restaurants

Tipping Decline Across Canada: Actual report

Mario Toneguzzi -
New national data reveals that tips are declining across Canada amid the rising cost of living. Hospitality workers call the shift widely misunderstood, noting that the solution lies in greater transparency — not less tipping.

Lunaro Hospitality opens first restaurant with chef Justin Friedlich in Toronto

Mario Toneguzzi -
Shay Ristorante is named after Friedlich’s daughter and is described as a personal expression of his heritage and story, with a focus on creating a dining experience centred on family and Italian culinary traditions.

Chick-fil-A opening another Calgary location

Mario Toneguzzi -
It marks the brand's 31st restaurant in Canada.

Food services and drinking places sales reach close to $9 billion in July: Statistics Canada

Mario Toneguzzi -
In July, the largest increase in sales in dollar terms came from full-service restaurants (+0.8%), the industry's seventh consecutive month-over-month increase.

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.

The high cost of doing business in the restaurant industry: EconoLease

Mario Toneguzzi -
EconoLease’s 2026 Hospitality Operator Report found that restaurants’ most critical equipment breaks down the most, and many operators say they can’t afford to upgrade or replace it.

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.

Restaurants Canada welcomes extension of Federal Fuel Excise Tax suspension

Mario Toneguzzi -
Gas costs have risen by an average of 46% since December 2025, contributing to higher food and transportation costs and supplier fuel surcharges, reported by 86% of restaurants.

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.

New U.S. Tariffs Add to Cost Pressures for Canada’s Restaurant Industry: Restaurants Canada 

Mario Toneguzzi -
Restaurants Canada research shows that 41% of operators are now operating at a loss or barely breaking even, compared with 12% in 2019.

Daily Synopsis: August 18, 2026

Retail Insider -
Sport Check expanding 'destination' sport stores in department store spaces, Canada could lose 2,500 restaurants this year, David's Tea expands, Shake Shack opening new locations, and other news.

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. 

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.

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.

Permanent Daylight Time Could Redirect Canada’s Food Spending

Sylvain Charlebois -
Sylvain Charlebois examines how permanent daylight time could shift Canadian food spending between grocery stores, restaurants and other businesses.

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.

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.

Q2 2026 Canadian Food Service: Scale, Value and New Formats

Craig Patterson -
Canadian food service remained resilient in Q2 2026 as operators competed for traffic through value offers, franchise growth, coffee competition, wellness concepts, menu upgrades, and new real estate formats.
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