TORONTO -- (July 15, 2025) — Captain D’s, a leading fast-casual seafood restaurant, is excited to announce the grand opening of its first Canadian location in Toronto.

Located at 4722 Jane Street, North York, Toronto, in the Jane Shoreham Shopping Centre, the new restaurant officially opened to the public on Monday, July 14. Operating hours are Sunday – Thursday from 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 10:30 AM to 11:00 PM.

Ontario-based entrepreneurs Ali Saeed and Mudassir Choudri, experienced and successful businessmen, are proud to lead Captain D’s international expansion into Canada. The North York location is the first of five restaurants they plan to open in the Toronto area. As long-time fans of the Nashville-based brand, they are eager to introduce Captain D’s unique seafood offerings to their local community.

“Nobody in this area is serving the QSR seafood market, and we felt there was a tremendous opportunity to fill that gap,” said Saeed. “I have enjoyed Captain D’s high- quality seafood and chicken for 30 years and take great pride in being able to introduce it to Canada. Locals will appreciate us as a place for a delicious and affordable family meal.”

Captain D’s menu features its craveable batter-dipped fish (classic and spicy), hand-breaded chicken tenders, Nashville hot fish, breaded butterfly shrimp, and a variety of healthful grilled options including salmon, whitefish, and chicken. Of course, the brand’s signature hush puppies are also a highlight.

Saeed and Choudri’s new restaurant spans 1,700 square feet and accommodates 24 guests.

“We are thrilled for Ali and Mudassir’s grand opening! They are ideal franchisees to spearhead Captain D’s growth in Ontario,” said Hair Parra, SVP of International Operations and Development for Captain D’s. “Their track record of business success and commitment to serving the community with high-quality seafood makes us confident this location will be a tremendous success.”

Captain D’s is actively seeking additional multi-unit operators to join the brand’s rapid expansion. For more information about franchise opportunities, visit www.captaindsfranchising.com or call 1-800-314-4819.

WREXHAM, Wales, July 15, 2025 /CNW/ -- Wrexham Lager Beer Co Ltd, the oldest lager brand in the UK, has officially landed in Canada through new partnerships with British Columbia Liquor Store (BCLS) and Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LBCO), two of North America's largest alcohol retailers. 

Since Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds took the reins as co-owners of Wrexham AFC and Wrexham Lager Beer Co Ltd, the town's spirit and its lager have gone global. The lager brand from Wales has seen a surge in popularity thanks to the renewed spotlight on the club and its hometown pride. Brewed using a traditional recipe that dates back to 1882, Wrexham Lager is subtly hopped, light, refreshing, and easy to drink. Now, with high demand, the lager is making its way into Canadian fridges for the first time, offering fans a taste of Wrexham wherever they cheer.

In British Columbia, Wrexham Lager is now available in 92 BCL Store locations, along with select Licensed Retail Stores (LRS) across the province. The BCLS locations will carry the 330ml six packs, while the LRS locations will carry both 330ml and 500ml single cans. In Ontario, Wrexham Lager's 500ml single can will be available through LCBO locations across the province.

The Canadian launch marks the latest milestone in Wrexham Lager's global growth, following successful expansion into the United States, Australia, Scandinavia, Northern Ireland, and additional markets.

"Bringing Wrexham Lager to Canada is another proud step in our journey and a great reminder to never underestimate something from Wrexham," said Jon Roberts, Board Director and Interim CEO of Wrexham Lager Beer Co Ltd. "With our products now available in British Columbia and Ontario, Canadian customers now get to experience a taste of our premium lager. Our global success reflects the appetite for genuine and authentic lager - something Wrexham Lager is proud to deliver."

Brewed in Wales since 1882, Wrexham Lager is brewed with the same time-honored Bavarian techniques that put it on the map over 140 years ago, using only the finest ingredients to deliver a crisp, refreshing taste that's stood the test of time.

For more information and where to buy, please visit https://www.wrexhamlager.com/en-ca

VAUGHAN, ON, July 14, 2025 /CNW/ - Recipe Unlimited ("Recipe") today announced that it has completed the acquisition of all eight Olive Garden restaurants located in Canada from Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: DRI). In addition to the acquisition, Recipe has entered into a comprehensive development agreement with Darden to significantly expand the Olive Garden brand across Canada.

