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Promising first year of fundraising for MTY Group Foundation

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Photo: Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation website
Photo: Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation website

Over the course of its first year of operation, the MTY Group Foundation/Fondation Groupe MTY fundraised over $140,000 for the community.

The largest fundraising event spearheaded by the Foundation was its first annual golf tournament at Le Blainvillier Golf Club in September 2024, which welcomed 288 players and over 60 sponsors, raising over $100,000 for the Breakfast Club of Canada, said the organization in a news release on Monday.

“In June 2024, the MTY Foundation fundraised over $34,000 for “Pedal for Kids”, an event led by The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation, helping fund the inter-hospital pediatric transport project and supporting the pediatric education services team,” said the Foundation

“In December 2024, the MTY Foundation, in collaboration with The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation, organized a toy drive with the goal of distributing over 300 gifts to sick children. All of MTY Group’s Montreal office contributed to the initiative, collecting over 300 gifts and bringing some cheer to the holiday season for children in need.”

Renée St-Onge
Renée St-Onge

“It’s important for our teams to be able to directly contribute to making a difference. This initiative also allowed our employees to talk about the notion of sharing and helping each other with their own children,” said Renée St-Onge, MTY Group’s Chief Financial Officer and member of the MTY Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Also, MTY Group employees were given the opportunity to contribute to the Foundation throughout the year with discretionary donations in exchange for snacks in the Group’s cafeteria or raffle tickets that were sold during the Group’s Christmas festivities. This helped the Foundation fundraise over $11,000.

The MTY Foundation said it extended its contributions through the Group’s Calgary office, with a $1,500 donation in connection with the 2024 Calgary Stampede. The Calgary Stampede supports programs such as The Young Canadians School of Performing Arts, Calgary Stampede Showband, Band of Outriders, and Calgary Stampede Showriders.

Éric Lefebvre
Éric Lefebvre

“Without the participation of our employees and the collaboration of our partners, none of this would be possible. The MTY Foundation’s efforts are a great way to demonstrate one of MTY Group’s three core values: dedication,” said Éric Lefebvre, MTY Group’s President and CEO.

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Cineplex reports solid financial results for December

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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CF Fairview Mall Cineplex (Image: CF Fairview Mall)

Cineplex, Canada’s leading entertainment and media company, reported box office revenues of $64.8 million for December 2024, representing 125% of December 2023 and 86% of 2019. Cineplex’s combined box office and concession revenues amounted to $112.0 million, representing 129% of December 2023, with strong food and beverage results representing a December CPP record of $9.34, reported the company in a news release on Monday.  

November releases gained momentum and performed strongly throughout December. Wicked continued to break records, becoming the highest-grossing movie of all time based on a Broadway musical and the third highest domestic-grossing film of all time released by Universal Pictures. Moana 2 is now one of the top ten highest-grossing animated films of all time domestically, outperforming the first film. Sonic the Hedgehog 3‘s December release marked the franchise’s highest domestic-grossing film, surpassing $190.9 million set by Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Premium experiences accounted for 35.4% of the December box office compared to 31.6% in December 2023, it said.

In December, international programming accounted for 7.63% of Cineplex’s box office revenue, outperforming North American peers at 3.01%. The Last Dance, which became the highest grossing Cantonese film in Cineplex history, and Pushpa: The Rule – Part 2 were among Cineplex’s top ten films for the month, it added.

Ellis Jacob

“This month, we saw the impact of longevity on highly anticipated films, like Wicked and Moana 2 and the continued success of international programming in our theatres that reflect our diverse Canadian population,” said Ellis Jacob, President and CEO, Cineplex. “As we look forward to 2025, a variety of content and release schedules will help to further strengthen the domestic box office and appeal to various audiences.”  

The company has 168 movie theatres and location-based entertainment venues. The company also operates The Rec Room, Playdium, and Cineplex Junxion. It also operates businesses in cinema media (Cineplex Media), alternative programming (Cineplex Events), motion picture distribution (Cineplex Pictures), digital commerce (CineplexStore.com), and digital place-based media (Cineplex Digital Media or CDM). Cineplex is a partner in Scene+, Canada’s largest entertainment and lifestyle loyalty program.  

