TORONTO, March 27, 2025 /CNW/ - Over the years, WORLD CLASS CANADA has supported, mentored, and celebrated the artistry of bartenders across the country, driving innovation and excellence in the industry. Yesterday, in Collingwood, Ontario, WORLD CLASS CANADA crowned Kate Chernoff as the WORLD CLASS Canada Bartender of the Year 2025. After demonstrating her bartending expertise in seven unique challenges across a three-day competition, Kate Chernoff from Keefer Bar in Vancouver proved that her style of creativity behind the bar set her apart in the final stages of the competition. Keegan McGregor of The Highwayman in Halifax, Nova Scotia—last year's Canadian and Global winner—was on hand to proudly pass the title to Kate Chernoff, who will represent Canada at the WORLD CLASS Global competition in Toronto, Canada, this September.

"Winning the title of WORLD CLASS Canada Bartender of the Year is an incredible honour, and I'm beyond grateful to stand alongside such talented and inspiring bartenders from across the country," said Kate Chernoff, WORLD CLASS CANADA Bartender of the Year 2025. "This experience has challenged me to elevate my creativity, technique, and hospitality, and I'm excited to represent Canada on the world stage in September in Canada."

Diageo's WORLD CLASS challenges are crafted to showcase the five key characteristics it takes to be a WORLD CLASS bartender: hosting, craft, flavour analysis, knowledge, and WORLD CLASS advocacy. With each challenge, judges are not just looking for a beautiful cocktail but also a masterful display of storytelling that embodies these five pillars.

"WORLD CLASS celebrates innovation, craftsmanship, and the extraordinary talent that shapes the global bartending community. Every year, we are thrilled to contribute to the evolution of cocktail culture and hospitality in Canada, creating memorable experiences for guests," said Michael Armistead, Diageo Canada's National Reserve and Sponsorship Manager. "Congratulations to Kate Chernoff, our 2025 winner! Her passion, creativity, and technical expertise truly impressed our judges, and we can't wait to support her as she represents Canada at the global final in Toronto this September."

Inspired by the latest industry trends, each challenge requires the use of specific spirits in the Diageo portfolio and is designed to showcase different skills in a bartender's toolkit. Challenges featured spirits from the Diageo Reserve portfolio, including Don Julio Tequila, Ketel One Vodka, Tanqueray No. Ten and Johnnie Walker Scotch Whisky. Some of this year's activities included Winter is Here, designed to showcase versatility, this challenge tasked bartenders with creating two serves—one hot and one cold—that balanced flavour, technique, and storytelling across temperature extremes. A Sense of Place challenged bartenders to craft a unique cocktail inspired by Canada's vibrant hospitality scene. This challenge invited participants to showcase their creativity by blending national pride with storytelling and distinctive flavours, reflecting the essence of Canada in every sip.

When experimenting with your own mixology skills or enjoying award-winning cocktails from your favourite local bartender, WORLD CLASS CANADA reminds you to drink responsibly.

For additional information about the program, and for details on the upcoming global competition, follow @WorldClassCa on Twitter, @WorldClassCanada on Instagram, use the hashtag #WorldClass and visit Facebook.com/WorldClassCanada.

Toronto, March 27, 2025 – Restaurants Canada announced Nicolas Filiatrault, Quebec-based CEO of Benny&Co., as its new Chair of the Board at its Annual General Meeting of the Members, held on March 26. Nicolas succeeds outgoing Board Chair Jeremy Bonia.

“I'm deeply honoured and carry a profound sense of responsibility in stepping into the role of Chair of Restaurants Canada's Board of Directors,” said Filiatrault. “While facing significant trade challenges, I'm confident our industry's resilience, creativity, and collective determination will allow us to adapt and innovate. Having witnessed major transformations over my near-decade involvement with Restaurants Canada, I've seen our sector's ability to overcome adversity. By working together, sharing insights, and supporting one another, we can overcome adversity and continue to serve Canadians with passion and excellence.”

Filiatrault has been the CEO of Quebec's largest family-owned rotisserie chain, Benny&Co., since November 2023. From his arrival at the company nearly 15 years ago, he has worked closely with Jean Benny, President of Benny&Co., to carry out the ambitious vision of the eight founding brothers of the family business established in 1960. As Director of Finance, and then Vice President of Finance and Administration, he implemented the family franchise system and created the company's administrative, accounting, and financial teams.

As Chair, Filiatrault will lead the Board, provide strong leadership to the Directors, and support the CEO while ensuring governance best practices and executing the Board’s directives. He will collaborate with President and CEO Kelly Higginson to strengthen the organization’s advocacy for the foodservice industry as she and the team execute the strategic goals of the organization.

In addition to Filiatrault’s new role, Restaurants Canada is appointing eight new members to its board: Sarah Chown, Metropolitain Brasserie, Ontario; Meeru Dhalwala, Lilia Restaurant, British Columbia; Musette Fowke, Integrated Food Systems Inc, Manitoba; Vanessa Fracheboud, Mandy’s, Quebec; Phoebe Fung, Vin Room, Alberta; Ben Osmow, Osmow’s Inc, Ontario; Cara Piggot, Boston Pizza; and Claudia Vorlaufer, Earls Restaurants, British Columbia.

