By Aaron Jourden Dairy is proving to be a key ingredient in some of today’s trendiest and most craveable beverages at restaurants. Milk, yogurt, ice cream and other dairy products add sweetness, richness, texture and body to popular beverages like milkshakes, smoothies and coffee. Dairy is also a central component in up-and-coming ethnic specialties like […]
By Kristin Menas In this edition of “concepts to watch,” we highlight three restaurant concepts that are making an impact on Canadian diners. Here’s a look at the characteristics and menu offerings that make these restaurants unique. Flock Rotisserie + Greens Instagram: 3,205 followers | Twitter: 448 followers Locations: 3 (Toronto) Concept characteristics: Quality, healthy […]
By Rita Negrete A large and vocal cohort of Canadians was disappointed that the McDonald’s experiment with all-day breakfast in its U.S. units won’t be duplicated in Canada—at least not for now. Nor are quick-service competitors rushing into the breach. Canada’s iconic Tim Hortons, for instance, made news when it extended weekday breakfast to noon […]
By Kristin Menas The following trends will continue to make a big impact on restaurant menus this year. Below we will highlight some of the leading menu trends to watch on Canadian menus. Pretzels About the trend: A number of operators are experimenting with pretzels beyond pretzel buns, including the use of this salty snack […]
With soft drinks and sodas losing some of their fizzle with Canadian foodservice customers, many are turning to a perennial beverage standby presented with a cool twist – cold-brewed coffee. Not to be confused with iced coffee — which is usually just a variation of espresso or strong coffee blended with milk, ice and sugar — […]
By Aimee Harvey Dinner is the cornerstone of the restaurant menu, the daypart when many operators (particularly those in table service) flaunt their variety, creativity and innovation on the plate. Dinner is also how many restaurant-goers think of dining out, from celebratory nights out to casual family meals. Yet we’re seeing the ground shift in […]
By Kristin Menas In our first ever ‘concepts to watch,’ we highlight three restaurant concepts that are making an impact on Canadian diners. These original eateries use social media to their benefit, are positioned as fast-casual and offer guests unique experiences. Here’s a look at our top fast-casual restaurant concepts. Mandy’s Instagram: 5,797 followers |Facebook: […]
By Jasmine Kafka The family segment comprises roughly 50 per cent of restaurant revenues in casual dining, with an average cheque 83 per cent higher than couples or seniors (based on The NPD Group CREST Study, 2010). Leading industry consultants forecast that family dining visits will increase this year, as the economy improves and restaurants […]
Smokin’ veggies: Show your veggies some grill-love too. With the right preparation, they might even steal the show from grilled meats and seafood! Grilled vegetables, with their delicious smoky charred flavours, can add a whole new and premium flavour dimension to a meal, whether served as a side dish, as toppings for gourmet burgers and […]
By Kristin Menas Chicken sandwiches and wraps are the most popular type of sandwiches on Canadian menus, according to MenuMonitor data. Chicken is also a widely preferred type of sandwich protein among consumers. Technomic’s 2014 Canadian Sandwich Consumer Trend Report found that more than half of consumers prefer chicken breast for lunch and dinner sandwiches. […]