Period 2019 Box Office 2023 Box Office 2024 Box Office 2024 as a
Percentage of 2019 		2024 as a
Percentage of 2023 
October $54,528$37,354$34,03162 %91 %
November $52,314$34,640$48,91894 %141 %
December$74,946$51,847$64,77886 %125 %
Total $181,788$123,841$147,72881 %119 %
(i) Amounts are in thousands of dollars. 

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CRAFT Restaurant & Beer Market to open 1st U.S. location in 2026 (Renderings)

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Rendering of CRAFT Restaurant & Beer Market, Dallas, Texas (CNW Group/CRAFT Restaurant & Beer Market)

CRAFT Restaurant & Beer Market, a premium casual restaurant with a passion for fresh, local food, amazing craft beer and cocktails, will open its first U.S. location in early 2026 in Preston Center, Dallas, Texas.

The brand launched in a historic block in downtown Calgary in 2011 and today has two locations in Calgary, one in Edmonton, two in Vancouver, one in Victoria, one in Kelowna, one in Ottawa and one in Toronto.

In 2019, CRAFT partnered with Tom Gaglardi, owner of the Dallas Stars, and the iconic Moxies and Chop Steakhouse brands, as well as some of the top restaurants and ski resorts in Canada. This collaboration set the stage for CRAFT’s expansion into the U.S. market. With Gaglardi’s extensive business experience, deep understanding of the market, and strong community ties, Dallas emerged as the ideal choice for CRAFT’s first U.S. location.

PJ L'Heureux
PJ L’Heureux

“We’ve always believed that the road to our success is through the connections we build with the communities we are part of. Dallas is a natural fit for CRAFT. Our large restaurant footprint, commitment to local products, and dedication to community are what Texas is all about,” said PJ L’Heureux, founder of CRAFT.

“Texas and specifically the Preston area of Dallas, with its booming economy, diverse culture, and love for craft cocktails and beer, is the perfect place for us to begin this exciting new chapter.

“CRAFT has always been about bringing people together, and we’re thrilled to share our passion for craft beer, exceptional dining, and community building with our friends in the Texas market.”

This marks the company’s highly anticipated entry into the American market, building on its strong presence and success across Canada. The Dallas opening is the first step in the company’s broader plans to establish a strong presence in key American cities over the next decade.

Rendering courtesy of CRAFT
Rendering courtesy of CRAFT
Rendering courtesy of CRAFT
Rendering courtesy of CRAFT
Rendering courtesy of CRAFT
Rendering courtesy of CRAFT

The company said the Dallas location will be a state-of-the-art, 10,500-square-foot space designed in partnership with Canadian boutique interior design firm Way of Normal and local Texas firm ID Studio 4. Guests can anticipate a modern yet welcoming interior, featuring warm woods, industrial accents, and a massive 360-degree bar as its centre. The space will also include a 5,250-square-foot rooftop patio, complete with a full bar, cozy booth seating, lush greenery, and a games area, offering the perfect atmosphere for both casual gatherings and special celebrations.

“With its expansive design, CRAFT is built to host groups of all sizes, whether it’s a relaxed outing with friends, a team get-together, or a large corporate event. What sets CRAFT apart is its unwavering commitment to creating the perfect ambiance and ensuring every visit is a truly unforgettable experience,” it said in a news release.

“Sustainability continues to be a core value for CRAFT. The new location will incorporate energy-efficient technologies and locally sourced materials into its design. Additionally, the restaurant will support the local community by partnering with Texas-based breweries and exceptional Texas food suppliers to showcase the best of the region’s flavours.”

CRAFT said the flagship U.S. location will feature over 100 beers on tap – including local Texas brews – along with cocktails, wine, and a fresh, globally inspired menu of scratch-made dishes.

Scott Frank
Scott Frank

“What I love most about CRAFT is the opportunity to work with local food and beverage suppliers to create unique menus and partnerships in each of the communities we are in,” said Scott Frank, President of CRAFT.

