Guac Mexi Grill Celebrates 10 Bold Years with National Giveback Campaign and International Growth
After a decade of growth, one of Canada’s fastest-growing Tex-Mex restaurant brands is marking a major milestone. This year, Guac Mexi Grill is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a nationwide campaign called “10 Years Bold,” recognizing the brand’s journey from a single Ontario restaurant to more than 56 locations across Canada and a growing international presence. Founded in 2016, Guac Mexi Grill built its reputation on fresh ingredients, house-made recipes and a commitment to delivering a premium fast-casual dining experience. Over the past decade, the Canadian-owned company has earned a loyal following by staying focused on quality, consistency and bold …
Why Hank Daddy’s Barbecue Has Become One of the GTA’s Must-Try BBQ Spots
There’s something happening in Vaughan that more Ontario food lovers should know about. Hidden just north of Toronto, Hank Daddy’s Barbecue has quietly built a reputation as one of the most serious barbecue destinations in the GTA — and it’s doing it by staying committed to the craft. This is not fast barbecue. This is low-and-slow, Kansas City-inspired smoking that takes patience, consistency, and a serious obsession with meat. At Hank Daddy’s, brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and sausages are smoked for up to 14 hours, creating the kind of texture and smoke ring BBQ fans chase across North America. What …
Why Adding This to Your Takeout Order Gives You an Edge on Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo has become one of the biggest food delivery and takeout occasions of the spring. Across Canada, consumers are looking for tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, margarita kits and comfort-driven Mexican-inspired meals as part of the celebration. But while restaurants focus on the menu itself, many overlook one of the easiest ways to elevate the customer experience during busy Mexican food holidays: the condiment game. Single-serve hot sauce packs are one of those small details that can make takeout feel more complete, more premium and more intentional. One product we’ve been looking at is the Cholula Original Hot Sauce …
How Foodservice Brands Are Quietly Shaping What Ends Up on Your Plate
When you see a new flavour trending—like hot honey or Carolina gold—it’s easy to assume it started in a restaurant. But in many cases, it didn’t. It started in a test kitchen. The Hidden Layer Behind Restaurant Menus Behind the scenes, major foodservice brands like Club House for Chefs and Campbell’s Foodservice Canada are constantly developing new flavours and applications. And they’re not doing it for marketing campaigns. They’re doing it to solve real problems for kitchens. Their teams—often made up of trained chefs—test recipes over and over again to make sure they: Taste great Work at scale Are easy …
Top 100 Canada Takeout 2026 100 Best Takeout
Its National Takeout Day and we have been eating takeout since 2020. Over the past year we have HEARTED Reviewed and eaten at. In no order here are out 2026 National Takeout Day 100 best Restaurant: Alfies Sandwiches Location: Toronto View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alex (@alexandfujifilm) …
Spot 1: The 40-Year Brampton Restaurant That Became a Live Music Institution
Spot 1: The 40-Year Brampton Restaurant That Became a Live Music Institution In an industry where restaurants often struggle to survive even a few years, one Brampton establishment has quietly done something remarkable. Spot 1 Grill & Music Hall has been serving food, drinks, and live music to locals since 1984, becoming one of the city’s longest-running independent restaurants. Over four decades, the venue has evolved from a neighbourhood grill into one of the GTA’s most beloved small music venues—while still keeping its identity as a casual restaurant at its core. The Beginning: A Neighbourhood Restaurant in 1984 Spot 1 …
Saving Money Starts With Your Books — and Your Equipment
In today’s foodservice landscape, operators are looking closely at every line on the balance sheet. Labour, food costs, rent and interest rates are rising — but one area that often gets overlooked is equipment and energy usage. Reviewing your books with an eye on energy spend, equipment draw and replacement schedules can uncover real savings that support long-term profitability. Beyond simply checking how much energy your equipment pulls, the purchase price and the incentives available can significantly change your payback period. Programs such as Enbridge Gas energy-efficient equipment incentives give operators practical ways to save money immediately, while reducing ongoing …
Takeout Spotlight: Half Hitch Brewing Co. — Craft Comfort Food in Cochrane
Takeout Spotlight: Half Hitch Brewing Co. — Craft Comfort Food in Cochrane When you think of great takeout, you’re usually thinking of flavour, convenience, and that feeling of supporting a local spot that’s part of the community. In Cochrane, Half Hitch Brewing Co. checks all of those boxes — and then some. Best known for its family-run craft brewery and Western-inspired branding, Half Hitch has built just as much of a reputation for its hearty, comforting, made-from-scratch food as it has for its beer. And the good news: everything travels exceptionally well for takeout. View this post on Instagram …
Building Loyalty Without Discounting: Why Smart Perks Beat Cheap Deals
Building Loyalty Without Discounting: Why Smart Perks Beat Cheap Deals 6 In foodservice, deals can fill seats fast — but they can also chip away at your brand value just as quickly. Operators across Canada are starting to realise that discount-heavy offers (BOGOs, deep cuts, coupons) might drive short-term spikes, yet rarely build the long-term loyalty needed for sustainable growth. That’s where loyalty, perks, and purpose-driven engagement come in. Instead of racing to the bottom on price, more brands are creating systems that reward repetition, build habit, and reinforce who they are — without cheapening the experience. Why Discounts Aren’t …
Chick-fil-A Canada Warms Up Winter with Chicken Tortilla Soup — Perfect for Cold Days and Cozy Nights In
When winter settles in and temperatures drop, Canadians naturally start craving comfort food — the kind that’s warm, hearty, and easy to enjoy without braving the cold. This season, Chick-fil-A Canada is leaning into those winter cravings with the new Chicken Tortilla Soup, available for a limited time at participating locations. Designed for cold days and cozy nights indoors, this seasonal soup delivers big comfort in every spoonful. It’s made with tender shredded chicken breast, navy and black beans, and a blend of vegetables in a creamy, flavourful base, finished with a subtle kick of spice. Crunchy seasoned corn tortilla …
