TORONTO — The Ontario government is supporting tourism and local businesses by allowing licensed restaurants and bars to extend the sale and service of alcohol across the province until 4 a.m. during FIFA World Cup 2026™. The temporary extension will apply from June 11, 2026 to July 19, 2026.

“This summer, fans visiting from around the world will gather in Toronto to celebrate world-class sport,” said Attorney General Doug Downey. “Allowing restaurants and bars to stay open later means that fans can fully experience the energy, excitement and atmosphere of the tournament while supporting jobs, strengthening local businesses and driving economic growth across Ontario.”

This year’s tournament is the first to feature 48 teams playing games across three countries, including Canada. In Ontario, Toronto will host six games at Toronto Stadium. Vancouver will also host games, alongside 14 additional host cities in the United States and Mexico, making this the largest FIFA World Cup 2026™ in history.

“Extending last call during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ will help Ontario deliver a safe, vibrant and welcoming experience for fans from around the world,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “As Ontario welcomes visitors for this global event, this measure will give people more time to enjoy our world-class bars and restaurants while supporting the province’s tourism sector.”

The Ontario government is working in partnership with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to enable the temporary extension of hours for establishments that are licensed to sell alcohol, such as bars and restaurants, for the duration of the tournament.

Quotes

"As excitement continues to build for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Ontario is ready to deliver unforgettable experiences for fans and visitors alike. Our government is proud to be part of this once-in-a-generation opportunity and extending hours for restaurants and bars in communities across the province will support local businesses, generate economic benefits and showcase why Ontario is where the world comes to compete."

- Neil Lumsden

Minister of Sport

"Across Toronto, residents and visitors will experience a city ready to welcome the world. The Ontario government’s decision helps local bars, restaurants and businesses benefit from the excitement of FIFA World Cup 26™, while showcasing the world-class hospitality that defines Toronto."

- Olivia Chow

Mayor of Toronto

"TIAO welcomes this temporary measure as a practical step to help Ontario’s tourism and hospitality businesses make the most of the excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Major global events create unique opportunities for destinations to showcase their hospitality, and extending service hours for participating licensed establishments gives operators additional flexibility to create memorable guest experiences, support incremental business activity and generate added income opportunities for workers. For visitors celebrating matches across Ontario, this helps enhance the overall event atmosphere and reinforces Ontario’s reputation as a vibrant and welcoming host destination."

- Andrew Siegwart

President & CEO, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO)

"ORHMA welcomes the province’s decision to extend alcohol service hours during FIFA World Cup 2026™ events. This temporary change will help hospitality businesses accommodate increased visitor demand and support the tourism activity generated by a major international event. We appreciate the government’s recognition of the role Ontario’s hospitality industry plays in delivering a positive visitor experience during globally significant events such as this."

- Tony Elenis

President & CEO, Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association (ORHMA)

"The Greater Toronto Hotel Association is pleased with the Ontario government’s initiative to extend hours of alcohol service for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ taking place in Toronto. This tournament will deliver a significant economic boost for the region’s hospitality and hotel sectors, and extended service hours will enable fans to enjoy the festivities even more."

- Sara Anghel

President & CEO, Greater Toronto Hotel Association (GTHA)

May 21, 2026 – Toronto, ON – Canadians are increasingly looking for ways to level up their everyday meals and bring a sense of discovery to their home cooking. Reflecting an ongoing commitment to meeting evolving consumer tastes, dairy leader Lactalis Canada’s Cracker Barrel brand is answering that call with the launch of the new Cracker Barrel Signature line. Created to bridge the gap between specialty indulgence and everyday convenience, this line is a new standard in the grocery experience.

Created for consumers seeking flavour exploration, variety, and inspiration from their cheese, the Signature line features a curated range of products that bring an elevated taste and texture to meals and entertaining occasions alike. While Cracker Barrel’s core line remains the trusted, high-quality staple for everyday meals, the Signature line is crafted specifically for those moments that call for a more adventurous flavour profile or a sophisticated culinary experience.

“Lactalis Canada’s Cracker Barrel Signature brings a sense of inspiration and discovery to the dairy aisle by meeting the growing demand for affordable indulgence without the specialty price tag,” said Melanie Isaac-Taitt, Senior Director, Marketing, Cheese & Tablespreads, Lactalis Canada. “With unique and bold varieties, this line is designed to inspire new occasions and invite Canadians to ‘add their signature’ to make everyday meals feel a little more special and personal.”

Offering a variety of styles, including blocks, slices, and shreds, and the brand’s first-ever spreads, the Signature line helps home cooks easily add their signature touch to any dish. The line features:

Cracker Barrel Signature Spreadable Monterey Jack: A new and exciting spreadable cheese, this is available in flavours Mexicana (mildly tangy with subtle heat) and Habanero (cheesy depth with an intense burst of heat). These varieties are crafted to meet a growing desire among Canadians for complex heat and adventurous staples, offering a rich, creamy texture.

Cracker Barrel Signature Gourmet Shreds: A sophisticated, elevated blend featuring Asiago, Gouda, and Mild Cheddar. This expertly blended cheese provides a sharp and nutty balance that brings a restaurant-quality experience to home cooking.

