As the Canadian economy remains uncertain, there is a growing concern among restaurateurs at what the future holds as costs continue to rise, margins get even thinner, and the tariff war escalates. The recently released EconoLease 2026 Hospitality Operator Report reveals some timely data, including the top threats cited by operators for the next 12 […]
By Jenna Oosterholt Every few months the conversation resurfaces: Should we eliminate tipping? On the surface, it sounds like a simple solution. Pay everyone a higher hourly wage and remove tips altogether. But eliminating tip culture would kill more than half, if not all of your favourite restaurants. The reality is that most independent restaurants […]
Foodservice continues to evolve, and the definition of value for many diners has shifted. While the benefit of drive-thrus was originally a speedier experience, these days, convenience is even more important to consumers. Today’s diners value food quality most (45 per cent), followed very closely by convenience (44 per cent), and speed (34 per cent) […]
The foodservice industry has long been defined by demanding schedules, physically and emotionally taxing work, and a culture that often leaves little room for rest or recovery. Long hours, unpredictable shifts, limited time off, and the challenge of maintaining a healthy work-life balance have contributed to an environment where stress and burnout can thrive. While […]
Restaurant competition from convenience stores has been steadily rising in the last few years, with recent data suggesting that 72 per cent of consumers now view c-stores as viable alternatives to QSRs, up from 56 per cent a year ago. As convenience stores continue to work to attract more customers for food purchases, many are […]
By Japji Singh At the end of a long service, most restaurant owners are not thinking about ideology; they are thinking about labour, food cost, waste, storage, and whether the numbers still work. That is exactly why so many operators feel stuck when the conversation turns to plastics compliance. They can see where the market […]
Elite Franchise has officially unveiled the 2026 Elite Franchise Top 100 Canada (EF100), the second annual ranking recognizing Canada’s top-performing franchise systems. Building on the strong momentum of its inaugural year, the EF100 has quickly established itself as a trusted benchmark for excellence in Canadian franchising. The annual ranking recognizes brands that are not only […]
By Eric Brass, co-founder of Tequila Tromba Canadians have a long and storied history with alcohol, from bootlegging during prohibition to developing homegrown wines and liquors. One relatively untapped spirit in Canada is tequila. Distilled with the heart of the agave plant, this liquor has seen a sharp rise in popularity below the border in […]
If you’re looking to grow your business, attract new clientele, and create a new revenue stream, catering could be a profitable step for your restaurant. As more and more businesses call people back to the office, company events, corporate gatherings, and office meetings will continue to pick up speed. The catering industry is projected to […]
Following a challenging first quarter, the outlook for the foodservice industry has operators remaining cautiously optimistic, according to the Restaurants Canada Q2 Quarterly Report, with a projected -0.5 to 0.5 per cent growth in 2025 and a 0.1 to 0.6 per cent decline in 2026. The report shows that as trade wars continue and economic […]
