By Katie Belflower
Once again, in this latest edition of Concept Watch, RestoBiz and Technomic highlight three standouts in restaurant design and concepts that are on show in Canadian foodservice.
This month, the focus is on LOV, Terroni, and Starving Artist and how the restaurant design of each is standing out from the crowd in Canadian foodservice.
LOV
Facebook: 14,112+ likes | Instagram: 34,400+ followers
Locations: 5 (Ontario & Quebec)
Concept characteristics:
- Fast-casual cafes with entirely vegan menus
- Light and airy interiors featuring hanging greenery
- In-store seating and visible coffee preparation behind the bar
- Merchandise for sale including coffee mugs and reusable bags
Menu snapshot:
- Classics such as poutine and mac and cheese are given the plant-based treatment with vegan sauces and cheeses
- Globally influenced fare includes kimchi fries, coconut curry, and dumplings
- In addition to coffees, serves health-focused “LOV potions,” including golden milk, blue lavender lattes, and matcha lattes
- Adult beverage menu includes a selection of organic beers
Terroni
Source: Terroni website
Facebook: 5,519+ likes | Instagram: 23,300+ followers | Twitter: 3,868 followers
Locations: 3 (Ontario)
Concept characteristics:
- Full-service Italian restaurant specializing in authentic and fresh dishes
- Sells imported Italian goods such as wine and pasta
- Interiors are bright and all locations have outdoor dining space
- Event spaces are available at two locations
Menu snapshot:
- Fresh pasta is made in-house daily with eggs and Italian flour
- Classic pizza options include Margherita, Bufalina, and Napoli
- Extensive Italian wine list organized by region, sold by both the bottle and glass
- Selection of desserts such as biscotti, cannoli, gelato, and tiramisu
Starving Artist
Source: Starving Artist website
Facebook: 2,278+ likes | Instagram: 6,252+ followers | Twitter: 1,018+ followers
Locations: 7 (Ontario)
Concept characteristics:
- Full-service chain with an all-day brunch menu
- Waffles are the star menu item, with all dishes being served on or with a waffle
- All locations showcase new art from local artists every six weeks
- Hosts pop-up markets featuring local vendors
Menu snapshot:
- Sandwich waffles include smoked salmon, spicy chicken, and mixed veggie
- Dessert waffles are served on a mini waffle and come in varieties such as Caramel Pecan, S’more, and Peanut Butter & Banana
- Espresso available in mocha latte, cappuccino, and vanilla almond latte
- Cocktails include mimosas, Caesars, spiked hot chocolate, and Irish coffee
Concept Watch is based on restaurant and menu trends noted by Technomic Inc.
Katie Belflower is Associate Editor for Technomic, a Chicago-based foodservice research and consulting firm. Technomic provides clients with the facts, insights and consulting support they need to enhance their business strategies, decisions and results. The company’s services include publications and digital products as well as proprietary studies and ongoing research on all aspects of the food industry, including menu trends.
