A fond farewell to Kevin Collins As Kevin Collins departs Friends of We Care to lead Easter Seals Ontario, the longtime executive director is fulfilling a goal he has had since he was a boy.

New leadership at Chesher Equipment As Chesher Equipment prepares for new ownership, Miles Chesher recalled when his parents started the wholesale distribution business out of their home almost half a century ago.

Gordon Food Service’s collaborative distribution In a series of workshops, producers, associations and restaurateurs came together to discuss marketing tools and techniques for local food.

Showing no shows the cost In an age of easily made online reservations, a Toronto restaurateur is trying to show the cost of not honouring the commitment.

FMI adds Panera to its portfolio Franchise Management Incorporated (FMI), a Woodstock, N.B-based franchise operator, has taken over ownership and management of 12 Panera Bread bakery-cafes in Ontario.

Technomic predicts 2017 Canadian trends CHICAGO — Heading into 2017, many are wondering what's on the horizon for the Canadian foodservice industry? Technomic forecasted the top five food and restaurant trends to try in the coming year.

Chefs predict “What’s Hot” for menus in 2017 Washington, D.C. — The National Restaurant Association’s “What’s Hot” list, released on Dec. 9, offers a glimpse into the food, beverage and culinary themes on restaurant menus in 2017.

McCormick unveils 2017 Flavour Forecast LONDON, Ont. — McCormick unveiled its annual Flavour Forecast on Dec. 6, outlining five trends for 2017.

Cacao Barry creates dinner series for chefs Cacao Barry is turning the tables with its Flavour Dinners, inviting chefs out of their kitchens for a chocolate-inspired meal.

Canada’s largest foodservice equipment companies merge Canada’s two largest foodservice equipment dealers have become one company.

Centennial College debuts new hospitality digs While its students are well into their first semester at Centennial College’s new Culinary Arts Centre, the school is beginning to introduce the public to its state-of-the-art hospitality facility.

Buffalo born Anchor Bar opens in Etobicoke The Buffalo, N.Y., bar credited with inventing the city’s namesake wing now has an outpost in Toronto.

Brampton begins building its own culinary tourism strategy Brampton is looking to its restaurateurs to help boost tourism.

French expats bring bistro to West Toronto Pascal Vernhes and chef Jean-Regis Raynaud both immigrated to Canada with only a suitcase and culinary aspirations.

STK opens in Canada The One Group CEO Jonathan Segal has had his eyes on Toronto for about five years.

Tortoise group picks up speed Since Clark Lishman took on the role of chief operating officer, he has been building the team at Tortoise Restaurant Group.

Susur Lee's Luckee now open for lunch TORONTO — Two and a half years after it opened, Susur Lee’s Luckee Restaurant in the Metropolitan SoHo Hotel, still has an all-star chef team in place, and has now decided to open for lunch.

The many links of Montgomery’s supply chain Chef Guy Rawlings is taking an unorthodox approach to sourcing ingredients for Montgomery’s, his first solo restaurant venture.

Potbelly Sandwiches opens first Canadian location Potbelly Sandwiches has opened its first of three planned Canadian locations.

Stop It! program in development to halt sexual violence A first-of-its-kind training program is in development to prevent sexual violence and harassment within the hospitality industry.

Edmonton chefs create Food for Thoughts EDMONTON — A trio of Edmonton chefs are hoping to bring together hospitality professionals and end the stigma surrounding mental health in the industry.

Culinary prof comes out of retirement to open The Mill The addition of a kitchen is breathing new life into a music and event venue.

ORHMA: Hydro rebate won’t ease costs The recently announced HST rebate on hydro bills will do little to ease the cost of operating a commercial oven, according to the Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association (ORHMA).

Chef Works Canada’s head office grows tenfold in floor space Chef Works Canada moved into its new corporate office and distribution centre in late August, a transition that increases the company’s square footage tenfold.

SIR Corp sells shares to fund growth Service Inspired Restaurants (SIR Corp.) is investing in building new restaurants as well as renovating existing locations.

Pizza Super Nova: Domenic Primucci enters the fast casual world The team behind Pizza Nova have stepped into the realm of fast casual with the opening of Masseria.

Orangeville caterer opens its doors for local flavour Rural Roots Catering is inviting diners into its kitchen to showcase ingredients grown in the surrounding area.

Bar Izakaya adds brick and mortar to Eat Industries Inc. A trip to Hamilton’s farmers’ market helped inspire the creation of Eat Industries Inc.

