Toronto, July 20, 2026 – Canada’s restaurant industry is seeing stronger-than-expected sales growth in 2026, but rising operating costs continue to outpace revenue growth and erode profitability, leaving many operators at risk of closure and with less capacity to invest, according to Restaurants Canada’s Q2 Quarterly Report released today.

The findings highlight the growing disconnect between sales and profitability and underscore the importance of an investment climate that enables restaurants to grow, invest, and create jobs.

Canada’s restaurant industry generates $125 billion in annual sales, contributes nearly four percent of Canada’s GDP, and generates $2.25 in economic output for every dollar spent—well above the national average. Restaurants are Canada’s fourth largest private sector employer, with 1.2 million workers, 40% of whom are youth.

“Stronger sales are always welcome, but they aren't enough to offset the cost pressures restaurants continue to face,” said Kelly Higginson, President and CEO of Restaurants Canada. “When restaurants are constantly managing rising costs and shrinking margins, investment slows, employment stagnates, new equipment isn’t purchased as quickly, renovation plans are delayed and plans to expand are put on hold. That has repercussions well beyond the restaurant industry.”

Quarterly Report at a glance:

• Real commercial foodservice sales are expected to grow by 1.5% in 2026 (inflation-adjusted), a slight improvement over the Q1 forecast.
• 64% of operators say their profitability is lower than last year.
• 41% of operators are operating at a loss or breaking even, up from 36% in March.
• Rising fuel prices are hitting restaurants twice, through increased food, transportation and operating costs, and reduced customer traffic and spending.
• 73% of restaurant operators say current tax policies at all levels of government are limiting their ability to invest and grow.
• 71% say they would be more likely to invest if restaurant capital investments were eligible for accelerated tax write-offs like in other sectors.

Despite ongoing profitability challenges, the restaurant industry continues to be a major engine of employment and economic growth. During the first half of 2026, the restaurant industry added approximately 50,000 youth to its workforce compared to the same period last year, making it Canada's largest net creator of youth jobs, and reinforcing its role as the country’s leading source of first-time jobs.

“Restaurants continue to create opportunities for Canadians, particularly young people entering the workforce,” said Higginson. “But that success shouldn't be taken for granted. It depends on an operating environment that allows businesses to invest, grow and create even more jobs.”

The report’s findings are clear—stronger sales alone won’t restore restaurant profitability. It requires addressing the cost pressures affecting Canadians and restaurants alike, while creating the conditions for restaurants to invest again.

Restaurants Canada is calling on the federal government to:

• Permanently exempt all food, including restaurant meals, from the GST/HST to lower food costs for Canadians while supporting job creation and economic growth.
• Establish permanent full first-year expensing for restaurant capital investments under the Accelerated Investment Incentive to encourage reinvestment, modernization and growth.

“The restaurant industry continues to be an economic driver in communities across Canada,” said Higginson. “With the right investment climate, restaurants can continue investing, creating jobs and contributing to Canada's economic growth.”

EDMONTON, Alta. – Zyra Spirits, a new Alberta-made vodka brand founded by Edmonton entrepreneur Courtney Remekie, is entering the market with established retail and hospitality partnerships ahead of its official public launch later this month.

Produced through partnerships with Hansen Distillery and The Fort Distillery, Zyra was created after Remekie identified an underserved niche in the province's spirits market. The initial lineup includes Zyra Gold, a premium vodka distilled 30 times, alongside Coco Mist, a pineapple coconut vodka, and Root Beer Rush, an all-natural root beer vodka.

Remekie, who continues to work as a senior digital marketing sales leader at Adobe, applied the same strategic growth principles he uses with global organizations to building a consumer brand. The brand has already secured retail distribution through seven North Central Alberta Co-op Liquor locations and hospitality partnerships with Oilers Entertainment Group for events at the Outdoor Fan Park, the Edmonton Convention Centre and Edmonton venues including Public Exchange, Bower, 101 Club and O'Byrne's Irish Pub.

"From the beginning, our goal was to create an Alberta brand that delivers flavours people have been looking for while supporting local manufacturing and building strong partnerships within the hospitality industry," says Remekie.

Zyra Spirits will officially celebrate its public launch on Saturday, July 25, at Enigma Bar & Kitchen in Edmonton.

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As Canadians embrace lighter, refreshing tasting cocktails to elevate summer hosting, GREY GOOSE® Vodka is introducing Le Melon Ace™, a Canada-exclusive serve created in partnership with the National Bank Open presented by Rogers and named the tournament’s official cocktail. Available throughout this year’s tournament in Toronto and Montréal, the cocktail connects the energy of world-class tennis with the evolving rituals of summer entertaining.

Inspired by iconic courtside moments and the social energy of tennis season, Le Melon Ace™ blends GREY GOOSE® Vodka with fresh watermelon juice, lime and mint, a flavour combination that captures peak summer refreshment. With watermelon continuing to rise in popularity across seasonal menus, the cocktail offers a vibrant, approachable serve designed for everything from match-day viewing to casual outdoor gatherings.

Le Melon Ace™

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz GREY GOOSE® Vodka
• 3 oz fresh watermelon juice
• 0.75 oz lime juice
• 0.75 oz simple syrup
• Garnished with green grapes and a mint sprig

Method:

• Add all ingredients in a 16oz glass
• Fill with ice

Beyond the court, Le Melon Ace™ reflects a growing shift toward experience-led hosting and at-home entertaining. Whether served at backyard watch parties or during tournament viewing, the cocktail offers a simple yet elevated way for Canadians to recreate the feeling of the National Bank Open at home.