The acquisition of the existing Canadian Olive Garden locations, situated in key markets across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, marks a strategic move for Recipe to integrate a highly popular and well-established casual dining concept into its extensive portfolio.

Furthermore, the development agreement with Darden Restaurants grants Recipe the exclusive rights to develop and operate new Olive Garden restaurants throughout Canada. This partnership underscores Recipe's commitment to growth and diversification, bringing Olive Garden's beloved Italian-inspired cuisine and family-friendly dining experience to more communities nationwide.

"We are incredibly excited to welcome Olive Garden into the Recipe family," said Frank Hennessey, CEO of Recipe Unlimited. "Olive Garden is a brand with a strong legacy of success and a loyal following, and we see immense potential for growth across Canada. This acquisition and subsequent development agreement align perfectly with our strategy to expand our presence in the casual dining segment with leading brands that resonate with Canadian consumers."

The acquisition of the existing restaurants is effective immediately, and Recipe will begin integrating these operations into its robust infrastructure. Recipe will leverage its extensive operational expertise, supply chain efficiencies, and strong marketing capabilities to further enhance the Olive Garden experience in Canada.

"Our partnership with Recipe marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Olive Garden in Canada," said Brad Smith, president of Darden International & Franchising. "Their proven track record in operating beloved restaurants throughout the country will help us better serve our Canadian guests and team members, while unlocking new opportunities for growth."

More information on the timing of new locations will be announced in due course as development plans take shape.

TORONTO, July 14, 2025 /CNW/ - Popeyes^® is proudly dipping into the party with that launch of its official Signature Sauce, a creamy pepper dipping sauce that packs a kick of heat, hint of sweet, and our signature Cajun spices. The sauce, a permanent addition to the menu, pairs seamlessly with the NEW limited-time-only, Chicken Dippers, made with thin strips of all-white breast meat, hand-battered in Popeyes signature Louisiana garlic and spice blend. The Chicken Dippers are proudly sourced from Canadian Farms and the Sauce is also prepared in Canada.

Popeyes Signature Sauce joins their extensive sauce collection in a unique variation. Unlike any other sauce on their menu, this creamy, craveable and unique sauce is one of a kind and undeniably Popeyes. Inspired by the brand's New Orleans roots, the new Signature Sauce combines the bold flavours of the Louisiana "holy trinity"; bell pepper, celery, and onion, along with garlic and a dash of hot sauce for just the right amount of heat.  It's a staple for all your dipping needs from Popeyes Cajun Fries, Chicken Sandwiches, Wings, and even the fan-favourite Chicken Wraps that are back and now permanently on the menu.  

"Popeyes Signature Sauce is one of a kind with its creamy, irresistible flavour designed to be the perfect companion to every Popeyes menu item. We took our time developing it over the last five years, ensuring we landed on something undeniably Popeyes," said Chef Peter Genna, Director of Culinary Innovation at Popeyes. "Creating a signature sauce is a monumental moment for our brand, and one we approached with care, knowing it had the potential to become an iconic part of our menu. It's incredibly unique to our Cajun roots, which is a true testament to our Louisiana heritage."

Priced at $7*, the new Chicken Dippers deliver a high-flavour, low-lift snack packed with bold taste. Whether you're flying solo, feeding your crew, or on the go, Popeyes Chicken Dippers and Signature Sauce are the perfect pair for savoring every dip.

Signature sauces have been around for quite some time, but Popeyes isn't just showing up fashionably late; they're making an entrance. With their new Signature Sauce and Chicken Dippers, the brand is dipping in, bringing serious flavour to the party.

Don't miss out, Chicken Dippers are only here for a limited time. Grab them in-restaurant or online in restaurants across Canada before they're gone. But no need to worry, Popeyes Signature Sauce is staying on the menu for good.

For more info and real-time flavour drops, visit popeyeschicken.ca and follow @popeyes on Instagram, X and Facebook.

*Price may vary.