Fast-casual diners may go elsewhere if no drive-thru is offered

New data from Technomic suggests that fast-casual diners are beginning to expect drive-thrus at restaurant locations, similar to the standard that has been established with quick-service restaurants. Some even say they would dine elsewhere if there wasn’t a drive-thru option. The “Future of LSR: Fast food and fast-casual” survey found that nearly half (45 per […]

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 […]

Quick-service restaurants are shrinking — by design

Digital is the present and the future for quick-service restaurants, and many major chains are refocusing on smaller physical footprints to increase efficiencies and maximize that potential. Tim Hortons’ U.S. restaurants are getting smaller in an attempt to make the most out of a smaller space and speed up build times, said José Cil, CEO of […]

B.GOOD announces franchise sales in Toronto area

Press Release B.GOOD, the Boston-based fast-casual pioneer in great tasting, responsibly sourced fare, announced today a new franchisee has purchased three locations in the Toronto area. The locations were purchased by Mani Gidda, a seasoned operator who brings extensive experience in not only the restaurant industry, but also finance and banking. “Being able to provide […]

Hopscotch’s third Toronto location now open on Queen Street

The health-conscious concept donates all opening proceeds to Toronto Foundation for Student Success Press release The Ontario-based health food concept, Hopscotch, has officially opened their newest location at 224 Queen Street West in Toronto. The fast casual restaurant, known for their affordable, chef-inspired menu boasting fresh and locally-sourced ingredients, donated all opening proceeds to Toronto […]

Ontario’s Hopscotch Restaurant Group hires Ward McKay as new chief operating officer

The industry veteran brings 30 years of restaurant franchising experience to the position Press release Hopscotch, the popular health-conscious, fast-casual concept based out of Ontario, has hired Ward McKay to lead and grow the concept’s franchising efforts as Chief Operating Officer. The franchise industry veteran and self-proclaimed ‘foodie’ brings a diverse collection of skills to […]

Q&A: Wyatt and Aiden Booth, founders, Hopscotch

By Kavita Sabharwal-Chomiuk Hopscotch, an Ontario-based, healthy fast casual concept, is expanding. The company, which currently has two storefronts in Ontario and three opening soon, recently signed two multi-unit franchise deals for the Toronto and Edmonton markets. The company will open three franchise locations in Toronto over the next four years, and will introduce the […]

Chutneys Indian Grill sets sights on national expansion

Fast casual/QSR Indian restaurant concept coming to BC in 2018 Chutneys Indian Grill, Canada’s first fast casual/QSR Indian restaurant concept, will soon be bringing its unique Indian quick serve street eats to South Surrey, British Columbia. The first location was opened in Edmonton, Alberta in 2016, with the restaurant winning multiple Golden Fork Awards including […]