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Canadian Retail News From Around The Web For January 13, 2025

By
Retail Insider
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Canadian Retail News From Around The Web

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 several days.

Costco Canada accused of overcharging online shoppers in class-action lawsuit (CTV)

Aritzia’s profit soared 72% in Q3 as its ecommerce net revenue spiked (BNN)

Grocery code of conduct board hires former Fertilizer Canada CEO as adjudicator (VIA)

‘Key community asset’: The Hudson’s Bay store in Burlington Centre is closing on Feb. 9. It’s still unclear what will replace it (Inside Halton)

CBC investigation uncovers grocers overcharging customers by selling underweighted meat (Cbc)

Loblaw apologizes after underweighted meat sold in Western Canada stores (Global)

New commercial centre set to rise from ashes of Mill Bay’s former Pioneer Mall (Vancouver Island Free Daily)

Downtown Montreal store window shattered by gunshot (CTV)

The rise and fall (and rise again?) of the ByWard Market (Ottawa Citizen)

Covered outdoor mall and 1,400 homes for new Lougheed mall | Urbanized

Senior charged with robbing Vancouver luxury store has died, coroner confirms (CTV)

Belly rubs and comforting hugs: How these adorable dogs and cats have become a hit with customers at five Toronto shops (Toronto Star)

Money Mart Rebrands Insta Chèques in Quebec

By
Craig Patterson
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Money Mart location in Quebec. Photo: Money Mart

National Money Mart Company, operating as Money Mart®, has announced the rebranding of its Insta Chèques locations throughout Quebec to Money Mart. This strategic move aims to create a unified brand presence across Canada, offering customers a consistent experience nationwide. 

The rebranding initiative is designed to align all locations under the Money Mart name, reflecting the company’s diverse range of financial services beyond cheque cashing. Peter Kalen, CEO of Money Mart, stated, “We aim to provide clarity in our service offerings and provide Canadians with innovative financial products and the support they need to meet their unique needs.” 

Customers in Quebec can continue to access services such as instant personal loans, cheque cashing, money transfers, and money orders at the newly rebranded Money Mart locations. The company emphasizes that while the name has changed, the commitment to customer-first service remains steadfast. 

A Brief Overview of Money Mart

Founded in 1982 in Edmonton, Money Mart has grown to become one of Canada’s leading providers of alternative financial solutions. The company offers a variety of services, including personal loans, installment loans, cash advances, cheque cashing, prepaid cards, and money transfer services. With over 350 locations across Canada and the United States, Money Mart focuses on serving underbanked and subprime customer segments. 

Money Mart’s journey began as an entrepreneurial venture, responding to a growing demand for convenient financial services. By 1994, the company had expanded to over 100 franchised and corporate locations. In 1996, it was acquired by Dollar Financial Group, Inc., which later became Money Mart Financial Services. The company continued its growth trajectory, opening its 200th location by the year 2000. 

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Employment rises while unemployment rate decreases: Statistics Canada

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Photo by Pavel Danilyuk
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk

Employment rose by 91,000 (+0.4%) in December and the employment rate increased 0.2 percentage points to 60.8%. The unemployment rate declined 0.1 percentage points to 6.7%, reported Statistics Canada on Friday.

In December, employment rose for core-aged men (25 to 54 years old) (+30,000; +0.4%) and men aged 55 and older (+41,000; +1.7%) as well as for women aged 55 and older (+21,000; +1.1%), said the federal agency.

“Employment gains in December were led by educational services (+17,000; +1.1%), transportation and warehousing (+17,000; +1.6%), finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing (+16,000; +1.1%), and health care and social assistance (+16,000; +0.5%),” it said.

“In December, employment increased in Alberta (+35,000; +1.4%), Ontario (+23,000; +0.3%), British Columbia (+14,000; +0.5%), Nova Scotia (+7,400; +1.4%), and Saskatchewan (+4,000; +0.7%), while there was a decline in Manitoba (-7,200; -1.0%). Employment was little changed in the other provinces.”

