concept watch

Concepts to Watch: Enoteca Monza, Bier Markt, and Topla

By Katie Belflower

RestoBiz and Technomic’s first 2023 edition of Concepts to Watch showcases three Canadian restaurant concepts, highlighting what makes them stand out from the crowd. This month, the focus is on Enoteca Monza, Bier Markt, and Topla.

Enoteca Monza

pizza
Image source: Enoteca Monza Instagram

Calabrese Pizza

Facebook: 9,260 likes | Instagram: 5,623 followers

Locations: 9 (Quebec)

Concept characteristics:

  • Full-service rustic Italian restaurant dishing up wood-fired pizzas and family recipes
  • Interiors are modern, with features such as high ceilings with exposed beams, padded leather booths, hanging Italian string lights, and marble counters
  • Atmosphere is intended to be friendly and ideal for groups, making everyone feel like they are part of the family
  • Franchising opportunities are available

Menu snapshot:

  • Recipes passed down from Italian family members
  • Extensive pasta list with choices such as Spaghetti Pomodoro, Rigatoni Tartufo, and Gnocchetti Sardi
  • Restaurants feature wood-fire ovens to cook pizzas
  • Offers both rossa (red sauce) and bianca (white sauce) pizzas

Bier Markt

schnitzel
Image source: Bier Markt Instagram

Chicken Schnitzel

Facebook: 17,315 likes | Instagram: 3,064 followers | Twitter: 2,308 followers

Locations: 4 (Ontario and Quebec)

Concept characteristics:

  • Full-service restaurant described as a “North American bier haus experience”
  • Prominent bars with extensive tap and bottled beers
  • Locations often have live music performances
  • Group bookings are available for events

Menu snapshot:

  • Emphasis on pairing food with the perfect beer
  • Appetizers include Drunken’ Duck Wings, Bier Cheese Dip, and Bavarian Pretzels
  • Mains include Schnitzel, Chimichurri Chicken Salad, and Roasted Cauliflower
  • Huge selection of both bottled and draft beers
  • Beer options available include lagers, amber ales, IPAs, wheat beer, and sours

Topla

meatballs
Image source: Topla Instagram

Meatballs & Divine Tomatoes

Facebook: 13,844 likes | Instagram: 1,017 followers

Locations: 8 (Quebec)

Concept characteristics:

  • Italian-influenced fast-casual concept specializing in pasta
  • Bright interiors characterized by red colour scheme and hanging lamps
  • Offers take-and-bake prepared meals
  • Sauces are sold in grocery stores

 Menu snapshot:

  • Offers a huge variety of pasta options, including Seafood & Lemon Zest, Stewed Bolognese, Duck Confit with Penne, and Ravioli with Pesto Sauce
  • All pasta is cooked to order, and sauces are housemade
  • Offers pasta that appeals to a variety of dietary restrictions, including vegan and gluten-free options
  • Serves a selection of panini in options such as Chipotle & Brie Chicken, Italian Ham & Cheese, and Smoked Salmon
  • Dessert verrines are offered in varieties such as Chocolate Hazelnut, Lemon and Speculoos, and Salted Caramel

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.

Feature image via Enoteca Monza Facebook

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