welcoming,” said Alan Howie, President & Chief Operating Officer of Northland Restaurant Group. “The Tavern Collective blends the best of the classic pub with the nostalgic thrill of blast-from-the-past music and entertainment, all wrapped in an elevated, unique aesthetic. A space that’s both familiar, intriguingly offbeat, and uncommon.”

“Easily distinguished by its lovable, friendly Frenchie mascot JD, and a steampunk interior décor, guests will be treated to a delicious globally inspired menu of 29 items that offers a mix of traditional pub food, new classic and healthy dishes in a modern, inviting setting. Amongst the delectable menu options will be the signature Tavern Pizza, a dish full of surprising flavourful combinations that will have your mouth watering for more. Carefully crafted new signature cocktails, worldly wines, or featured draft beers will also be available to enjoy in a comfortable atmosphere, driven by great service,” explained the company.

“When creating this menu, we wanted to set the tone for a unique experience with a menu and service that is surprising and bursting with crave-able twists,” added Thordarson. “The Tavern Collective is your neighbourhood hangout where you can embrace the unexpected and let the ordinary fade away. It’s a space that is a mix of classic and current, a theme that’s reflected in our food, tantalizing drinks, and signature cocktails.”

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Retail sector under pressure during key holiday season: Equifax

By

Mario Toneguzzi

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December 3, 2024

A new report by Equifax Canada says the retail sector faces pressures during the key holiday season.

Heading into the holiday season, the retail industry is grappling with higher-than-average delinquency rates, reflecting challenges such as lower inflation-adjusted credit card spending compared to last year and business disruptions from the Canada Post strike. These pressures come at a critical time for retailers reliant on holiday sales, according to the Q3 Business Credit Trends Report.

“Retail businesses are feeling the strain as the holiday season approaches,” said Jeff Brown, Head of Commercial Solutions at Equifax Canada. “Between the Canada Post strike going on this holiday season, including on the key Black Friday weekend, and weaker discretionary consumer spending, small businesses face an uphill battle.

“This holiday season presents both opportunities and challenges for Canadian businesses. While improving sentiment and easing financial pressures offer hope, rising delinquencies and an uneven recovery are a reminder of the resilience required for Canadian businesses to succeed in this environment.”

Equifax said newer Canadian businesses are driving significant growth in debt balances, setting a complex stage for the upcoming holiday season.

Total business debt balances reached $35 billion in Q3 2024, a 15.3 per cent increase from the same period last year, with businesses opened in the past 24 months contributing to a 25.2 per cent rise in balances compared to their counterparts in Q3 2023, said the report.

“At the same time, established businesses showed financial caution, with the average debt per business declining 8.1 per cent year-over-year to $25,366 in Q3 2024. This demonstrates differing approaches among businesses, with newer enterprises contending with higher operational costs while more established ones prioritizing managing debt conservatively,” it said.

“Economic conditions are showing early signs of stabilization, bolstered by recent interest rate cuts and inflation returning to the Bank of Canada’s two per cent target. The Equifax Canadian Small Business Health Index improved by 1.5 per cent in Q3 2024, reflecting stronger business confidence and easing credit access.”

Newer businesses driving debt growth

“Newer businesses are driving debt growth as they navigate the high costs of establishment and operation,” added Brown. “While these businesses are contributing to the economy’s overall momentum, rising delinquencies among debt-burdened enterprises remind us that financial recovery is not evenly distributed.”

In Q3 2024, trade delinquency rates for financial and industrial trades increased to 3.3 per cent and 5.9 per cent, respectively, driven largely by installment loans. However, insolvencies showed improvement, with 1,312 businesses filing in Q3 2024, down 14.7 per cent from the previous quarter, explained the report, adding that early-stage (30-day) delinquency rates are also beginning to stabilize, suggesting financial pressures may be easing as businesses gear up for the fourth quarter.

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Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For December 3, 2024

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Retail Insider

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December 2, 2024

News at a Glance

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.

Cyber Monday delivering sales but some are expecting them to be down from last year (Canadian Press)

Ms. Rachel, Paw Patrol to fuel Spin Master sales as it faces fraught holiday season (BNN)

Delivery scams on the rise amid Canada Post strike, holiday shopping season (CityNews)

“Losing 50 ml for the same price”: Canadians call out Classico pasta sauce shrinkflation (Daily Hive)

RCC Advocacy Secures Key GST-HST Tax Holiday Improvements for Retailers (Retail Council of Canada)

Rossy Foundation announces $30M in donations to mark Dollarama’s 30+ years (Grocery Business)

Canada’s Tim Hortons boosts Americas presence with first Panama store (World Coffee Portal)

Rideau Street music store packing up and moving, citing rising crime (CBC)

Tokyo Smoke Exits Creditor Protection, Most Locations “Unaffected” By Restructuring (Storeys)

Next stage of Imagine Jasper Avenue project construction to begin next year (CBC Edmonton)

Stong’s Market opens first STEMS floral store in North Vancouver (Grocery Business)