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.”

VANCOUVER, BC, July 20, 2026 /CNW/ -- A&W's Burgers to Beat MS Day returns on August 20th, 2026, marking 18 years of supporting Canadians affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). On this day, Canadians are invited to visit any local A&W across Canada, where $2 from every Teen Burger sold goes to MS Canada to support the lives and futures of Canadians affected by MS.

Canadians can participate in the fight against MS by ordering a Teen Burger on August 20th, by ordering for dine-in, take-out, drive-thru or delivery! Group pre-orders for family gatherings or team lunches can be easily placed through this form.

Canadians Supporting Canadians
As a country with one of the highest rates of MS in the world, Burgers to Beat MS returns every year to support a cause close to home for many Canadians. On average, 12 Canadians are diagnosed every day; that's a diagnosis every two hours. MS not only affects the person diagnosed, but also their family, friends, and community. As Canada's Original Burger Chain, A&W is proud to partner with MS Canada to create a meaningful impact in our communities and deliver real support and positive change for Canadians affected by MS.

PWHL Superstar Joins Forces To Beat MS

This year, A&W and MS Canada are excited to welcome Olympic gold medalist and PWHL Vancouver Goldeneyes goaltender Kristen Campbell as an official media spokesperson for Burgers to Beat MS. As one of Canada's most celebrated athletes today, Kristen brings a powerful personal connection to the cause, having watched her mother, Janet Campbell, navigate life with multiple sclerosis for twenty-seven years. Driven by the mutual passion to help foster a brighter future for the MS community, Kristen is proud to champion this vital fundraiser in partnership with A&W, raising critical awareness and rallying Canadians to support programs and life-changing research for families affected by MS.

"My mom, Janet, is my biggest role model. The fact that her MS diagnosis has never stopped her from living a full, happy life shows just how far research and treatments have progressed," says Kristen Campbell. "She has been my absolute anchor throughout my hockey career, always insisting on being in the stands for every practice and game, no matter what symptoms she's facing. That's why championing Burgers to Beat MS with A&W means so much to me. It's an opportunity to rally Canadians behind a disease that affects every family differently, and a way to honour my mom for everything she's given me."

Since starting the partnership in 2008 with MS Canada, A&W Canada has raised more than $23 million in support of the MS community through Burgers to Beat MS. Funds raised go toward support programs like the MS Knowledge Network and peer support. It also helps drive world-class MS research focused on understanding the disease better, halting its progression, developing new treatments and early detection aimed at preventing MS for future generations.

"With someone newly diagnosed approximately every two hours, MS touches families and communities from coast to coast," says Dr. Pamela Valentine, President and CEO of MS Canada. "For nearly two decades, Burgers to Beat MS has had a remarkable impact on the lives of Canadians affected by MS. Deeply committed partners like A&W help us expand essential support and wellness programs, and advance breakthroughs in research that are changing how the world understands and treats the disease today, restore previously lost function, and prevent MS tomorrow."

While there are many ways to support a cause like MS, Burgers to Beat MS might just be the easiest and most delicious way to do some good.

"Burgers to Beat MS started as a grassroots initiative by one of our franchisees, but through the support of our guests and franchisees, this day has become a beautiful symbol of Canadians helping Canadians," says Susan Senecal, CEO and President of A&W Canada. "Over the 18 years of partnership, our franchisees and Canadians have shown us how coming together over a meal can make a massive difference. We are so thankful for the support that allows us to make a difference in our own communities. We look forward to welcoming everyone on August 20th who's hungry to support a great cause!"

Starting today, Canadians can also donate to MS Canada by rounding up their A&W bill, donating in restaurants, through the A&W App, online at BurgersToBeatMS.ca, or by adding a donation when ordering on UberEats, SkipTheDishes and DoorDash.

Calgary, AB, July 15, 2026 – Ricky's & Famoso Seton continues to give guests more reasons to visit with the recent introduction of authentic Famoso pizza and the launch of a new Weekend Breakfast Buffet. Together, these additions offer even more variety, making the restaurant a destination for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between.

The Breakfast Buffet is offered as an add-on option, allowing diners to continue enjoying Ricky's traditional table service while choosing to fill their plates with eggs and bacon, pancakes, waffles, fresh fruit, pastries, and more. Available Saturdays and Sundays, it's the perfect way to gather with family and friends for a relaxed weekend breakfast.

Guests can also enjoy the authentic flavours of Famoso Italian Pizzeria, now available alongside Ricky's extensive menu. From handcrafted Neapolitan pizzas made with imported Italian ingredients to fresh pastas, salads, and appetizers, the addition of Famoso brings even more choice to the dining experience, whether dining in, taking out, or ordering delivery.

"Our goal is to offer our guests more choice while delivering the quality and hospitality they've come to expect," said Mike, the owner of Ricky's & Famoso Seton. "The addition of Famoso and our new Weekend Breakfast Buffet gives our guests even more reasons to make us their go-to restaurant, no matter the occasion."

The Weekend Breakfast Buffet is available Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 1010 - 19489 Seton Crescent SE, Calgary, AB. Reservations are recommended during peak times. For more information or to book a table, call the restaurant directly at (403) 570-9420.

Edmonton, AB, July 15, 2026 – Ricky's Mill Creek has officially expanded its restaurant, nearly doubling its size to provide more seating and an enhanced dining experience for guests. As part of the expansion, the restaurant has also introduced a new Weekend Breakfast Buffet, available every Saturday and Sunday beginning July 4, 2026.

The Breakfast Buffet is offered as an add-on option, allowing guests to continue enjoying Ricky's traditional table service while choosing to fill their plates with eggs and bacon, pancakes, waffles, fresh fruit, pastries, and more.

The new buffet offers even more variety while maintaining the quality, comfort, and hospitality Ricky's is known for.

"Our goal is always to bring people together over great food," said Ravi, the owner of Ricky's Mill Creek. "With our expanded dining room and new Breakfast Buffet, we're excited to offer our guests even more reasons to make Ricky's their weekend breakfast destination."

The buffet is available Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 9555 82 Ave, Edmonton, AB. Reservations are recommended during peak times. For more information or to book a table, call (780) 437-0727.