“The National Bank Open is one of the most iconic summer sporting events in Canada, and we’re thrilled to partner with Tennis Canada to introduce a signature GREY GOOSE® Vodka cocktail experience made specifically for Canadian tennis fans,” said Aleco Azqueta, Vice President Global Marketing, GREY GOOSE® Vodka. “Le Melon Ace™ is inspired by the energy of tournament season and the flavours people are gravitating toward this summer — bright, fresh and perfect for entertaining. We see it becoming a go-to serve for watching matches, whether courtside or at home with friends.”

"In partnership with GREY GOOSE® Vodka, we are proud to introduce the official cocktail of the 2026 National Bank Open presented by Rogers, Le Melon Ace™,” said Rob Swann, Chief Commercial Officer at Tennis Canada. “From the outset, GREY GOOSE® has been a great partner to collaborate with. We are excited for the elevated experience they will bring to our fans at both the Toronto and Montréal tournaments. This refreshing, signature cocktail will be a great way to cool down on a hot summer day, whether you’re watching your favourite player on site or making it in your own backyard. The National Bank Open is more than just a tennis tournament, it's the fuel of tennis in Canada and we are thrilled that through partnerships like this one with GREY GOOSE®, we can provide world class experiences that unite fans across the country."

Le Melon Ace will be available at the National Bank Open in Toronto and Montréal, giving fans the chance to experience the official cocktail firsthand throughout the tournament.

VANCOUVER, BC, July 2, 2026 /CNW/ -- Tequila Partida, the award-winning luxury tequila brand from Lucas Bols, today announced its official launch in Canada, marking the next chapter in the brand's international expansion. Through Lucas Bols USA & Canada and national distribution partner Breakthru Beverage Group, one of the leading beverage wholesalers in the United States and the largest broker in Canada, the launch begins in British Columbia, introducing Canadian consumers to Tequila Partida's Pure philosophy.

The Canadian debut follows Tequila Partida's successful expansion into the Benelux region in 2025 and continues the brand's international growth across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and now North America. As one of Mexico's most respected luxury tequila houses, Tequila Partida continues to bring its uncompromising approach to craftsmanship to discerning tequila enthusiasts around the world.

Premium tequila continues to gain momentum in Canada as consumers increasingly seek authenticity, provenance and exceptional craftsmanship. For the past twenty years, Tequila Partida has remained dedicated to one simple belief: exceptional tequila begins with exceptional agave.

Produced in the Valley of Jalisco, Mexico, Tequila Partida showcases the pure expression of 100% Mature Blue Weber agave through meticulous production methods and a relentless commitment to quality. From the award-winning Familia collection to the innovative Roble Fino range, every bottle reflects the brand's philosophy of honoring agave above all else.

The Canadian launch follows another landmark year for the brand. Tequila Partida Familia Blanco earned a Gold Medal at the 2025 Global Spirits Masters, Familia Reposado received Best in Show at the 2025 New Orleans Spirits Competition, Familia Añejo won Gold at the 2024 Global Spirits Masters, and Roble Fino was recently named Best Luxury Tequila 2025 by Wine Enthusiast. Together, these accolades reinforce Tequila Partida's reputation as one of the world's most awarded luxury tequila brands.

"Canada is one of the world's most exciting premium spirits markets, making it the ideal next step in Tequila Partida's international growth," said Brett Dunne, Managing Director, Lucas Bols USA & Canada. "Consumers are looking for authenticity, provenance and craftsmanship and qualities that have defined Tequila Partida for the past twenty years. Together with Breakthru Canada and our retail partners, we are proud to introduce Canadian consumers to the Art of Agave Purity and one of Mexico's most respected luxury tequila brands."

The launch is supported by Breakthru Canada, whose expertise across hospitality and retail will help establish Tequila Partida throughout British Columbia.

Introducing Tequila Partida to British Columbia

Beginning July 1, consumers across British Columbia will discover Tequila Partida through exclusive six-month retail partnerships.

BC Liquor Stores

• Tequila Partida Familia Reposado – CAD $84.99

Angry Otter Liquor Stores

• Tequila Partida Familia Blanco – CAD $79.99
• Tequila Partida Familia Añejo – CAD $89.99
• Tequila Partida Roble Fino Reposado – CAD $169.99

Together, these expressions showcase the breadth of the Tequila Partida portfolio--from the vibrant character of Familia Blanco and the balanced elegance of Familia Reposado to the rich complexity of Familia Añejo and the groundbreaking innovation of Roble Fino.

Finished in carefully selected Scotch whisky casks, Roble Fino Reposado exemplifies Tequila Partida's pioneering barrel-finishing program, creating a remarkably elegant tequila that bridges traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation.

Maestro Tequilero José Valdez Visits Canada

The Canadian launch will be celebrated with the first official Canadian visit from José Valdez, who has crafted every bottle of Tequila Partida since the brand's founding in 2005 and is celebrating twenty years with the brand.

Over two days in Vancouver, Valdez will meet with trade partners, bartenders, media and tequila enthusiasts, sharing the philosophy, craftsmanship and passion that have defined Tequila Partida from day one.

On the evening of July 20th, Valdez will host an intimate invitation-only Tequila Hour, featuring guided tastings of the Familia and Roble Fino collections, authentic Mexican culinary pairings and signature cocktails that showcase the versatility and elegance of Tequila Partida.

"Born Pure, in the Tequila valley," said José Valdez, Maestro Tequilero, Tequila Partida. "For the past twenty years, it has been my privilege to craft Tequila Partida from field to bottle, using only mature agave and Volcanic water from the Valley. I look forward to sharing our passion for exceptional tequila with Canadian consumers for the very first time."