Junior Culinary Team Canada earns two medals ERFURT, Germany — Junior Culinary Team Canada is stirring up excitement in Germany, earning two medals at the Culinary Olympics.

A collaborative approach to vegan cuisine Finding an abundance of vegan meal options for London, Ont. residents once meant a lengthy commute.

Southwestern Ontario farm tackles tropical fruits BLYTH, Ont. — A taste of the tropics is growing in Southwestern Ontario.

Eating for a cause Foodservice professionals raised more than $50,000 for Friends of We Care at the inaugural Smoke's Poutinerie charity eat-off.

Warren Sutherland is opening namesake establishment Chef Warren Sutherland is creating his “dream restaurant.”

For each neighbourhood, a different Landing The Landing Group of Restaurants’ growth plans have received a boost from its parent company and expansion of the brand is slated to continue.

From La Carnita to Sweet Jesus In five years time, La Carnita has grown from a pop-up operation selling artwork with a side of “free” tacos to a small restaurant group ready for franchising.

Walleye Wings take off A once scrap piece of freshwater fish is now appearing on menus throughout Northwestern Ontario, thanks to a new foodservice venture.

Oshawa Centre builds new food court Rather than renovate its food court, the Oshawa Centre has completely rebuilt the space for its dining options offered at the mall.

Building a food system at White Oaks Resort & Spa Chef in residence Kyle Paton is hoping to bring the philosophies he learned at Dan Barber’s Blue Hill at Stone Barns to the masses at White Oaks Resort & Spa.

Chef Pam Fanjoy's transition from social worker to chef Unlike the creation story of many chefs, Pam Fanjoy didn’t grow up in the kitchen or learn at her mother’s apron strings.

Smoke’s Poutinerie’s gravy train keeps rolling A year after announcing ambitious expansion plans, Smoke’s Poutinerie is on track to meet its goals with much of its growth coming from non-traditional units.

Lobster democratized Jonathon Gonsenhauser and Will Tomlinson plan to introduce lobster to a new demographic

Aqua Greens grows herb business Craig Petten and Pablo Alvarez have built their aquaponics business with the help of Ontario’s restaurants.

Wendy’s celebrates its 40th anniversary, new look HAMILTON, Ont. — Wendy’s celebrated its 40th anniversary in Canada by unveiling a $1.5 million renovation to its first restaurant outside of the United States.

Fishbone nets a new deal on Lake Simcoe Rejection ended up spawning the growth of Pedro Pereira’s restaurant business.

Paying tribute to Windsor’s spirited history WINDSOR, Ont. — A new restaurant in the Walkerville neighbourhood of Windsor, Ont., is paying tribute to the city’s 80 proof past.

Riviera joins El Camino, Datsun in Matthew Carmichael’s restaurant roster OTTAWA — A 1920s art deco bank will serve as home to chef Matthew Carmichael’s third Ottawa restaurant.

Dufferin Mall expands its food court TORONTO — Dufferin Mall is redeveloping its food court, and one of its customers will rename the revamped space.

Silverstein’s Bakery closes its doors Silverstein’s Bakery, which built a reputation for baking Toronto’s best rye bread, has closed its doors after nearly a century in business.

Beau’s goes national Beau’s All Natural Brewing is marking its 10th anniversary by distributing its product nationwide.

Ace high Since its launch in January, Toronto-based Ace Hill has found a home in more than 150 bars and restaurants on its home turf.

Celebrating India’s legacy The Maharaja, an 85-seat boutique restaurant, opened in Mississauga following nearly $1 million in renovations

Ryan Rivard opens Lago in Port Dover Chef Ryan Rivard is opening Lago to complement Port Dover’s growing arts and culture scene.

B.C.’s Chopped Leaf moves east Since acquiring Chopped Leaf in late 2014, Innovative Food Brands (IFB) has more than doubled the number of locations, including opening the first two units in Ontario.

JJ Bean lands in Ontario Coffee is part of JJ Bean Coffee Roasters & Cafés founder John Neate’s heritage.

Toronto Pearson International Airport Terminal 3 restaurants now open TORONTO — Two years in the making, the new, 50,000-square-foot food, retail and dining experience is now open, featuring Smashburger, Shanghai 360, Smoke's Burritorie and the Beerhive.

Mr. Robot predicts changes to foodservice labour The future of foodservice will likely be automated.

