restaurants

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.

Marcos, Carney visit Vancouver Jollibee as restaurant chain plans Canadian expansion

Mario Toneguzzi -
The company said it intends to continue expanding its presence in Canada as part of its long-term growth strategy through franchising over the next five years.

Jersey Mike’s Subs to open Burlington restaurant as Redberry continues Canadian expansion

Mario Toneguzzi -
The Burlington restaurant becomes part of a network of more than 30 Jersey Mike’s locations now operating in Canada under Redberry Restaurants, one of the country’s largest quick-service restaurant franchisees.

Toronto restaurant to introduce build-your-own pho concept in September

Mario Toneguzzi -
The restaurant will offer customers a choice of ingredients to create individual meals, including traditional broth-based pho as well as dry pho, which the company is introducing as an alternative preparation.

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.

Mailo’s The Pasta Project to open first North American location in Toronto

Mario Toneguzzi -
The concept is a fast-casual restaurant brand known for its signature "street pasta" concept, combining premium ingredients with the convenience of modern urban dining.
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