The Signature lineup: The line also features a variety of distinctive offerings, including spicy flavours, smoked cheeses, feta, and varieties such as Havarti and Swiss, giving Canadians more ways to discover elevated options with a brand they know and trust.

Consistent with the brand’s long-standing commitment to quality and local sourcing, all products in the Signature line are made with 100% Canadian milk.

The Cracker Barrel Signature line is available now at major retailers across the country. To learn more and find inspiration for your next meal, please visit crackerbarrel.ca/our-cheese/signature.

Vancouver, B.C. – May 20, 2026 – This spring, Fairmont Waterfront’s ARC Restaurant is launching an all-new dining experience – Led by a Love of … – an exclusive evening at Chef’s Bench designed for groups of 6-12 guests. Created to celebrate the freshest ingredients of the season and the joy of shared dining, the intimate family-style affair offers a curated menu from Executive Chef Harris Sakalis and is inspired by ARC’s West Coast philosophy: Led by a Love of Land and Sea.

The series will debut with its inaugural Led by a Love of Spot Prawns edition, an exclusive ‘one-off’ event on May 28 showcasing a well-loved B.C. favourite across an exclusive five-course menu. Attendees will be delighted with spot prawn tartare and orzotto, alongside local caviar and a family-style main course, featuring spot prawns over a charcoal grill. All ingredients will be sourced from local suppliers, farms and producers, and wherever possible, dishes will be complemented by herbs, fruits and vegetables harvested from Fairmont Waterfront’s very own rooftop garden.

Guests can expect a tableside introduction of each dish by Executive Chef Harris Sakalis, who will share the inspiration behind each course, alongside insights into the locally sourced ingredients featured throughout the menu.

“Led by a Love of…” is designed to evolve with the seasons and reflect what our chefs are most inspired by at that moment,” said Mike Pagnacco, Director of Food & Beverage at Fairmont Waterfront. “It gives our team the freedom to cook creatively, showcase incredible local ingredients and create shared dining experiences that feel fresh, personal and distinctly West Coast. We can’t wait to welcome guests around the table.”

Beyond the series’ first spot prawn edition, guests can look forward to Led by a Love of Spring throughout June. The experience will showcase standout ingredients from across the province, including locally foraged morel mushrooms, asparagus, spring lamb and Pacific Northwest halibut.

Following the Spring edition, diners will discover Led by a love of Garden, a four-part summer dining series hosted within the hotel’s rooftop garden. Each immersive evening will begin with a garden-to-glass cocktail and interactive honeybee encounter, before guests take their seats amongst the blooms for a multi-course Province to Plate menu. A different B.C. wine partner will support each event, offering insight into the thoughtfully curated wine pairings served throughout the evening.

Further editions Led by a Love of Harvest and Led by a Love of Wild will celebrate the rich flavours and exceptional ingredients of the fall months.

Limited reservations for the inaugural Led by a Love of Spot Prawns experience, along with the subsequent Led by a Love of Garden series, are available now through ARC’s website: ARC Restaurant | West Coast Restaurant in Vancouver, BC

VANCOUVER, B.C., May 20, 2026 /CNW/ - Everything Canadians love about A&W is getting smashed! Canada's Original Burger Chain is officially launching the first-ever A&W Smash Burger nationwide on May 25th. We are searing our juicy grass-fed beef patties to bring you A&W's deliciously smashed answer to this popular burger style. For a limited time, Canadians can smash either a single or a double, loaded with melted cheddar cheese, tangy pickles, sliced onions and a secret sauce, all served on a toasted brioche bun.

A Canadian QSR First

A&W is proud to be the first Canadian QSR to introduce a smash burger to its menu nationwide. Recognizing that smash burgers are having a moment, A&W wanted to bring the hype to every corner of Canada so that no burger lover is left out.

"Hand-smashed burgers are rarely done at this scale because it takes quality ingredients and thoughtful execution," says Karan Suri, Senior Director, Innovation at A&W Canada. "Each hand-smashed, juicy, grass-fed beef patty is paired with real cheddar cheese, tangy pickles, and our signature sauce for a perfectly balanced bite. Pure burger bliss."

"There is something so special about the simplicity of a perfect smash burger! We are excited to be welcoming Canadians to try our delicious new obsession," says Susan Senecal, CEO of A&W Canada. "The same quality and care you know and love from A&W is now bringing you a fun and flavourful smash burger."

The Smashed A&W Pop-Up in Toronto

A&W is welcoming Torontonians to an exclusive first taste of their new smash burger. We felt inspired, and maybe even a little carried away, by "smashing" our grass-fed beef. So, the natural next step was to give an entire A&W Restaurant the same "smash" treatment. A whole new look, an even better sizzle. Join us for the reveal and claim your complimentary Double Smash Burger. First-come, first-served, only while supplies last, with one burger per person.

Date: Friday, May 22nd

Time: 12 pm-5 pm EDT

Location: 780 King Street West

Canadians can head to their local A&W or order a Double or Single Smash Burger through the mobile app beginning May 25th, for a limited time.