Filiatrault succeeds Jeremy Bonia, an accomplished Newfoundland & Labrador-based restaurateur and sommelier, who was elected as Chair in April 2023. Bonia played an integral role in supporting Higginson as she stepped into the President and CEO role and leading the organization through its post-pandemic period of shifting policy priorities.

“I am immensely grateful to Jeremy for his years of service on Restaurants Canada’s board and for his support to me personally. His contributions have left a lasting mark on the organization and helped us become stronger than ever,” said Higginson. “In his new role, Nicolas will build on Jeremy's foundation, leading the board by uniting Directors, fostering board development, showing strong leadership, and supporting me and the Restaurants Canada team.”

LETHBRIDGE, AB, March 25, 2025 — Famoso Italian Pizzeria has come to Lethbridge, AB, with a new location that officially opens on March 25th, 2025, located at 2420 Fairway Plaza Road South. The newest Famoso Pizzeria joins up with the existing Ricky’s All Day Grill, offering guests authentic Neapolitan pizzas along with all of Ricky’s favourites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner under one roof, and making dining options even more delicious for the residents of the Lethbridge area.

The first Famoso opened in Edmonton in 2007 and is known for its authentic Neapolitan pizza, which has regularly won awards as a guest favourite. Famoso is passionate about authentic Italian pizza, using imported Italian bell ovens, fresh, premium ingredients like “00” flour, Campania tomatoes and fior-di-latte cheese, and using traditional pizza making techniques that have gone unchanged for generations.

For guests yearning for a true and satisfying flavour, there are family inspired recipes that include favourites like pastas, Italian-style sandwiches, tapas, great signature salads, and of course, Italian-inspired desserts… traditional house-made Tiramisu, and cheesecake. With a menu great for dining in and easy delivery, Famoso is the perfect complement to the existing Ricky’s restaurant.

The pizzeria is the perfect complement to Ricky’s, which is famous for its iconic breakfasts since 1962 - favourites like Egg Bennies and our signature Brekkie-Bowls. Adding options to the dinner and delivery options, Famoso provides a strategic partnership to Ricky’s lunch and dinner options, making it a true all-day dining destination in Lethbridge.

Rajdeep Grewal, long-time franchise owner of Ricky’s All Day Grill, is excited to add Famoso Pizzeria to the Lethbridge, AB location. “With the addition of Famoso Pizzeria, we’ve got bigger and even more convenient dining options available to our guests who are looking to enjoy their favourite Italian flavour,” adding that “the stylish, casual pizzeria embodies the look of a neighbourhood pizzeria with delicious Italian menu, which is a perfect place for sharing with family and friends.”

With online ordering, and delivery services, guests can also enjoy their favourite Ricky’s meal or an authentic Neapolitan pizza, all in the comfort of their own homes.

MONTREAL, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TOOU Design, the globally recognized brand known for blending modern aesthetics with everyday functionality, is proud to announce its expansion into the Canadian market. With a dedication to creating high-quality, stylish, and durable furniture, TOOU brings its most iconic collections to homes, patios, and commercial spaces across the country.

From sun-drenched terraces to contemporary urban cafés, TOOU’s furniture is designed to seamlessly transition between indoor and outdoor environments, ensuring longevity, comfort, and timeless appeal. Crafted from durable, weather-resistant materials such as UV-treated polypropylene, every piece withstands the elements while maintaining its refined aesthetic.

Redefining Outdoor Living with Iconic Collections

TOOU’s outdoor collections are designed for both residential and commercial use, offering stylish, ergonomic seating and tables built to last. Among the standout collections now available in Canada:

• OUTO Collection – Designed specifically for outdoor use, this collection includes stackable chairs, armchairs, lounge chairs, and rockers. Made from UV-resistant and waterproof materials, OUTO is the ultimate choice for modern patios, terraces, and poolside settings.
• Cadrea Collection – Inspired by the charm of classic bistro chairs, Cadrea modernizes this timeless silhouette with lightweight, durable polypropylene construction. Available as chairs, counter stools, and bar stools, this collection is ideal for cafés, restaurants, and hospitality spaces.
• Stellar Collection – A contemporary take on mid-century school chairs, Stellar features sleek lines, ergonomic comfort, and a choice of perforated or upholstered versions. Its stackable design and durable build make it perfect for both residential and commercial environments.
• YARD Collection – Designed for flexibility, YARD features stackable chairs and counter stools that balance minimalist aesthetics with superior comfort. With a lightweight yet sturdy construction, it is an excellent choice for high-traffic outdoor dining and social areas.
• TOMO Collection – This refined and versatile side table collection embodies Japanese simplicity and practicality. Made from recycled materials, TOMO enhances modern interiors and outdoor spaces alike with its lightweight design.

Designed for Commercial Excellence

Beyond residential spaces, TOOU Design offers innovative commercial furniture solutions tailored for trade environments. Whether furnishing a lively café, a stylish hotel lounge, an inviting restaurant terrace, or a modern office breakout area, TOOU’s collections provide ergonomic, durable, and visually striking furniture for high-traffic areas. The brand’s commitment to sustainability, comfort, and modular design ensures that architects, designers, and business owners can create welcoming and functional environments with ease.

With a growing presence in Canada, TOOU Design continues to push the boundaries of modern furniture, ensuring that every piece reflects the perfect balance of form and function.

For more information or to explore TOOU Design’s collections, visit tooucanada.com.