August 27, 2026 Celebrating monthly food holidays allows guests to be treated to something unique, can attract a new group of visitors, can give staff something to look forward to, and can help you get attention from first-timers.
Here are some of the September food holidays you could choose to celebrate:
September 5: International Bacon Day
Everybody loves bacon, right? This ...Read more about this post
July 23, 2026 Make the most of the final stretch of summer by celebrating August’s lineup of food holidays. With seasonal ingredients at their peak and fresh flavours taking centre stage, these occasions offer the perfect opportunity to create memorable dining experiences before the season comes to a close.
Limited time offers inspired by these celebrations can entice new ...Read more about this post
July 17, 2026 By Lizzy Freier
As operators strive to drive traffic in 2026 by connecting with Canadians’ tastes and values, we’re seeing exciting menu trends and shifts that reflect the evolving preferences of diners. Let’s dive into the movements and creative approaches shaping the Canadian culinary landscape.
Exploring uncharted Asia
Increased global flavour innovation and a growing appreciation for authenticity ...Read more about this post
July 14, 2026 Summer is the busiest time of year for many restaurant operators, and some QSRs are upping their game by marketing summer specials to add value in new ways. Studies show that 41 per cent of consumers associate summer with special flavours, dishes, beverages, and restaurant LTOs, with 46 per cent interested in purchasing LTO items ...Read more about this post
July 7, 2026 By Jessica Brill
Dining trends come and go, evolving to reflect current tastes, economic considerations, and even social media phenomena. Healthy dining has long been a factor for many consumers, and today’s idea of healthy dining has shifted from the simple desire for wellness, to a focus on functional dining that addresses specific consumer needs and ...Read more about this post
June 25, 2026 Food holidays allow restaurateurs to offer something timely, unique, and to switch up the menu with innovative options. July holidays celebrate everything from blueberries to chicken wings, so start planning for a month to remember!
Here’s a look at some of the food holidays to choose from in July:
July 5: National Graham Cracker Day
Graham crackers may ...Read more about this post
May 19, 2026 By Elizabeth Wessel
Chefs and restaurateurs need to stay innovative to set themselves apart from the competition, and adding trendy food items to the menu is one way to attract attention and increase restaurant traffic. This latest edition of Trend Watch focuses on three menu trends that are being seen across Canada right now: quirky gin infusions, miso ...Read more about this post
April 27, 2026 By Jose Chavez
The silent revolution is taking place in restaurant kitchens all over North America, and it has nothing to do with the technology of plant-based proteins but has everything to do with something much older: spice. The discourse of vegan eating throughout the decades was dominated by the concept of substitution, the replacement of protein ...Read more about this post
April 9, 2026 Each year brings an original list of consumer cravings, top trends, and emerging flavours, and this year’s menus are popping with vibrant colours, interesting combinations, and strong flavours. 64 per cent of consumers are looking forward to new food and beverage trends in 2026, and operators are delivering with innovative LTOs and seasonal offerings that ...Read more about this post
April 2, 2026 LTOs have been in the headlines often, and they are a popular way for operators to offer innovation and increase value, but for today’s customers, cheaper prices aren’t the only way to improve perceived value. Even as LTOs continue to grow in popularity, some QSRs have adopted a different strategy to drive traffic with improved ...Read more about this post
April 1, 2026 Today’s consumers are looking for unique and memorable experiences from their favourite restaurants, so operators need to take steps to stand out and attract attention. LTOs are a great way for restaurants to capitalize on temporary trends, test out new menu items, and interest a new clientele. Studies show that 91 per cent of diners ...Read more about this post
February 19, 2026 March brings a feeling of spring and some fun food holidays for your restaurant! From potato chips to waffles, this month offers something for everyone to celebrate. Spread the word to get guests excited to visit and experience something unique at your restaurant with a themed menu, party décor, live entertainment, and more!
Here are just ...Read more about this post
February 17, 2026 Spicy, “swicy,” and many more iterations have become very popular on restaurant menus in recent years, and this year is continuing the tradition as many QSRs bring the heat with themed LTOs. To address diner demand, 95 per cent of restaurants now have at least one spicy item on the menu, and research shows that ...Read more about this post
February 6, 2026 Food trends come and go, but what should operators focus on for next year’s menus? What flavours are attracting attention and driving diners to enjoy LTOs, make repeat visits, and post about meals on their social media channels? 2026 appears on the surface to be themed “opposites attract,” with combinations like healthy and indulgent, while ...Read more about this post
January 22, 2026 As health-conscious consumers increasingly drive many of the menu trends, protein continues to dominate diner demand. Recent research shows that 69 per cent of Canadians say they plan to eat more protein in 2026, 81 per cent consider protein essential for their health, and 44 per cent list cost as a barrier to getting enough ...Read more about this post