“Employment rose by 91,000 (+0.4%) in December, mostly in full-time work (+56,000; +0.3%). This follows an increase in November (+51,000) and marks the third employment gain in the past four months,” explained StatsCan.

“The year 2024 ended with 413,000 (+2.0%) more people working in December compared with 12 months earlier. This year-over-year growth rate was comparable to the one observed in December 2023 (+2.1%) and to the average growth rate for December over the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period of 2017 to 2019 (+1.9%).

“Public sector employment rose by 40,000 (+0.9%) in December, the second consecutive monthly increase. In the 12 months to December, public sector employment rose by 156,000 (+3.7%), driven by gains in the public-sector components of educational services as well as health care and social assistance.

“Private sector employment was little changed in December (+27,000; +0.2%) and was up 191,000 (+1.4%) on a year-over-year basis. The number of self-employed people rose by 24,000 (+0.9%) in December, the first increase since February. This brought total gains in self-employment for the year to 64,000 (+2.4%).”

The report said the employment rate—the proportion of the population aged 15 and older who are employed—increased 0.2 percentage points to 60.8% in December, after holding steady in November. The increase in December was the first since January 2023. On a year-over-year basis, the employment rate was down 0.9 percentage points in December.

The unemployment rate was 6.7% in December, down 0.1 percentage points from the previous month. The rate in November was the highest since January 2017 (outside of 2020 and 2021, during the pandemic). On a year-over-year basis, the unemployment rate was up 0.9 percentage points in December, added Statistics Canada.

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Urban No Frills to anchor growing West Village community in Calgary

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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West Village Towers
West Village Towers

A new urban No Frills store is set to open in Calgary’s growing West Village neighbourhood, bringing a much-anticipated grocery option to the area. According to Ryan Rutherford, Vice President of Retail Leasing with Cushman & Wakefield, the store will occupy 13,000 square feet of a 24,000-square-foot retail space on the ground floor of two luxury rental towers – West Village Towers – on Ninth Avenue SW.

It will have heated underground parking.

Ryan Rutherford
Ryan Rutherford

“This No Frills is part of their new urban concept, which is being rolled out across the country,” says Rutherford. “It’s an affordable grocery option that also offers fresh products in a smaller format, which fits perfectly with the needs of the surrounding community.”

Transforming the West Village

The two existing towers, each 41 storeys, are fully occupied with 478 luxury rental units, creating a vibrant micro-community. A third tower of similar height is currently in the planning stages, with approximately 220 to 230 additional units expected to be added in the future. The entire project is being developed by the Cidex Group, further solidifying the area’s transformation into a dynamic mixed-use hub.

“The introduction of a grocery anchor like No Frills is a significant milestone for this development,” says Rutherford. “Not only does it provide a vital amenity for the roughly 1,000 residents in the two towers, but it also serves the broader West Village community and surrounding residential and office areas.”

Strategic Location

The store’s location within Calgary’s free-fare train zone adds to its accessibility, allowing shoppers to conveniently travel to and from the store without the need for personal vehicles. Additionally, heated underground parking will be available for commercial use, enhancing the shopping experience.

The absence of a grocery store on the north side of Ninth Avenue SW makes this development particularly impactful. Nearby competitors like Safeway and Co-op are located on the south side of the train tracks, highlighting the demand for a north-side option.

Additional Leasing Opportunities

While the urban No Frills takes up the western portion of the retail space, Cushman & Wakefield is actively marketing approximately 10,000 square feet of adjacent main-floor retail space. An additional 28,000 square feet of space is available on the second floor, including 6,700 square feet designated for medical and professional uses.

“Now that the grocery anchor is confirmed, we’re targeting complementary tenants,” Rutherford explains. “Potential uses include a fitness centre, childcare services, and more medical or professional tenants. This mix will round out the community’s retail offerings.”

