Food

Daily Synopsis: Aug 5, 2026

Retail Insider -
Toronto police lay thousands of shoplifting charges, Shopify shares surge as AI grows, FreshCo expands in Alberta, Centerpoint Hudson's Bay store being demolished, and other news.

KINTON RAMEN introduces children’s menu aimed at expanding family dining business

Mario Toneguzzi -
The new Kids Menu combines a children's meal with activities designed to introduce young diners to elements of Japanese language and culture while they eat.

Protein price spikes offset broad grocery relief in July: Agri-Food Analytics Lab

Mario Toneguzzi -
The Lab said its 50-item food basket increased by 0.3% from June to July, rising by approximately $0.89 to an equal-city average of $298.38.

The Keg launches first-ever delivery service through exclusive DoorDash partnership

Mario Toneguzzi -
Customers can now order a range of its signature menu items, including steaks, appetizers and desserts, through the delivery platform, marking a significant expansion of how the company serves customers beyond its restaurant dining rooms.

A&W Food Services releases Q2 results as sales and revenue grow

Mario Toneguzzi -
During the quarter, the company opened eight new A&W restaurants and the first franchised Pret shop.

Taco Bell Canada launches Crispy Chicken Nuggets, new Baja Blast flavour as expansion accelerates

Mario Toneguzzi -
Limited-time offerings are intended to balance familiar favourites with fresh experiences that encourage repeat visits and generate buzz in an increasingly competitive quick-service market.

Rising costs outpace sales growth, eroding restaurant profitability: Restaurants Canada

Mario Toneguzzi -
Real commercial foodservice sales are expected to grow by 1.5% in 2026 (inflation-adjusted), a slight improvement over the Q1 forecast.

Quebec Removes QST from Select Foods and Household Essentials

Lee Rivett -
Quebec has removed QST from selected foods, toilet paper and facial tissues, requiring retailers to update product classifications and checkout systems.

Jersey Mike’s opening first Manitoba restaurant as Redberry expands Canadian footprint

Mario Toneguzzi -
The opening also launches a five-day fundraising campaign in support of Make-A-Wish Canada, part of a broader commitment announced in May to raise $1 million for the charity by 2030.

CHFA launches Greenhouse program to support emerging Canadian wellness brands

Mario Toneguzzi -
The Greenhouse will make its debut at CHFA NOW in Toronto on Sept. 26 and 27, giving participating companies a presence on the trade show floor at an event focused on the natural, organic and wellness products sector.

Italian Centre Shop expands in Calgary with new Northland location opening July 16

Mario Toneguzzi -
The new 22,000-square-foot location, which will open at 10 a.m. following a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony, will bring Italian Centre Shop’s signature blend of European grocery, fresh food experiences, and warm hospitality to Northwest Calgary — a growing and vibrant part of the city.

Honestly Good Chicken Fingers appoints Naomi Kempkes as President

Mario Toneguzzi -
Prior to her co-founding Honestly Good Chicken Fingers, she held leadership roles with several established restaurant brands, including Recipe Unlimited Corporation, The Burger’s Priest, Fionn MacCool’s and East Side Mario’s.

Report says supply management adds hundreds of dollars to annual food costs, pushes thousands below poverty line

Mario Toneguzzi -
More than 120,000 people remain below the low-income cut-off because of those added food costs.

WeCook launches nationwide delivery with expansion into six new Canadian markets

Mario Toneguzzi -
The company said the expansion follows a period of rapid growth. It has grown by more than 1,000% since 2020, created over 600 jobs, and now delivers more than four million meals annually.

Sagamité to open Wendat restaurant and retail space at Québec City airport

Mario Toneguzzi -
The 273-square-metre restaurant and shop will begin serving travellers in the fall 2026, offering dine-in and takeaway food alongside Indigenous-made goods.

HEAL Wellness expands across Canada and U.S., targets 100 locations by end of 2026

Mario Toneguzzi -
What started as a single Ontario location has now grown to more than 37 locations across the country.

Charcoal Group pushes ahead with expansion as restaurant sector faces uncertainty: CEO Jody Palubiski

Mario Toneguzzi -
Consumers are still spending on dining out, but have become more selective about where they choose to go.

Toronto startup Nüu Catering bets office catering can help drive return-to-office culture

Mario Toneguzzi -
Platform connects offices with more than 50 local restaurant brands across Toronto.

Tahini’s to roll out Shawarma Ramen across Canada after initial test launch

Mario Toneguzzi -
The national launch marks a broader expansion of a product the company has spent two years developing as it looks to build on customer interest in fusion-style menu offerings and social media engagement.

SKYBIRD Asian Grill opens fourth location as it prepares for continued growth

Mario Toneguzzi -
SKYBIRD Asian Grill has opened its fourth location at 2183 Rue Ste-Catherine West in Montréal, continuing its fast-casual growth.

adidas Taking Over Toronto’s STACKT Market for FIFA World Cup

Craig Patterson -
adidas is turning Toronto’s STACKT Market into a massive FIFA World Cup fan destination with watch parties, retail, food, and soccer experiences.

Time Out Market Vancouver prepares for May 28 opening date at Oakridge Park

Mario Toneguzzi -
Across 51,000 sq ft there are 18 kitchens, a dessert counter, a coffee counter, 3 bars, multiple event spaces and a large outdoor terrace onto a public park.

Happy Belly Food Group exercises right to acquire remaining 50% of PIRHO Fresh Greek Grill

Mario Toneguzzi -
Happy Belly’s portfolio consists of 686 contractually committed retail franchise locations across multiple emerging brands in various stages of development, construction, and operation.

CRAFT Beer Market launches summer menu developed under new brand innovation director

Mario Toneguzzi -
The menu reflects a renewed focus on seasonal Canadian ingredients and pairings designed to complement its craft beer selection as it continues to expand its presence across British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.

Millennials adapting grocery habits through multi-store

Mario Toneguzzi -
Consumers are increasingly cooking at home, tracking discounts and using multiple shopping tools to manage household costs.
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