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
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
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 & 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.
