By Katie Belflower
Technomic is constantly keeping abreast of the latest and greatest in Canadian restaurants, and its latest Concepts to Watch highlights three more standout restaurant concepts on show right now.
This month, the focus is on Burgoo, Uniburger, and Sidewalk Citizen.
Burgoo
Facebook: 1,890 likes | Instagram: 6,748 followers | Twitter: 3,142 followers
Locations: 4 (Vancouver, B.C.)
Concept characteristics:
- Bistro founded in 2001 focused on serving “food and drink for comfort”
- Interiors feature earth tones as well as natural finishes and materials
- Selects vital urban neighbourhoods for expansion opportunities, and emphasizes the importance of community involvement
- Online ordering available for pickup
Menu snapshot:
- Utilizes free-run chicken and wild caught shrimp
- Many sauces and dips are housemade
- Starters include Honey Harissa Wings, Brie Fondue, and Pierogi & Sausage
- Classic comfort dishes include Chicken Pot Pie, Macaroni & Cheese, and Beef Bourguignon
- Selection of comforting desserts available, such as Chocolate Mousse, Cherry Cheesecake, and Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding
Uniburger
Facebook: 7,235 likes | Instagram: 9,582 followers
Locations: 7 (Montreal)
Concept characteristics:
- Fast-food chain founded in 2013 specializing in burgers cooked on a flat top
- Emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients and simple menu
- Catering is available
- Delivery and takeout available through online ordering
Menu snapshot:
- Classic Uniburger comes with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and specialty Uniburger sauce
- Burger patties are made from fresh 100 per cent AAA Canadian Beef, never frozen, and mixed and prepared every day
- Burgers are made to order and can be customized with choice of toppings including bacon, pickles, grilled onions, and hot peppers
- Side options are fries and poutine
- Fries are fresh-cut and never frozen, then double-fried
Sidewalk Citizen
Facebook: 4,107 likes | Instagram: 22,549 followers
Locations: 3 (Calgary, Alberta)
Concept characteristics:
- Bakery, restaurant, and deli specializing in housemade sourdough bread
- Focused on local sourcing and utilizing fresh, organic ingredients
- One location features a solarium that can be used to host events
- Catering is available
Menu snapshot:
- All doughs, pastries, desserts, and cakes are made fresh daily from organic, locally milled flour
- Sourdough culture started in 2009 by owner and fed daily
- Sourdough is on a rotating daily schedule with different types offered including seeded, multigrain and organic whole wheat
- Cold sourdough sandwiches come in varieties such as Maple Pork Loin, Chicken Salad, and Roast Cauliflower
- Offers breakfast dishes such as Shakshuka, French Toast, and Smoked Salmon Plate
Concept Watch is based on restaurant and menu concepts and 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.
