Celebrating food holidays in September

Celebrating monthly food holidays allows guests to be treated to something unique, can attract a new group of visitors, can give staff something to look forward to, and can help you get attention from first-timers. Here are some of the September food holidays you could choose to celebrate: September 5: International Bacon Day Everybody loves […]

August food holidays to commemorate with your guests

Make the most of the final stretch of summer by celebrating August’s lineup of food holidays. With seasonal ingredients at their peak and fresh flavours taking centre stage, these occasions offer the perfect opportunity to create memorable dining experiences before the season comes to a close. Limited time offers inspired by these celebrations can entice […]

The culinary movements transforming Canada’s restaurant menus

By Lizzy Freier As operators strive to drive traffic in 2026 by connecting with Canadians’ tastes and values, we’re seeing exciting menu trends and shifts that reflect the evolving preferences of diners. Let’s dive into the movements and creative approaches shaping the Canadian culinary landscape. Exploring uncharted Asia Increased global flavour innovation and a growing […]

Innovative restaurant marketing for summer

Summer is the busiest time of year for many restaurant operators, and some QSRs are upping their game by marketing summer specials to add value in new ways. Studies show that 41 per cent of consumers associate summer with special flavours, dishes, beverages, and restaurant LTOs, with 46 per cent interested in purchasing LTO items […]

How healthy dining trends are shaping restaurant menus

By Jessica Brill Dining trends come and go, evolving to reflect current tastes, economic considerations, and even social media phenomena. Healthy dining has long been a factor for many consumers, and today’s idea of healthy dining has shifted from the simple desire for wellness, to a focus on functional dining that addresses specific consumer needs […]

Food holidays to celebrate with your guests in July

Food holidays allow restaurateurs to offer something timely, unique, and to switch up the menu with innovative options. July holidays celebrate everything from blueberries to chicken wings, so start planning for a month to remember! Here’s a look at some of the food holidays to choose from in July: July 5: National Graham Cracker Day […]

Trend Watch: Gin infusions, miso caramel, tea applications

By Elizabeth Wessel Chefs and restaurateurs need to stay innovative to set themselves apart from the competition, and adding trendy food items to the menu is one way to attract attention and increase restaurant traffic. This latest edition of Trend Watch focuses on three menu trends that are being seen across Canada right now: quirky gin infusions, […]

How spice-forward cuisines enhance modern vegan menus

By Jose Chavez The silent revolution is taking place in restaurant kitchens all over North America, and it has nothing to do with the technology of plant-based proteins but has everything to do with something much older: spice. The discourse of vegan eating throughout the decades was dominated by the concept of substitution, the replacement of […]

2026 restaurant menus offer vibrant colours and flavours

Each year brings an original list of consumer cravings, top trends, and emerging flavours, and this year’s menus are popping with vibrant colours, interesting combinations, and strong flavours. 64 per cent of consumers are looking forward to new food and beverage trends in 2026, and operators are delivering with innovative LTOs and seasonal offerings that […]

Some operators are focusing on quality to improve value

LTOs have been in the headlines often, and they are a popular way for operators to offer innovation and increase value, but for today’s customers, cheaper prices aren’t the only way to improve perceived value. Even as LTOs continue to grow in popularity, some QSRs have adopted a different  strategy to drive traffic with improved […]