Vancouver, B.C., April 23, 2026 – Last night, two of Vancouver’s leading cocktail destinations,  and , earned spots on the prestigious 2026 North America’s 50 Best Bars list. The Keefer Bar ranked No. 7 overall and was named The Best Bar in Canada, while June made an impressive debut at No. 17 as a new entry (and third best bar in Canada).

“We’re incredibly honoured to see both of our bars recognized on this year’s North America’s 50 Best Bars list, alongside such a strong showing from across Canada,” says Keenan Hood, co-proprietor of both The Keefer Bar and June. "I've been in this industry a long time – almost my whole life and bartending about half of them. I've been a dishwasher, a cook, a bar back, but my heart is behind the bar. It's in my blood."

"To have The Keefer Bar named The Best Bar in Canada is the culmination of years of dedication and a continued deep love for this industry. And for June, which just celebrated its first anniversary, to be welcomed on the list at No. 17 is truly special. We’re immensely proud of both our teams and grateful to be part of such a talented community, representing both our city and our country.”

Hood’s fellow co-proprietor Cam Watt says, “I’m very proud of Keenan and his crew for placing both The Keefer Bar and June within the top 20 bars in all of North America. Keefer took top spot in all of Canada. It’s really an accomplishment given the level of competition. Good work, guys!”

The Keefer Bar, an apothecary cocktail bar located in Vancouver’s historic Chinatown, opened in February of 2010 on the first day of the Vancouver Winter Olympics. Since then, it has landed on several 50 Best Bars lists, including being recognized on the 2012 World’s 50 Best Bars as one to watch, and on the 2013 World’s 50 Best Bars extended list. In 2022, The Keefer Bar claimed the No. 25 spot on the inaugural North America’s 50 Best Bars list. In 2025, it landed at No. 28. The Keefer Bar is managed by Keenan Hood and fellow award-winning bartenders Amber Bruce (beverage director), Tristan Young (general manager), and Hugo Finan (bar manager).

June, a brasserie-inspired bi-level concept in Vancouver’s Cambie Village, just opened in March of 2025. Since opening, the neighbourhood has warmly embraced its creative cocktails and take on classic French dishes upstairs and has made LaLa, its 40-seat vinyl listening basement bar, a destination. June is founded by owner-operators Keenan Hood and Cam Watt, Dunya Hood (partner), and its opening team: Leticia Castro (general manager), Amber Bruce (beverage director), Connor Sperling (head chef), Satoshi Yonemori (bar manager), and Riley Maggs (head bartender).

“The bartending community is one of the most tight-knit in the hospitality industry, and these accolades are very special and not something we take for granted,” adds Bruce. “We’re always working and furthering our technique, while developing new flavours and creating spaces where guests feel genuinely welcome. It’s truly rewarding to see the work we put in resonate on an international stage.”

The North America’s 50 Best Bars rankings are  of more than 300 anonymous industry experts, including bartenders, bar owners, drinks writers, and well-travelled discerning drinkers from across the region.

For more information about The Keefer Bar, please visit.
For more information, please visit.

April 22, 2026 – Toronto, Ontario – Lactalis Canada Foodservice, a division of Canadian dairy leader Lactalis Canada, is pleased to announce a new partnership with Chefs Canada as an Official Sponsor of Team Canada for the legendary Bocuse d’Or competition. Often referred to as the Olympic Games of gastronomy, the Bocuse d’Or is a prestigious culinary competition held every two years, bringing together 24 of the world’s top chefs in Lyon, France, to compete for the profession’s highest honour.

This partnership aims to support the culinary excellence of Team Canada as they compete on the global stage, showcasing Canadian talent, creativity, and gastronomic innovation at one of the world’s most respected culinary events. It reflects a shared commitment to elevating Canadian cuisine and empowering the country’s top culinary talent with the high-quality dairy ingredients they need to perform at the highest level.

“Lactalis Canada is incredibly proud to support Team Canada on their Bocuse d’Or journey,” said Iven Zanardo, General Manager, Foodservice & Ingredients at Lactalis Canada. “Canada’s culinary leaders continue to break boundaries and gain international recognition, and to do so, they rely on the highest quality ingredients. We’re honoured to play a role in their creative process, and this partnership reflects our shared belief in showcasing the quality and craftsmanship behind Canadian cuisine on the world stage.”

“Thank you to Lactalis Canada Foodservice for their sponsorship of Team Canada. Their assistance helps to make our dreams of reaching the podium possible and shows their dedication to supporting Canadian chefs,” said Chef Keith Pears, National Culinary Athlete of 2026.

