Food costs continue to soar, even as Canada’s inflation rate slows

Canada’s inflation rate slowed to 6.3 per cent in December (the lowest it’s been since February 2022), with the cost of living declining 0.6 per cent in November and December. According to reports, the reduced rates are directly related to lower gasoline prices, resulting in December’s lowest one-month dip since April 2020. Food prices, however, […]

Canadian foodservice industry looking at a slow recovery

As the foodservice industry sees a gradual increase in traffic and sales, what does the road to recovery look like? It’s been a tough few years, with rising food costs, labour shortages, and new work-from-home patterns impacting restaurants’ return to pre-pandemic standards. In a recent webinar, Chris Elliott, senior economist at Restaurants Canada, took a […]

Canadian foodservice industry’s worries will continue into 2023

As labour shortages and inflation continue to rise, is the foodservice industry bouncing back? Full patios, large takeout lines, and long reservation lists seem to indicate that we are back to business as usual, but the numbers tell a slightly different story. In a recent webinar, Chris Elliott, senior economist at Restaurants Canada, took a […]

2022 Raise the Bar report reveals uneven liquor policy landscape

Restaurants Canada’s fourth Raise the Bar report has graded each province on how industry-friendly their liquor policy landscape is for bars and restaurants. It found that Alberta scored the highest, while Manitoba and Saskatchewan were among the worst. This year’s special COVID-19 edition of the report highlights how liquor laws and regulations are helping or […]

Restaurants Canada appoints Supply Chain Canada CEO as new leader

Restaurants Canada has announced that it has appointed former Supply Chain Canada President and CEO Christian Buhagiar in the same roles. The not-for-profit foodservice association, which represents over 30,000 restaurant operators, foodservice chains, and suppliers across Canada, had been led in recent months by Interim President and CEO Roy Little, who is retiring. Little will […]

Canadian foodservice started 2022 better than expected, but economy threatens future

The first quarter of 2022 saw the Canadian foodservice industry perform better than expected, according to Restaurants Canada’s Quarterly Forecast, although that report comes with a warning about the likely economic conditions of the next year. Canada’s commercial foodservice industry began the year with a higher-than-expected $16.3 billion in sales in Q1 2022, found the […]

Saskatchewan restaurants surprised by province’s minimum wage hike

The government of Saskatchewan announced on May 3 that the province will raise its minimum wage by one dollar every October from now until 2024. While some organizations have praised the move, Restaurants Canada argues on behalf of Saskatchewan restaurants that it may do more harm than good in the short term. Saskatchewan currently has […]

Budget 2022 leaves restaurants hungry for more, say industry groups

Hospitality and foodservice industry associations have criticized the federal Budget 2022 published on April 7, with Restaurants Canada saying that it leaves restaurants “hungry for more” by failing to address key issues. The association said that while it welcomes a number of commitments made by the federal government, failing to respond to calls for extended […]

Restaurants Canada launches Canadian foodservice’s first metaverse marketplace

The Canadian foodservice industry is entering the metaverse. Restaurants Canada has partnered with Nextech AR Solutions to develop the first metaverse marketplace for Canada’s foodservice industry. The 365 Marketplace will be the global destination for food and restaurant professionals looking to connect virtually, says Restaurants Canada, and offers “a unique opportunity” to connect Canadian foodservice […]

Restaurants Canada announces new chair of the board

Restaurants Canada, the national not-for-profit foodservice association representing over 30,000 members across Canada, has announced the election of Mike Yasinski, President of Rally Social Room, as the new Chair of the Board of Directors. As Chair, Yasinski will be responsible for overseeing Restaurants Canada’s Board and will work closely with the association’s Interim President and […]