LAN imports authentic cuisine and decor from Vietnam The cuisine of north and south Vietnam is uniting in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood.

Added value items offer more than a meal Selling merchandise and value-added items to your customers may achieve more than a boost to your bottom line

Hidden Burger: A restaurant within a restaurant In person, Hidden Burger isn’t easy to find, but its owners are making sure the new lunch spot is at the forefront of the digital world.

Ontario Pork promises a better bacon Ontario Pork has released its first Social Responsibility Report, a first for livestock commodity groups in the province.

Building Basil Box Peter Chiu learned about creating great guest experiences from his father, a successful Ontario restaurateur, but the young entrepreneur is intent on blazing his own trail with the development of Basil Box.

Adamson’s Barbecue has a different take on ‘location is everything’ TORONTO — Sometimes, a location with foot traffic isn’t ideal for a restaurant.

For its 50th birthday, Belmont Meats got a new market NORTH YORK, Ont. — Belmont Meats celebrated its 50th anniversary by expanding its product line into the United States.

Second helping of Ola Cocina OTTAWA — Ion Aimers discovered Donna Chevrier’s Ola Cocina shortly after the Ottawa chef opened the small Mexican restaurant in the Vanier neighbourhood in late 2013.

ORHMA's first Culinary Challenge and Supplier Board ALLISTON, Ont. — The Ontario Hotel Motel and Restaurant Association hosted its first ever Culinary Challenge June 13, following its annual general meeting at the Nottawasaga Inn, Alliston, Ont. They also appointed a new Supplier Board.

Killarney Mountain Lodge’s restaurant rethink KILLARNEY, ONT. — The restaurant at Killarney Mountain Lodge is undergoing a renovation that will enlarge and improve the dining space and kitchen and further refine the menu.

Business as a force for good GUELPH, Ont. — In mid-March The Neighbourhood Group of Restaurants became a Certified B Corporation, bringing the number of restaurants with the designation in Canada from three to seven.

Junction Craft Brewing finds new home in The Destructor Junction Craft Brewing will help turn a page in its namesake neighbourhood’s history book.

Luminato offers new flavour for the Hearn Generating Station The creative power of two notable restaurateurs will transform the control room of the Hearn Generating Station into a classic French restaurant.

Ontario plans new rules for craft distillers The Toronto Distillery Company may have lost a battle, but they believe they’re en route to winning a war.

Aroma poised for new markets After nine years operating in the Greater Toronto Area, Aroma Espresso Bar is moving into new Ontario markets and taking on other foodservice avenues.

Madisons New York Grill & Bar expands into Ontario Madisons New York Grill & Bar opened its first Ontario location in downtown Ottawa.

Meet the new Restaurants Canada CEO In her new role, Shanna Munro plans to meet with foodservice and hospitality stakeholders across Canada.

Meeting the need for ethnic food in healthcare HFS Healthcare Food Services will host three FoodCare Innovation Forums in Ontario this spring to address the need for ethnic food in healthcare.

Beef and seafood showcased at Living Water COLLINGWOOD, Ont. — Calgary-born chef Marc Bery moved across three provinces to open Lakeside Seafood & Grill at Living Water Resort & Spa, part of Cranberry Village.

Caplansky’s plans to conquer Canada Zane Caplansky wants to build Canada’s national deli.

Shoeless Joe’s grows A recent rebranding is leading the charge for rapid expansion for Shoeless Joe’s Sports Grill.

Twisted Indian plans for expansion A quest to find quick, but healthy, dining options led to the creation of Twisted Indian Modern Wraps.

Trevor Ritchie chosen for Bocuse d'Or 2019 TORONTO — Trevor Ritchie, chef technologist at George Brown College, and his commis Navjeet Singh will represent Canada at the 2019 Bocuse d'Or after winning the 2016 National Selection Competition held at George Brown yesterday.

Bombay Street Food plants roots on Bay Street Amreen and Seema Omar are creating a permanent home for Bombay Street Food at the corner of Bay and College streets.

Ontario farm blazes trail for inland shrimp production A Campbellford, Ont., farm is pioneering an unlikely form of agriculture on Canadian soil.

A champion of breakfast Barrie-based restaurateur Manish Mehra has a plan to conquer the
Canadian breakfast market.

From prison grub to fine dining When life handed Kevin Tetz lemons, it gave him the zest he needed to open his own restaurant.

Rules for Engagement Social media has the power to make ketchup famous. Here’s how it may help your business.

