Alberta dog-friendly patios no longer need AHS approval

Alberta just got more pup-friendly, as the provincial government has announced that dog-friendly patios no longer need approval from an Alberta Health Services inspector. Restaurants, bars, and coffee shops will be allowed to welcome dog owners to eat outdoors without any red tape. Previously, a foodservice business had to request authorization from AHS before allowing […]

Edmonton proving a popular test market for US chains

US restaurant chains looking to take their first steps into the Western Canadian market are focusing on testing the waters in Edmonton. In recent months, numerous food and beverage chains such as P.F. Chang’s, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, California Pizza Kitchen, and convenience store giant 7-Eleven are focusing on the Albertan city as a launchpad for […]

Numerous provinces lifting various COVID-19 restrictions

Several Canadian provinces are tweaking their plans for the next few weeks and relieving some of their COVID-19 restrictions. On February 8, the Alberta government announced that effective at midnight that night, it is scrapping its mandatory proof of vaccination policy. Premier Jason Kenney said his “careful and prudent” plan will allow the province to […]

Alberta restaurant donates $25K Caesar winnings to community

Sorso Lounge from Airdrie, Alta. was recently chosen from 255 Canadian restaurants to win the grand prize provided by Mott’s Clamato for their Caesar. Not content with merely winning, they felt they had to give something back. Managing Partner London Richard from Sorso Lounge, the grand prize winner of the Mott’s Clamato “Best Caesar in Town” […]

Alberta introduces stricter health measures & vaccine passport exemption program

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has introduced strict and sweeping new measures to combat the spread of COVID-19, including a form of vaccine passport. Apologizing and admitting fault for his government’s handling of the pandemic, Kenney announced a state of public health emergency on September 15. Alberta will now implement new health measures to expand capacity, increase […]

Alberta introduces “Made in Alberta, by Albertans” food labels

Alberta’s provincial government is introducing a “Made in Alberta” label to help grocery shoppers quickly identify food that has been produced within the province’s borders. The labels, which will read “Made in Alberta, by Albertans”, will be introduced by the government’s Agriculture and Forestry department. The key motivations are to help support local farmers and food […]

Voilà grocery pick-up service expands into Western Canada

Empire has expanded its Voilà grocery home shopping offering to Alberta. The launch of “Voilà by Safeway Curbside Pickup” sets the stage for its online grocery home delivery service ultimately coming to the province in 2023. In support of the expansion, a Customer Fulfilment Centre is being built in Rocky View County, just outside of Calgary. […]

Canadian breakfast spot Pür & Simple enters Alberta

Canadian breakfast, brunch, and lunch restaurant Pür & Simple is opening its first Alberta location at Kingsway Mall in Edmonton on Friday, April 2, 2021. The location is the Canadian eatery’s 20th storefront and will employ 25-30 Edmontonians. It will have seating arranged with physical distancing measures in place, including Plexiglas partitions to provide a […]

Alberta restaurants can reopen indoor dining starting Feb. 8

By Tom Nightingale Alberta restaurants will be able to offer dine-in service again starting Monday, Feb. 8 as part of the province’s plan to ease COVID-19 restrictions. From today, establishments can seat up to six people at each table as long as they are from the same household. People who live alone can go to […]