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 …
Hong Kong Pai Pai Opens at Aberdeen Square in Richmond, BC
Richmond’s food court scene continues to evolve, and there is a new stop worth adding to your list. Hong Kong Pai Pai has officially opened at Aberdeen Square, bringing classic Hong Kong cafe flavours to the third-floor food court. The stall has taken over the space previously occupied by Luroufan Tasty and quietly launched in mid-December. This is the kind of opening Canada Takeout readers appreciate. Straightforward, comforting food that is quick, satisfying, and rooted in tradition. Pai Pai focuses on familiar Hong Kong cafe dishes that work just as well for a fast lunch as they do for a …
Edmonton’s Wing Destination: The Bend Lounge YEG
If you’re cruising through southeast Edmonton and craving wings with personality — plus a side of live entertainment and neighbourhood pub vibes — The Bend Lounge YEG should be on your radar. Located at 14743 40 Ave NW, this relaxed pub has built a reputation for hearty eats, great drinks, and some of the city’s most talked-about wing offerings. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Bend Lounge (@thebendlounge) A Neighbourhood Pub with History Since opening its doors in 2008, The Bend Lounge has been a go-to spot for locals who love comfort food, …
CanadaTakeout Recap: Pizza Break – A Local Favourite for Vaughan Pizza
If you’re on the hunt for great Vaughan pizza, Pizza Break stands out as a beloved neighbourhood favourite in Woodbridge. With more than 20 years of experience crafting delicious pies, this family-run pizzeria has built a loyal following thanks to its combination of fresh ingredients, generous toppings, and wallet-friendly prices. What Makes Pizza Break Special At Pizza Break, the menu covers all the bases for pizza lovers: •Classic pizzas in a range of sizes — from small to party size — ideal for both solo meals and group gatherings. PIZZA BREAK •Gourmet creations like Margherita with bocconcini and sun-dried tomatoes, …
The Legacy of Peanut Butter (and Jam) in Canada 🍞🥜🍇
Peanut butter — a pantry staple across North America — has deep roots in Canada. The spread’s earliest formal origin traces back to a Canadian chemist and pharmacist, Marcellus Gilmore Edson, from Montreal. In 1884, Edson patented a method for milling roasted peanuts into a “peanut paste” — an early version of what we now know as peanut butter. Peanut Bureau of Canada While peanut butter was born in Canada, the classic sandwich pairing of peanut butter + jam (or jelly) — the ubiquitous “PB&J” — has its earliest known recipe from the United States. The first published mention dates …
Why Fast-Casual Restaurants Should Treat Snacks as Their Most Overlooked Profit Centre
In fast-casual dining — especially sandwich shops, cafés, and delis — the Point of Purchase (POP) isn’t just where customers pay. It’s where they make their quickest, highest-margin decisions. And nothing drives impulse sales faster than snacking. Most operators know this instinctively, but many don’t realise the full opportunity sitting right beside the till. The right snacks, displayed the right way, not only boost average cheque size — they often come with incentives, rebates, and retail support from the brands themselves. Here’s why snacks deserve a bigger role in your fast-casual strategy. 1. Snacks Are the Ultimate Impulse Buy …
Local Classic Worth the Drive: Why Orillia Bakery & Deli Should Be Your Next Takeout Stop
Local Classic Worth the Drive: Why Orillia Bakery & Deli Should Be Your Next Takeout Stop If you love a good sandwich — the kind built on freshly baked bread, stacked with quality deli meats, and assembled with the care only a long-running family shop can deliver — then Orillia Bakery & Deli belongs on your must-visit list. For more than 40 years, this Orillia staple has been doing takeout right, offering a level of freshness and craftsmanship that sets it apart from anything you’ll find in a chain. Whether you’re passing through cottage country, craving a hearty lunch, or …