Piano Piano: A new tune for chef Victor Barry Piano Piano will serve casual Italian food, instead of the high-end tasting menus that earned Splendido a reputation as one of Toronto’s best restaurants.

Starbucks launches its evening menu Tuesday Starbucks’ evening menu program will launch at three Toronto locations on Tuesday (Apr. 5).

Cresta officially opens on The Esplanade Thomas George Estates has relaunched its Toronto eatery, with a shift towards a more memorable name.

A decade of Terroir The annual foodservice symposium will explore art, culture and technology.

Firehouse Subs plans to build 85 units in Ontario Firehouse Subs purchases more datil peppers than any other restaurant group on the planet.

Black Angus melds its history with a contemporary design ETOBICOKE – A doubled-edge sword isn’t a common utensil found in a steakhouse.

Restaurants Canada announces new CEO and president TORONTO — Shanna Munro will become the new president and chief executive officer of Restaurants Canada on June 1.

Massimo Capra to open Mississauga restaurant Chef Massimo Capra is poised to return a longstanding Mississauga restaurant space to its glory days.

Canadians at Emirates Salon Culinaire DUBAI, U.A.E. — Canadian chefs Tony Fernandes and Cornelia (Connie) Volino were judges at the prestigious Emirates Salon Culinaire in Dubai and Team NAIT competed.

Don’t discount the elderly, restaurateurs told Restaurateurs should prepare for an influx of elderly customers, according to Dr. Darrell Bricker, chief executive officer of Ipsos Public Affairs.

Fusing old & new at Belsito Trattoria-Vino Chef Gino Guercio has returned to Ontario from Tokyo with a menu of old world Italian recipes

Maritime restaurateur elected Restaurants Canada chair TORONTO — Restaurants Canada announced that Bill Allen, president of Fresh Casual Restaurants based in Aulac, N.B., is the new chair of the board for 2016-2017.

Local coffee roasters part of $13M Cambridge “jewel” Local Cambridge business Monigram Coffee Roasters will be helming in-house foodservice in the city’s digital library.

CaliBurger combines burgers with interactive gaming CaliBurger is moving into Canada with the tagline: “We’re a technology company that happens to sell really great burgers.”

Starbucks opens express store in Union Station TORONTO — The first Canadian Starbucks express location opened Feb. 17 in Toronto's Union Station.

On track to a culinary destination After years of construction – and disruptions – Union Station is ready to unveil its new look and flavours

Chef Lepine wins second Gold Medal Plates KELOWNA, B.C. — Ottawa’s chef Marc Lepine took top honours at the Canadian Culinary Championships marking his second win at the national level.

Young brothers tackle restaurant ownership Riviera Pizza is older than its new owners.

DRUXY’S acquires Williams Fresh Café DRUXY’S Famous Deli announced the acquisition of Williams Fresh Café on Feb. 1.

Progress and challenges Restaurants Canada President Donna Dooher outlines industry milestones and the hurdles that lie ahead

Flanagan to open Whitby facility Kitchener, Ont. — Flanagan Foodservice announced in mid-January that it has purchased a facility in Whitby, Ont. The future of the company’s Owen Sound branch is uncertain.

Southbrook on route to Somewhereness Southbrook Vineyards was the first Canadian winery certified biodynamic in 2008, and the winery continues to evolve and innovate every year.

Guacamole Grille gets its start in Barrie BARRIE, Ont. — The creators of Feta & Olives recently launched a new quick service concept, Guacamole Grille.

Food terrace unveiled at First Canadian Place Canada’s largest office building has a new dining room.

Prairie pizza finds a place in Leslieville When family visits, pizza is a common request from Saskatchewan expats living in Toronto.

The Saucy Pierogi opens permanent location After more than two years operating as a pop-up restaurant, The Saucy Pierogi has found a permanent home.

Jonathan Gushue opens The Berlin in Kitchener KITCHENER, Ont. — Tasked with opening more than one establishment under the IGNITE Restaurant Group Canada, chef Jonathan Gushue and Ryan Lloyd-Craig opened The Berlin on Dec. 21.

NEWSMAKER OF THE YEAR: Alix Box, Second Cup Ltd. The Newsmaker of the Year award recognizes special achievements and positive effects on the hospitality and foodservice industries.

RESTAURATEUR OF THE YEAR: Anthony Rose TRILLIUM AWARDS: The Restaurateur of the Year award recognizes an operator who has brought significant positive change to the Ontario restaurant scene.