"We are thrilled to welcome Lactalis Canada Foodservice as an official partner of Team Canada,” said Thomas Delannoy, Founder & President of Chefs Canada. “Competing at the Bocuse d’Or requires not only immense skill and creativity but also access to the very best ingredients that represent the quality of our land. Partnering with a dairy leader that shares our passion for excellence ensures our chefs have the premium products necessary to showcase the true depth of Canadian gastronomy on the world stage.”

MONTEREY, Calif., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Republican Red Winery today announced it has received three prestigious awards at the 2026 Monterey International Wine Competition, including Best of Show and Platinum for its America 250 Sparkling Wine (scored 94 points) and Gold for its Vino MAHA Cabernet Franc (scored 91 points).

The Monterey International Wine Competition is recognized as one of the nation's respected wine judging events, bringing together experienced industry professionals including winemakers, sommeliers, wine writers, retailers, and educators. Wines are evaluated through a rigorous blind tasting process designed to ensure impartiality, with judges assessing entries based on quality, balance, structure, varietal expression, aroma, and finish.

At a time when the U.S. wine industry is experiencing declining consumption and an oversupply of grapes, Republican Red Winery continues to expand its portfolio through thoughtfully developed releases that resonate with consumers seeking meaning and connection in the products they choose. By focusing on craftsmanship, American sourcing, and wines tied to cultural moments and shared values, the winery has identified a distinct niche that continues to support growth even amid broader industry headwinds.

America 250 Sparkling Wine was created to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States and to honor the spirit of liberty, resilience, and unity that has shaped the American story. Bright and refined, the wine features lively bubbles, balanced acidity, and a crisp finish intended for meaningful celebrations and historic moments. As part of a limited commemorative collection, the wine reflects the belief that certain milestones deserve to be marked with intention and shared with others.

Vino MAHA Cabernet Franc reflects a philosophy rooted in heritage, authenticity, and intentional living. Thoughtfully crafted to emphasize balance, structure, and purity, the wine is inspired by traditions that have shaped the rhythm of home life for generations. Vino MAHA encourages a return to the table as a place of connection, conversation, and appreciation for the values that bring people together.

Both award-winning wines reflect Republican Red Winery's commitment to producing wines that prioritize quality while also embracing meaning and identity. The recognition highlights the winery's continued focus on thoughtful sourcing, careful production, and wines designed to complement meaningful occasions.

"These awards affirm what we believe at Republican Red Winery — that our customers love the labels, but it's the quality of the wine that keeps them coming back," said Founder Paul Johnson. "America 250 Sparkling Wine and Vino MAHA were both created to reflect values that bring people together: heritage, craftsmanship, and intentional living. We are proud to support American-made wine from grapes to glass and the farmers who make it possible, and we are honored to see these wines recognized by such a respected panel of judges."

TORONTO, April 17, 2026 /CNW/ - The Playoffs are here and Tim Hortons is showing up for Canadian hockey and basketball fans in a big way.

Available now, participating Tims® restaurants in Edmonton, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto are serving up limited-edition large hot beverage cups decked out in the colours and spirit of their Playoff-bound hometown teams:

• Fans in Edmonton can cheer on the Oilers with a Tims cup transformed into Oilers orange and the rallying cry: "Let's Go Oilers!"
• Ottawa fans will cheer on the Senators with black hot beverage cups and the "Go Sens Go!" message.
• In Montreal, Habs fans will celebrate with a red Tims cup with white and blue accents along with the "Go Habs Go!" chant.
• In Toronto, black cups include the Raptors' legendary "We The North" slogan front and centre.

"As the home of the Tim Hortons Double Double®, we have twice the excitement this Playoff season for Canadian hockey and basketball fans with so many of our hometown teams battling it out for Playoff glory," says Hope Bagozzi, Chief Marketing Officer for Tim Hortons.

"We're so excited to join our guests in cheering for Canada's teams throughout the Stanley Cup® Playoffs and NBA® Playoff runs."

Plus, starting April 18, each time a Canadian NHL® team wins a 2026 Stanley Cup® Playoff game, Tims RewardsTM members will unlock exclusive, limited-time offers in the Tims app.

Also, Tim Hortons will be supporting the Raptors Playoff Tailgate in Maple Leaf Square in Toronto where fans can enjoy free Tims coffee and hot chocolate while supplies last and cheer on the Toronto Raptors together.

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