Managing a successful September at your restaurant

September is a month of transition for many restaurant operators, as student employees return to school, traffic levels decline for the fall season, and patio space is no longer in such hot demand. Operators can become overwhelmed with these seasonal challenges, and a fresh approach can help get a better handle on fall operations. Here […]

What’s driving off-premise dining?

By Emma Balment In a market where the dining room increasingly belongs to the consumer, winning the off-premise will become just as important as winning the dine-in one for today’s restaurant operators. Traditionally in Canada, the majority of orders were consumed at the restaurant, whether full-service or quick-service – but things have changed. Years ago, […]

Health-conscious consumers are reshaping the global coffee industry

By Pragati Pathrotkar Coffee has always carried a paradox: people love it for the ritual, the flavour, and the jolt of energy – but that same jolt is increasingly what’s driving them away from regular brews. Enter decaffeinated coffee, once dismissed as a flavourless compromise, now emerging as one of the more dynamic corners of […]

Today’s evolving tip culture

By Jenna Oosterholt Every few months the conversation resurfaces: Should we eliminate tipping? On the surface, it sounds like a simple solution. Pay everyone a higher hourly wage and remove tips altogether. But eliminating tip culture would kill more than half, if not all of your favourite restaurants. The reality is that most independent restaurants […]

The sweet treats Canadians are craving

This season, consumers are looking for more than just a sweet treat; dessert and beverage choices are increasingly being shaped by a desire for new experiences, from discovering unexpected flavour combinations to enjoying familiar favourites in fresh and creative ways. As tastes continue to evolve, cafés and restaurants are finding new opportunities to reimagine classic […]

Coffee programs can increase restaurant revenues

By Jose Chavez For many restaurants, coffee is treated as a simple add-on; it’s poured at breakfast, served after dinner, or offered as a standard beverage alongside the menu. But a well-planned coffee program can do much more than complete a meal – it can increase average order value, encourage repeat visits, create new revenue […]

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 […]

LTO Trend Watch: a look back at May

By Elizabeth Wessel RestoBiz and Technomic have partnered to present LTO trends that are on the rise, along with data to help operators meet diner demands, stay trendy and structure offers that will get guests excited. This edition of LTO Trend Watch looks back at May, highlighting trends including Thai-inspired dishes, fruity lemonades, and more. […]

Dining dissatisfaction and the high cost of not knowing who’s in the room

By Ryan Volberg New research reveals a troubling disconnect in Canada’s dining culture: while diners deeply value attentive, personalized service, many stay silent when their expectations aren’t met. In fact, Canada ranks first globally for silent dining dissatisfaction, with 22 per cent of diners choosing not to voice concerns when service falls short – the […]

Turning seasonal team building into lasting success

By Danny Murrell As Canadian restaurants, foodservice operators, and staffing agencies gear up for the busy summer season — packed with staycations, concerts, and sporting events — one thing stays the same every year: the summer rush is rarely predictable. Effective seasonal staffing is the secret to turning what could be a major operational headache […]