Food

OpenTable report highlights restaurants’ economic impact on Canadian communities

Mario Toneguzzi -
OpenTable survey finds half of Canadian diners spend an average of $133 at nearby businesses before or after restaurant visits, while no-shows remain a cost for operators.

Tahini’s targets 30 new restaurants as social media drives franchise growth

Mario Toneguzzi -
The Canadian Mediterranean fusion chain has 76 restaurants and plans further expansion in Canada and the U.S., with some franchisees discovering the brand online.

More Canadians tapping into savings or borrowing to pay for food: Dalhousie report

Mario Toneguzzi -
Agri-Food Analytics Lab survey finds private labels gain ground and dining out pushes food budgets higher

Twenty Two Media Launches foodism Creator Program With Six Toronto Influencers

Mario Toneguzzi -
The new initiative connects brands with food, wine, travel and lifestyle experts through creator-led video, editorial oversight and multi-channel campaigns.

OPA! of Greece increases protein portions by up to 25 per cent

Mario Toneguzzi -
The Calgary-founded restaurant chain says the larger souvlaki servings are available at all of its more than 120 Canadian locations.

A&W launches new mission and corporate strategy

Mario Toneguzzi -
System Sales in Q3 of $497.6 million increased by $18.0 million (3.8%)

Recipe Unlimited to acquire Greece-based restaurant operator Evergood

Mario Toneguzzi -
The Canadian restaurant company has signed an agreement to acquire Evergood, which operates more than 575 restaurants across five brands in Greece and regional markets.

Thai Express Is Betting on Calamari as Canada’s Next Quick-Service Premium Protein

Mario Toneguzzi -
Following the success of last year's lobster launch, the Canadian-born QSR brings another premium seafood favourite beyond the traditional restaurant appetizer.

Canadians’ confidence in direction of food system weakens: report

Mario Toneguzzi -
A Canadian Centre for Food Integrity survey finds food affordability remains Canadians' top concern as uncertainty about misinformation and artificial intelligence grows.

Kidfresh Expands to More Than 300 Canadian Stores as Kids’ Frozen Meal Category Grows

Mario Toneguzzi -
The brand is adding Metro Ontario and Pattison Food Group locations while making and packaging its Canadian lineup domestically.

Guac Mexi Grill Marks 10 Years With 56 Locations, Eyes U.S. Expansion

Mario Toneguzzi -
Oakville-based Guac Mexi Grill is marking its 10th anniversary with 56 Canadian locations and plans to add 10 to 15 restaurants annually while expanding into the U.S. and India.

8 in 10 Canadians cutting back on restaurants: Restaurants Canada

Mario Toneguzzi -
Restaurant sales are expected to reach $130 billion in 2026, but rising costs and thin margins continue to depress bottom lines.

Osmow’s reaches 250 locations as family-run restaurant marks 25 years

Mario Toneguzzi -
The company was founded by Sam Osmow in 2001 after he converted a small Streetsville sub shop into the first Osmow’s Shawarma location.

RBC says grocery prices likely to keep rising faster than overall inflation in near term

Mario Toneguzzi -
The report said the largest recent spike occurred between 2021 and 2023, when grocery inflation reached its highest level since the early 1980s and food prices rose 11 per cent year-over-year in late 2022.

Kinton Ramen opens third Hamilton-area location in Ancaster

Mario Toneguzzi -
The company now operates more than 60 locations in Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, Alberta and Quebec, with much of that growth occurring over the past five years.

Jollibee marks 10 years in Canada with promotional campaign and plans for 26 more restaurants

Mario Toneguzzi -
The Filipino fast-food chain, which opened its first Canadian restaurant in Winnipeg in December 2016, now has 28 locations across five provinces.

Taco Bell Canada brings back two menu favourites, debuts Quesarito

Mario Toneguzzi -
The menu additions draw on different periods in Taco Bell's history, with the Meximelt associated with the 1980s, the Caramel Apple Empanada with the 2000s and the Quesarito previously available in markets including the United States and Spain.

Jimmy John’s opens first Calgary restaurant in city’s University District

Mario Toneguzzi -
This is the second location in Alberta since the brand’s first Canadian location opened in November 2024, with plans to open over six more before the end of the year.

Food Basics Launches ‘More Flavours of Home’ Cookbook Series Celebrating Ontario’s Cultural Food Traditions

Mario Toneguzzi -
An opportunity to dive deeper beyond the hundreds of imported products key to many ethnicities that it carries, and into showcasing the people, recipes and traditions that make culture worth experiencing.

Brasa Peruvian Kitchen prepares to open at Toronto Pearson Airport

Mario Toneguzzi -
Brasa is treating this expansion almost like a different operating model rather than simply a restaurant with more revenue. 

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.
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