TORONTO — , the celebrated culinary event spotlighting women in the food and beverage industry, will make its Ontario debut on Monday, March 9, 2026 at RC Show 2026, taking place at The International Centre in Mississauga. Presented by as part of uo;s Women in Hospitality programming, the evening will feature more than 15 tasting stations led by women chefs, restaurateurs, and their culinary mentees, alongside beverage pairings from women winemakers, brewers, bartenders, and more.

Yes Shef will arrive in Ontario’s Greater Toronto Area following five successful years in British Columbia, where the event has become a standout platform for elevating and advancing women in hospitality. This signature, one-night experience will bring together established culinary leaders and rising talent for an evening of exceptional food, meaningful networking, and community building - all in support of advancing women in Canada’s culinary sector.

“WORTH Association is thrilled to bring Yes Shef to the Greater Toronto Area in 2026. Toronto’s food and beverage scene is among the most dynamic in the country, and women are at the forefront of its growth and innovation,” says Joanna Jagger, Founder & Executive Director of WORTH Association, the organization behind Yes Shef. “We are honoured to partner with Restaurants Canada to advance equity and create meaningful change across the sector.”

At the heart of Yes Shef is mentorship. At the Mississauga debut event, 15 chefs will be paired with emerging women culinary students, creating hands-on opportunities to foster the next generation of talent. All event proceeds support women working in recreation, tourism & hospitality.

The Yes Shef 2026 roster will include:

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EVENT DETAILS:
RC Show 2026
Location: The International Centre, 6900 Airport Rd, Mississauga, ON L4V 1E8
Date: Monday, March 9th, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m.

TICKETS:
Tickets available now at $220 and can be purchased online at
Registered RC Show attendees can access a preferred rate by adding Yes Shef to their existing show registration.

PARTNERSHIPS:
Opportunities are still available. Explore exclusive access and benefits online at

[WOODSTOCK] – Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman has moved his Private Member’s Bill one step further in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, with the bill reaching second reading today. The bill would designate February 23 each year as Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day.

The proposal shines a spotlight on the people who power Ontario’s hospitality sector.

“Behind every memorable experience, whether it’s a welcoming place to stay, a delicious meal, a vibrant cultural moment, an outdoor adventure, or the journey that takes you there, are dedicated hospitality workers bringing it all to life,” said MPP Hardeman. “This bill is about giving them the credit they’ve earned and long deserved.”

If passed, Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day will celebrate the skill and dedication of those who keep Ontario’s vibrant hospitality sector running. It’s intended to not only foster pride and elevate recognition of their vital contributions, but also to help attract and retain talent in an industry that is a cornerstone of Ontario’s economy. The bill further encourages Ontarians to support local restaurants, hotels, tourism operations, arts, culture, and heritage, as well as small businesses.

This landmark initiative has been championed by industry leaders, most notably Danny Murrell, whose company, Harrison Staffing, has become a model for ethical and empowering employment in the hospitality sector. Drawing on his own journey as an immigrant who found his footing in Ontario’s hospitality sector, Danny worked closely with MPP Hardeman to bring forward the idea for this bill, ensuring that the voice and experiences of frontline workers were central to its development.

“Hospitality gave me my first chance to work, build stability, and start toward my Canadian dream,” said Danny Murrell. “I’m grateful to see this bill move forward, not only as overdue recognition for hospitality professionals, but as a meaningful step in supporting workers’ well-being and long-term success. At Harrison Staffing, we see every day how powerful it is to value, empower, and celebrate the people at the heart of this industry.”

Ontario’s hospitality sector is one of the province’s largest employers, with more than 426,700 people working in accommodation and food services in 2023, about 5.4% of the provincial workforce. While the United States recognizes Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day on February 23, Ontario has not yet had an official day to honour its own hospitality professionals.

“Hospitality isn’t just where careers start; it’s where they grow,” added MPP Hardeman. “These workers do more than provide a service; they support communities right across Ontario.”

Industry organizations, including the Ontario Restaurant, Hotel and Motel Association (ORHMA), the Greater Toronto Hotel Association (GTHA), the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), Smart Serve Ontario, Restaurants Canada, and leading employers such as Harrison Staffing, have voiced strong support for this important step forward.

With Ontarians increasingly supporting local travel, independent restaurants, and homegrown businesses, this is a pivotal moment for the province to formally recognize the people who make those experiences possible. Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day aims to honour the workers who contribute so much to Ontario’s economy and community spirit, and to inspire continued growth and excellence across the sector.

BANFF, ALBERTA – November 25, 2025 – Born in Kelowna and now serving communities from coast to coast, Chopped Leaf hosted its 2025 National Franchisee Convention in Banff, Alberta in November, bringing together franchise owners, corporate leaders, and partners from across Canada.

The convention, themed Believe in the Leaf, served as a platform for collaboration, learning, and recognition. It also marked the launch of the brand’s new Loyalty Rewards Program — designed to thank loyal guests and strengthen the brand’s digital connection with customers across Canada.

“Believe in the Leaf reflects our confidence in where this proud Canadian brand is headed,” said Nick Veloce, President and COO, Innovative Food Brands. “The convention highlighted the strength of our franchise system and the impact that shared purpose can have. When our network pulls in the same direction, it creates real momentum and opens the door to growth and new opportunities.”

New Feel Good Rewards Program Introduced

Chopped Leaf also debuted its Feel Good Rewards Program at the Convention, introducing a fresh way to reward guest loyalty and connect through its digital platforms.

The Feel Good Rewards Program, which was launched today, includes the following features:

• Guests earn points for every dollar spent
• Points can be redeemed for free menu items or cash savings
• Any purchase over $9.99 counts toward visit-based rewards, with a free reward unlocked on the third visit and a grand reward on the twelfth
• Every new registrant receives a free wrap welcome offer
• Guests can order for pickup or delivery through the app and purchase and send e-gift cards
• Exclusive offers, fresh deals, and in-app discounts are available through the app

“Our guests have supported this brand for years, and the Feel Good Rewards Program is our way of giving back,” said Karen Paradine, Head of Marketing, Chopped Leaf. “We want people to feel appreciated every time they visit. This program rewards loyalty in a way that’s simple, meaningful, and true to who we are.”

Franchisees Inspired and Focused

The multi-day event included workshops, keynote presentations, awards, and networking opportunities designed to inspire innovation and strengthen collaboration across the franchise network.

“Being part of this brand has been both rewarding and inspiring,” said franchisee Chetan Jajadiya, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. “Events like this remind us that we’re not just running restaurants — we’re part of a national movement to make healthy eating accessible and enjoyable for everyone.”

Jimmy John’s continues its growth in Winnipeg with the opening of its newest restaurant at 360 Broadway.

Located in the downtown core, the restaurant is the third Jimmy John’s to open in Winnipeg this year. It is owned and operated by Kristen Hordo-Gentes and Darin Gentes, who are expanding Jimmy John’s presence in the city following recent openings on Pembina Highway and Ellice Avenue.

Franchisees Kristen Hordo-Gentes (left) and Darin Gentes (right) stand outside the new Jimmy John’s at 360 Broadway