Foodtastic

From The Desk: Canadian Retail Evolution Through Innovation, Expansion, and Experience

Craig Patterson -
This week's retail news highlighted an industry balancing change and opportunity. From the end of a chapter in Canadian furniture manufacturing to major investments in luxury retail, experiential concepts, and new store openings, retailers continue to adapt to evolving consumer expectations and economic pressures.

Foodtastic acquires Kinton Ramen: CEO Interview

Mario Toneguzzi -
Foodtastic is a leading Canadian restaurant franchisor with a portfolio of 30 diverse brands and over 1,200 establishments across the country.

Dunkin’ Return to Canada Signals New Coffee War

Sylvain Charlebois -
Dunkin’ is returning to Canada under Foodtastic, reigniting competition in a coffee market long dominated by Tim Hortons and increasingly shaped by shifting consumer habits.

Dunkin’ and Foodtastic sign deal to open hundreds of locations in Canada

Mario Toneguzzi -
Foodtastic said it will have exclusive rights to develop the Dunkin’ brand nationally through both corporate and franchise-operated locations.

Pita Pit rolls out shawarma lineup across Canada with chef-developed menu

Mario Toneguzzi -
The move signals a shift toward more standardized, chef-led offerings designed to streamline ordering and ensure consistency across the brand’s more than 200 Canadian restaurants.

Second Cup kicks off annual fundraising campaign in support of Breakfast Club of Canada

Mario Toneguzzi -
The campaign aims to raise $25,000 to help provide nutritious breakfasts to children in schools across Canada.

Jimmy John’s coming to Edmonton

Mario Toneguzzi -
“This marks our very first Jimmy John’s location, and it’s just the beginning. We have ambitious plans to expand with 12–13 additional locations across Edmonton and its surrounding suburbs."

Foodtastic expands Noodlebox brand across Canada with eyes on Montreal launch

Mario Toneguzzi -
The Asian fusion concept has grown to 71 locations across the country, with roughly 14 new restaurants opening in 2025 and another 25 currently in development.

Second Cup Café opening first location in Vaughan

Mario Toneguzzi -
The new café offers a drive-thru for added convenience, updated exterior signage, and expanded seating for guests who want to gather, work, or relax.

Jimmy John’s Opens First Saskatoon Location

Craig Patterson -
Jimmy John’s opens its first Saskatoon location, advancing the brand’s national Canadian expansion strategy.

Daily Synopsis: Feb 24, 2026

Retail Insider -
Grocery giant investing in discount, Bobby Flay's Burgers coming to Toronto, CF expanding investment portfolio, Taiwanese tea shop closes half of Vancouver locations, T&T Supermarkets innovates, and other news.

Foodtastic adds Central Social Hall to its portfolio, strengthening its presence in casual dining

Mario Toneguzzi -
The move supports the company’s strategy of adding strong Canadian brands to its portfolio of banners and expanding into dining concepts that cater to both everyday occasions and social gatherings.

Second Cup Expands with New Calgary Location

Retail Insider -
Second Cup opens a new Trinity Hills café in Calgary as the Canadian coffee brand continues expanding its national footprint.

Foodtastic Seeks Franchisees as It Expands Across Canada

Mario Toneguzzi -
While Foodtastic maintains fewer than 30 corporate locations, the majority of its outlets are franchised, spanning roughly seven or eight of its brands.

Second Cup Marks 50 Years With Birthday Menu and Merch

Craig Patterson -
Second Cup celebrates 50 years with birthday cake drinks, commemorative merchandise, and growth plans under Foodtastic.

Jimmy John’s Expands to Winnipeg with First Location Opening

Craig Patterson -
Jimmy John’s, the American sandwich chain known for its freshly baked bread, premium ingredients, and famously fast service, will open the doors to its first Winnipeg location on September 19. The store is located at 1740 Pembina Highway, a...

Milestones Unveils Test Kitchen and Fraser Bar in Vancouver

Lee Rivett -
Milestones opens its first Test Kitchen and Fraser Bar in Vancouver, introducing bold menu innovation and a 1920s-inspired cocktail experience.

Jimmy John’s to Open 12 Canadian Locations by Year-End

Craig Patterson -
Jimmy John’s accelerates Canadian rollout with 12 new stores in 2025, including Niagara Falls as its second location.

Pita Pit eyes growth, community engagement and innovation as it plans for the future

Mario Toneguzzi -
Pita Pit’s growth target is more ambitious over the longer term.

White Spruce Partners secures Jimmy John’s multi-store expansion to Manitoba and the 1st Canadian drive-thru

Mario Toneguzzi -
Founded in 1983, Jimmy John’s is a fast-casual sandwich chain known for its fresh ingredients, baked-daily bread, and trademark “Freaky Fast®” service.

Second Cup Opens New Location at Kipling GO in Toronto

Craig Patterson -
Second Cup opens its 179th Canadian café at Kipling GO Transit Bus Terminal in Etobicoke, expanding under Foodtastic's ownership.

Freshii launches its first lineup of premium, top-quality poke bowls

Mario Toneguzzi -
Freshii says it is the largest national chain to offer a lineup of poke bowls to Canadian consumers

Rotisseries Benny Debuts in China via Foodtastic Deal

Craig Patterson -
Foodtastic and NGU-Group announce the international expansion of Quebec’s Rotisseries Benny, with the first two Chinese locations opening in Shanghai this fall.

Pita Pit celebrates 30 Years of fresh, customizable eats with $100K giveaway and new brand refresh

Mario Toneguzzi -
Founded on July 21, 1995, in Kingston, Ontario, Pita Pit has grown from a single storefront into a global franchise with 242 Canadian locations and a presence in international markets.

Second Cup brewing growth: CEO Peter Mammas shares expansion strategy under Foodtastic ownership

Mario Toneguzzi -
Second Cup currently operates around 200 locations across the country, with plans for rapid expansion.
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