SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- (AEGS), a leading provider of culinary and hospitality workforce-development tools, today announced a new initiative launched in alignment with (LDEI), initiated through the organization's Italy Chapter. The initiative offers LDEI's global membership access to AEGS's flexible, online training platform designed to support skill development and staff retention across the food, beverage and hospitality industries.

Through this collaboration, AEGS is offering access to its ESource online training library — including micro-courses, technique videos and professional-development modules — to all members of LDEI. The online, mobile-friendly platform helps organizations upskill teams, foster continuous learning and strengthen workforce engagement through customizable, scalable tools accessible anytime, anywhere.

By providing LDEI members with access to AEGS's platform, the collaboration helps address three critical workforce issues: recruitment, upskilling and retention. Flexible, on-demand training helps staff apply new knowledge quickly, feel supported in their career path and remain engaged — reducing turnover and strengthening long-term performance. This partnership supports the larger talent ecosystem of – which includes AEGS, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts and helping advance industry recruiting goals by strengthening the link between education and career opportunity.

"Les Dames d'Escoffier International is home to some of the most accomplished and influential women in food and hospitality," said Nicole Bertelli, director of partner services at AEGS. "Both organizations share a commitment to education, leadership, and advancing the culinary and hospitality professions," added Bertelli. "By extending access to training tools, mentorship resources and job placement opportunities through Gecko Hospitality, we are helping empower leaders to elevate teams, develop high-performing, growth-focused workplaces, and the next generation of hospitality professionals."

The initiative comes at a time when workforce development and employee retention remain top priorities across the hospitality sector. Industry data show that training and upskilling opportunities play a significant role in keeping employees engaged and reducing turnover — a challenge that continues to affect restaurants, hotels, and other service-driven organizations worldwide.

Research underscores the value of professional development in today's hospitality environment. According to data shared by AEGS:

• More than three-quarters (77%) of organizations experienced difficulty recruiting full-time regular positions in 2024.
• Roughly 27 % of food and beverage employees are enrolled in school while working, compared with just 10 % in the overall U.S. workforce—highlighting the need for flexible, career-friendly tools
• In the hospitality industry, staff separations were at 5.9 % in January 2024 compared to a across all industries, underscoring the retention challenge. 

Founded in 1976, Les Dames d'Escoffier International is a philanthropic organization of women leaders in the food, beverage and hospitality industries. Its mission is "to inspire, advance and support women in food, beverage and hospitality to achieve excellence in leadership and philanthropy." With more than 2,800 members across over 40 chapters in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the U.K. and Italy, the organization is globally recognized for its commitment to mentorship, scholarship and the advancement of women professionals.

"We know that many of our members not only lead businesses, restaurants and hospitality venues – they are also making hiring decisions," said Silvia Mariani, past president and a founder and board member of LDEI Italy Chapter. "This partnership with AEGS aligns perfectly with our mission of empowering women in the culinary and hospitality professions and equipping our members to lead in a rapidly evolving industry."

Together, the organizations aim to strengthen the talent pipeline by connecting training, leadership and career opportunities.

"This collaboration reflects the spirit of innovation and shared purpose that defines our chapter and Les Dames globally," said Patrizia Vigolo, current president of the LDEI Italy Chapter. "We are proud to help launch this partnership and look forward to the positive impact it will have on professional growth, leadership development and the future of our industry."

Why the collaboration matters:

• Enables LDEI members to access a curated library of on-demand training modules tailored for culinary and hospitality professionals.
• Strengthens a broader talent ecosystem by connecting education, training and recruitment through AEGS and Gecko Hospitality
• Supports workforce development, including upskilling, staff retention and talent cultivation during a time of industry disruption.
• Leverages AEGS's expertise in hospitality-specific training and LDEI's broad network of women leaders, mentors and professionals.

Addresses the learning and development gap within the food service sector, where flexible online training has increasingly become a differentiator in retaining talent.

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Feb. 25, 2026 /CNW/ - Puratos Canada officially opened its first Canadian Bakery School program at Father Michael Goetz Catholic Secondary School today, reinforcing its commitment to education in Mississauga, workforce development, and long-term industry sustainability in professional baking and pastry arts.

The program is being developed in partnership with the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB). Its location near Puratos' Mississauga facility enables students to engage directly with industry professionals through guest speakers, program support, and mentorship. This proximity transforms learning from classroom-based instruction into a launchpad for careers, where students build skills, confidence, and industry connections side-by-side with professionals.

"We are proud to open the first Puratos Bakery school in Canada at Father Michael Goetz Catholic Secondary School, just minutes from our Canadian headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario," said Michael Simone, President- Puratos Canada. There is a clear shortage of skilled labour in the Canadian baking industry. The positive impact these students can have on the industry and the role we can help play in shaping their careers is tremendous.

Puratos operates Bakery Schools worldwide, with programs launched in economically underserved regions including South Africa, India, and Vietnam. The first Bakery School opened in 2014, and Puratos now operates 13 schools in 12 countries, with 3 more coming soon. The Mississauga school represents the company's first Canadian location, reinforcing Puratos' commitment to strengthening the baking industry and expanding access to skilled employment.

The program will run across four semesters, starting in Grade 11 and running through to Grade 12, with coursework counting toward high school credits. The curriculum provides hands-on training in bakery, patisserie, chocolate, and complementary culinary fundamentals. The inaugural cohort includes approximately 25 students in 2026, with additional students joining the program each year.