West Village Towers
West Village Towers

A Bright Future for the West End

The West Village is positioned for continued growth, with high demand for rental residential units and ongoing transit-oriented developments. The new No Frills store, set to open in April or May 2025, is just one example of the investment in this evolving area. Rutherford notes that the community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, with strong interest already generated among brokers and retailers.

“This project highlights the importance of creating mixed-use developments that serve both residents and the surrounding neighborhoods,” says Rutherford. “We’re excited to see how this contributes to the vibrancy of the West Village.”

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UNITY Fitness gains momentum at Toronto’s Harbourfront

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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UNITY Fitness
UNITY Fitness

In the heart of Toronto’s vibrant Harbourfront district, UNITY Fitness is carving a niche as a premium wellness club, blending top-tier amenities with a focus on community and innovation. Since its December 2023 opening in the Sugar Wharf area, UNITY has quickly gained traction among fitness enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive and inclusive approach to health and wellness.

A Growing Community Hub

“The Harbourfront area, particularly Sugar Wharf, is a curated community that had a clear need for a large fitness facility to serve its population,” said Dr. Adam Reynolds, Head of Strategy and Operations at UNITY Fitness. “We’re nearing membership capacity just over a year in, which speaks to the demand and resonance of our offering.

“There definitely will be future locations but for now this is our flagship.”

The facility caters to a diverse demographic, with a core membership base aged 20 to 40. However, UNITY’s appeal extends to families and older individuals who take advantage of its child-minding services, gymnasium, and tailored fitness programs.

UNITY Fitness
UNITY Fitness

Industry Recovery and Trends

The fitness industry has seen a resurgence post-pandemic, with people prioritizing health and wellness more than ever. According to Reynolds, UNITY is meeting the moment by offering a variety of premium experiences. “We provide options ranging from hot yoga and cycling to a saltwater pool and gymnasium featuring basketball and pickleball,” he explained. “But more than just fitness, we’re helping people find community within our space.”

Recovery and mobility solutions are emerging as key trends. “The inclusion of cold plunges, saunas, and mobility classes is a major focus,” said Reynolds. UNITY has embraced these trends with its state-of-the-art recovery tools and plans to introduce a sauna in 2025.

“The industry really came back stronger than ever after COVID which is incredible. People are looking for ways to move and stay active and looking for premium services and the ability to do different forms of fitness.”

Differentiating Through Experience

In a competitive fitness landscape, Reynolds emphasizes the importance of delivering an exceptional membership experience. “It’s about creating a boutique feel, even within our large footprint,” he said. “People want to exercise in groups, meet others, and engage in social activities. Building a community is key to retaining and growing our membership.”

A standout feature at UNITY is its proprietary Flex Program. This hybrid model allows users to purchase Flex Passes without committing to a full membership, offering flexibility for those who prefer class packages or sporadic visits. “It’s a unique aspect of UNITY and aligns with the evolving preferences of fitness consumers,” Reynolds noted.

UNITY Fitness
UNITY Fitness

Looking Ahead

UNITY has ambitious plans for the future, with potential expansion across the Greater Toronto Area. “While I can’t disclose specific locations yet, we are exploring opportunities to bring the UNITY experience to more communities,” said Reynolds.

With its flagship thriving and a commitment to innovation, UNITY Fitness is poised to continue leading the charge in Toronto’s wellness space. As the industry evolves, UNITY remains steadfast in its mission to combine premium fitness offerings with a strong sense of community.

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Brand refresh rolling out across Chopped Leaf chain in 2025

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Photo courtesy of Chopped Leaf
Photo courtesy of Chopped Leaf

Chopped Leaf, a Canadian fast-casual restaurant chain that is making healthy eating craveable, is rolling out a new look. The refreshed brand, featuring a new logo and updated interior design, was officially unveiled at Chopped Leaf’s original store in Kelowna, BC as part of their 15th anniversary celebrations last year, with a revitalized interior design, logo and signage. This year, the new look will extend to all marketing assets and collateral, packaging, uniforms, merchandise and more, the company announced in a news release.

