By Tyrone Ho Canadian restaurants have been absorbing one shock after another since 2020. COVID-19 came first, then tariffs, and this year, food and fuel prices surged. Throughout all these years, diners have been watching every dollar they spend a lot closer. Most operators have spent that stretch in survival mode, but now it’s time to […]
The Competition Bureau has announced an examination of competition across Canada’s food supply chain. Food prices have risen sharply in recent years, putting significant pressure on Canadian households and restaurants. While many factors influence food prices, competition plays an important role in keeping prices in check and giving Canadians more choice. A 2025 poll found that 83 […]
By Sabby Gill Amid today’s economic challenges, restaurant owners are facing intense pressure. More than half of Canadian business leaders say they’re experiencing the most unpredictable business environment in the past decade, according to recent studies. Those in the hospitality and retail sectors are feeling the impact even more acutely, with 60 per cent revealing […]
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 […]
As consumers continue to be extra careful where they spend their money, demonstrating value can really differentiate a restaurant and drive traffic. How can operators offer more value while still maintaining their margins? “Canadians are expecting more value for their dollars as they grapple with affordability…” said Kelly Higginson, President and CEO of Restaurants Canada. […]
Today’s turbulent times mean restaurant operators are juggling even more than they’re used to, from high staff turnover to tariff wars to rising costs, and beyond. As many restaurateurs continue to struggle to recover from the days of the pandemic, these additional challenges are making it even more difficult for operators to get ahead. As […]
By Brittain Brown Restaurants continue to struggle for survival across the country, with many establishments facing bankruptcy closures. As eating out continues to get more expensive, the holiday season is a pivotal time for the restaurant industry to boost sales. In a time of economic uncertainty, it’s essential for restaurant operators to strategically deploy their […]
As inflation seems to have finally cooled, restaurants continue to struggle with the increased costs from the last few years. In four years, average restaurant food costs have risen 29 per cent and labour costs have increased by 31 per cent. As a result, many restaurateurs have raised menu prices to try and recoup some […]
With inflation continuing and menu prices rising, what does the future of the beverage market look like? Cocktails and mocktails have seen increased popularity in recent years, as Happy Hours resumed and many people returned to work and their preferred social habits. However, about 50 per cent of people were drinking less in the first […]
By John Shapiro On the subject of tipping, there are passionate arguments to be made on both sides of the fence. Tipping has always been a topic for debate, but it becomes even more volatile when Canadians are dealing with consistent pressures on their wallet. In a continuously evolving industry and society, dealing with interest […]