"We are pleased to be able to partner with Puratos in this unique program, which provides an opportunity unlike any other for DPCDSB students interested in exploring or pursuing a career in the baking industry, specifically, or in the foodservice industry in general," said Dr. Marianne Mazzorato, Director of Education at DPCDSB.

The program is designed to address ongoing skilled labour shortages in the baking and food manufacturing sectors, youth employment gaps in underserved communities, and the need for inclusive education pathways for neurodivergent students, who are expected to comprise approximately 50% of participants.

Through this program, students gain practical skills and work-ready experience, while the baking industry benefits from a trained, job-ready talent pipeline. The school also supports Puratos' global ambition to operate 20 Bakery Schools by 2030, welcoming approximately 1,000 students annually worldwide.

Puratos has already obtained verbal commitments from multiple key customers, enthusiastically expressing their support for the program and expressing a desire to leverage the bakery school to help fill their labour pipeline in the future.

Saskatoon, SK, February 25, 2026 – Jimmy John’s has opened its first Saskatoon restaurant at 120-225 Payne Bend, bringing its fresh, freaky fast sandwiches to the community. Doors opened at 11 a.m. on February 24, representing another milestone in Jimmy John’s Canadian expansion. To celebrate, the first 100 guests received a complimentary 6-inch sandwich and fountain drink.

“Expanding into Saskatchewan is an important step in building Jimmy John’s nationally,” said Mike Warren, Director of Operations at Foodtastic, a Montreal-based restaurant franchisor and the master franchisor of Jimmy John’s in Canada. “We look forward to introducing the brand to a new market and to introducing more Canadians to what makes Jimmy John’s the Sandwich of Sandwiches, from fresh-baked bread and hand-sliced meats to our freaky fast service.”

The new restaurant, locally owned and operated by franchisee Jenelle Diederichs, will create local jobs and deliver Jimmy John’s signature fresh ingredients and fast service.

“Today is a proud moment for our team,” said Diederichs. “We are excited to open our doors and start serving Saskatoon officially. We look forward to welcoming guests and becoming part of the community.”

Guests can enjoy Jimmy John’s full menu of sandwiches, all prepared in-store throughout the day. The Saskatoon location is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For more information, follow Jimmy John’s on Instagram at or visit .

Brampton, ON – February 24, 2026 — Cardinal Meats proudly marks its 60th anniversary this year, celebrating six decades of growth, innovation and high-quality products.

Founded in 1966, Cardinal Meats has grown from a regional processor into a nationally respected supplier, best known for its signature beef burgers, and fully cooked products that have become staples in Canadian restaurants and households. The company, still family owned and operated, has built its reputation on delivering consistent quality at scale—earning long-standing partnerships with major national retailers and foodservice operators.

“This anniversary is about much more than a number,” said Brent Cator, President and Owner, Cardinal Meats. “It represents 60 years of building Cardinal Meats as a brand Canadians recognize for quality burgers and trusted protein products—and more than 100 years of family experience in the meat industry that continues to shape how we operate today.”

Cardinal Meat’s industry milestones include:

1966 – Cardinal Meats company founded by Ralph Cator in Mississauga

1986 – Developed the now, industry standard Tenderform Burgers

1988 – Launched Canada’s #1 Premium Branded Burger: Roadhouse

1990 – North America’s 1st Sous Vide processor: Kettle Cooked

1998 – Cardinal becomes Canada’s first HACCP-recognized, diverse protein solutions processor, setting a national food safety benchmark

2003 – Introduces 1st DNA lab technology for advanced meat microbiology testing

2008 – First to introduce N60 testing, setting North America’s new standards for CFIA and USDA ground beef safety policies

2010 – Developed 1st in World Natural Texture Forming (NTF) burger capabilities

2011 – Opening of current Cardinal head office at Hedgedale Rd. in Brampton

2012 – Invention & commercialization of the first stuffed burger

2018 – Cardinal purchased The Elite Meat Company

2019 – Cardinal launches world-leading new innovations with inline Safe Sous Vide capabilities

2023 – Cardinal Meat’s Stanfield Rd. location in Mississauga merges with the Hedgedale Rd. location in Brampton

2025 – Cardinal celebrates Cator-family centennial legacy in Canadian meat industry

2026 – The Cardinal Meats brand celebrates 60 years of innovation, leadership, and industry impact     

 As the company looks to the future, Cardinal Meats recognizes its 60th anniversary as a moment to honour its past while investing in what comes next—advancing product innovation, strengthening retail and foodservice partnerships and continuing to evolve alongside Canadian food culture.

“Our history gives us a strong foundation and perspective,” added Brent Cator. “Our future is about being trusted and proudly Canadian—while our team of wonderful talented people, continue to deliver the burgers and innovative meat product solutions, Canadians have relied on for generations.”

In celebration of its 60th anniversary, Cardinal Meats is reflecting on its legacy through employee recognition, storytelling initiatives, and a forward-looking focus on protein manufacturing. To commemorate the milestone, Cardinal Meats is launching Ralph’s Diner Burger, the original product that marked the company’s entry into foodservice.

“The same values that guided Cardinal in 1966 still guide us today,” said Cator. “Integrity, respect for people, relentless improvement, and pride in what we make.”