restaurants

Guac Mexi Grill plans 95 U.S. restaurants in 10-year expansion

Mario Toneguzzi -
Guac Mexi Grill has signed a 95-unit U.S. development agreement, targeting Georgia, South Carolina and Florida, with openings planned for 2027.

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.

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.

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.
- Advertisement -