Karen Paradine
Karen Paradine

“Our mission is to change the perception of greens from health food to comfort food, and that means making greens craveable” said Karen Paradine, head of Marketing at Chopped Leaf. “Our new look and design put our best attributes on display, highlighting that only Chopped Leaf delivers comforting, quality, fulfilling and flavourful greens for everyone.”

With over 118 restaurants across Canada and in the United States today, the company said it is renowned for its fresh and craveable salads, wraps & bowls that provide a feeling of overall goodness & fulfillment.

Genti Kongjika
Genti Kongjika

“It’s critical for any restaurant brand to evolve and stay fresh. We’ve done this while keeping true to our roots and maintaining the essence that makes Chopped Leaf unique and beloved by Canadians, and a rewarding franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs,” said Genti Kongjika, Executive Vice-President, Chopped Leaf.

Jean-Pierre Lacroix
Jean-Pierre Lacroix

“This brand refresh was an evolution, not a revolution,” said Jean-Pierre Lacroix from Shikatani Lacroix, the agency behind the brand update. “We ensured that Chopped Leaf’s brand attributes of fresh quality choppings, irresistible signature dressings, menu variety, fruit infused Chopped Water and the ‘Feel Good After You Eat’ tagline are showcased throughout the new design.”

New logo – a modern take that maintains the chain’s iconic colour palette, while introducing a new salad bowl icon. The new logo is being incorporated onto all signage, uniforms, packaging and merchandise as it’s rolled out across the chain.

New:  A black and white logoDescription automatically generated    Old:    A picture containing text, clockDescription automatically generated

Updated Interior – welcoming and approachable with local “hello” signage, vibrant greens and warm wood tones, and a lower counter that showcases fresh, quality choppings, and allows customers and team members to better engage and interact.

Photo courtesy of Chopped Leaf
Photo courtesy of Chopped Leaf

The fast-casual restaurant chain has over 118 locations across Canada and in the United States, and is continuing to expand across North America and internationally, with more than 25 locations committed to open. Chopped Leaf is owned and managed by Innovative Food Brands.

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Statements Media partners with Brookfield in digital advertising space

By
Mario Toneguzzi
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Photo courtesy of Statements Media
Photo courtesy of Statements Media

Statements Media, an innovative outdoor advertising company, has announced a partnership with Brookfield Properties to exclusively represent digital advertising space within its prestigious commercial properties in Canada.

The network includes over 100 digital advertising displays, large-format video walls, and static placements installed in high-traffic areas of 12 premium properties in downtown Toronto and Calgary, which see hundreds of thousands of visitors daily, said the company in a news release.

“The digital displays are strategically positioned in shopping concourses, lobby areas, food courts, and the underground PATH system, which connects to Toronto’s Union Station. In Calgary, ad placements are located throughout the popular Plus 15 Skywalk system connecting the downtown core,” it said.

“Statements Media will also offer full brand dominations and custom activations throughout iconic properties like First Canadian Place, Bay Adelaide Centre, Brookfield Place in Toronto and Calgary, Exchange Tower and Suncor Energy Centre, providing one-of-a-kind immersive opportunities for advertisers to offer high-touch campaigns.”

Adam Watson
Adam Watson

“This exclusive inventory fits seamlessly into our portfolio of impactful and targeted out-of-home offerings,” said Adam Watson, Managing Partner of Statements Media. “Brookfield’s landmark locations offer an unparalleled opportunity to connect with professionals, executives and decision-makers in a premium and intimate environment. These high-impact placements reinforce our commitment to helping brands make a statement in the downtown core.”

Statements said the network of digital displays will deliver millions of impressions weekly and will be available programmatically on leading SSPs like Hivestack, Vistar and Place Exchange. Additional large-format digital displays will be added to high-traffic sections of the PATH in 2025.

Founded in 2005, Statements Media is a boutique outdoor advertising company based in Toronto that specializes in premium out-of-home properties and innovative advertising networks. Its diverse portfolio includes large-format digital boards, static and digital taxi tops, mobile digital screens, wall murals, parking garage media, parking receipt ads, and place-based signage in office and retail environments.

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