By Sophie Mir
In this edition of restaurant “concepts to watch,” we highlight three restaurant concepts that are making an impact on Canadian diners this October. Here’s a look at the characteristics and menu offerings that make these restaurants unique:
Shawarma Palace
Facebook: 1,513 likes | Instagram: 282 followers
Locations: 4 (Calgary and Airdrie, Alberta)
Concept characteristics:
- Family-owned restaurants serving fresh and health-forward Mediterranean fare
- Three units in Calgary and one in Airdrie; stores in Calgary are located in the Forest Lawn, Falconridge and Montgomery neighbourhoods
- All units are open daily from late-morning to late-night hours
- Delivery available through third-party apps, Uber Eats and DoorDash
Menu snapshot:
- Wraps and platters — mostly meat-heavy, spotlighting varieties such as Chicken; Beef Donair; Chicken and Beef Donair; and Chicken, Lamb and Beef
- Sides — feature falafel, hummus, baked garlic potatoes, rice, samosa and grape leaves
- Salads — chicken and tabbouleh varieties available
- Desserts — baklava spotlighted as main dessert option
Burger de Ville
Facebook: 8,671 likes | Instagram: 1,028 followers
Locations: 3 (Montreal)
Concept characteristics:
- Gourmet burger shops with a focus on fresh offerings at affordable prices
- Founded by father-son duo Mohamed and Reda Wahba
- Stores emphasize a casual and relaxed family atmosphere
- Delivery offered through third-party apps Uber Eats and SkipTheDishes
Menu snapshot:
- Burgers—varieties include Black & Blue, featuring blue cheese; Saint, made with harissa mayonnaise; and Mediterranean, featuring grilled veggies and goat cheese
- Entrees—baby back ribs, grilled chicken and beef steaks
- Sides—selections include grilled veggies, spicy fries, coleslaw and soup of the day
- Poutines—varieties spotlight Tex Mex, Porto and Old Fashioned
Anejo Restaurant
Facebook: 6,798 likes | Instagram: 18,135 followers
Locations: 2 (Toronto and Calgary, Alberta)
Concept characteristics:
- Artsy Mexican restaurants
- Warm and laidback atmosphere achieved by vibrant decor, including colourful art and brick walls
- Calgary store is in the landmark 4th Street Rose building and features a multilevel, sky-lit room
- Reservations accepted and capacity to hold private events available
Menu snapshot:
- Snacks—highlight tuna poke, stuffed jalapenos, guacamole with tortilla chips, ginger coconut prawns and ceviche
- Plates—spotlight enchiladas; skirt steak with asparagus; Spanish rice with chicken; and beef, vegetarian and seafood varieties of molcajetes
- Tacos—made with beef, pork, tilapia, chicken, chorizo or mushroom, and fillings include red cabbage, cilantro, onion and jalapeno
- Tequila-focused bar—touts 200+ varieties of tequila including blanco (white), reposado (rested), anejo (aged) and extra anejo (extra aged)
Sophie Mir is an Associate Editor for Technomic Inc., 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.
