CALGARY (October 29, 2025) — Calgary’s food scene is getting a bold new addition with the launch of Phillys, a brand-new quick-service restaurant (QSR) concept bringing gourmet sandwiches, Philly cheesesteaks, specialty hot dogs, and rice bowls to the city — all inspired by the street food culture of North America.

The first location is now open at 5475 Falsbridge Dr NE, featuring a 1,300-square-foot space that’s bright, modern, and designed for speed and satisfaction. Phillys will host its official Grand Opening on Saturday, November 8, celebrating with a Free Classic Hot Dog for the first 100 guests through the doors.

Backed by a seasoned leadership team with deep roots in Canada’s restaurant industry, Phillys combines decades of operational expertise with a shared passion for food, innovation, and community. Created to fill a growing gap in the quick-service market, the brand delivers fresh, high-quality comfort food that’s both approachable and elevated. Its vision is to build a proudly Canadian company that supports local industry, creates meaningful jobs, and offers a flavour-forward dining experience worth sharing.

“Phillys blends high-quality ingredients with bold, creative flavours — offering guests something familiar yet exciting,” said Julian Carreto, Operations Lead for Phillys. “Our goal is to make great food fast, without compromise. From our gourmet hot dogs and hearty grinders to our fresh, customizable rice bowls, there’s truly something for everyone.”

With over 25 years of experience across various food service concepts — including both dine-in and quick-service restaurants — Carreto brings deep operational expertise and leadership to the team. His focus on consistency, efficiency, and excellence ensures every Phillyslocation delivers high-quality food and outstanding service.

The Phillys menu was designed to offer variety and flexibility without overcomplicating the kitchen — a balance that makes the concept both crave-worthy and scalable.

• Gourmet Hot Dogs transform a street-food staple into something special, with premium toppings and international influences.
• Rice Bowls provide a healthier, customizable base ideal for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free guests.
• Grinders (Subs) round out the menu with hearty, made-to-order sandwiches stacked with flavour and freshness.

The first franchise location is owned and operated by Harpreet Dhaliwal, who brings a decade of restaurant experience and a strong focus on quality and customer service.

“Phillys stood out to me because it hits that perfect balance between fast, fresh, and flavourful,” said Harpreet Dhaliwal, Owner of Philly’s Calgary NE. “It’s the kind of place people can visit for a quick lunch or a relaxed family dinner and always leave satisfied. I’m proud to introduce this exciting new Calgary-born brand to our community.”

With franchising already in development, including a second location secured in Airdrie, Phillys aims to become one of Canada’s next major names in the QSR category. The brand’s model is built for flexibility and efficiency, offering franchisees a compact footprint and a menu that balances creativity with operational ease and broad consumer appeal — from quick lunch breaks to late-night cravings.

The timing is ideal: Canada’s quick-service restaurant market continues to see strong growth, driven by demand for convenience and quality — a space where Phillys sees a major opportunity to lead.

Phillys is open from every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, please visit .

MONTREAL, November 3, 2025 – Pita Pit is giving Canadians an early reason to celebrate with an offer that makes fresh eating more affordable this holiday season. Starting today and running through the end of December, guests can enjoy any small pita for just $7.99 at participating locations nationwide.

As Canadians navigate the busy holiday season, the limited-time offer is designed to make nutritious, customizable meals more accessible during what can be one of the most expensive times of the year.

“We don't want Canadians to have to compromise on time, quality or value,” says Chris Cann, brand leader for Pita Pit. “And as families are busy with holiday events and preparations, we know every bit of value matters. This offer is our way of giving guests a break while still letting them enjoy the fresh, quality ingredients they expect from Pita Pit.”

Pita Pit’s menu features a wide selection of grilled meats, fresh vegetables, and bold sauces wrapped in soft pitas or served as salads. With options that suit every diet and lifestyle, the brand remains committed to offering a better-for-you alternative to traditional fast food, now at a price that’s easier on the wallet.

“This time of year can stretch both time and finances,” adds Cann. “We want to help make it simple for people to grab a fresh, satisfying meal without dipping into their stocking-stuffer budget.”

The $7.99 small pita offer is available through in-store purchase at participating Pita Pit locations across Canada until December 31, 2025.

Toronto, Nov. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Despite expectations of a difficult year, the foodservice industry outperformed early forecasts, thanks to strong domestic tourism and the GST/HST holiday at the start of the year, according to Restaurants Canada’s Q3 Quarterly Report. Commercial foodservice revenue was up 6.9% in the first seven months of 2025, but after adjusting for inflation, Restaurants Canada expects real commercial foodservice sales to grow by 2.1% in 2025 and decline by 0.7% in 2026.

Quarterly Report at a glance:

• Commercial foodservice sales are expected to grow by 5.4% in 2025 before adjusting for inflation, outperforming the previous quarter’s forecast (of 2.7% to 3.7% growth).
• Canada’s restaurant industry continues to prove it is a job powerhouse, adding 23,600 jobs in the first nine months of 2025, more than the 21,200 jobs created across the broader private sector.
• 74% of Canadians say they are cutting discretionary spending because of cost-of-living increases, with eating out (56%) and take-out or delivery (50%) being the most common types of expenses they are cutting.
• Foodservice businesses continue to face significant operating cost increases that challenge their profitability. Over the past two years, insurance costs have increased 14%, food costs 13% and labour costs 11%.
• Commercial foodservice sales are projected to decelerate to 1.6% growth in Q2 2026. Growth is expected to gradually recover thereafter, plateauing at an average of 3.6% in 2027, indicating a return to more sustainable, pre-pandemic trends.
• While technology could help foodservice businesses improve productivity and streamline operations, many remain cautious. The top barriers to adoption are high upfront costs (51%), uncertainty about return on investment (43%), and concerns about long-term stability in the business environment (35%).
• Operators are looking for tools that demonstrate immediate value by helping reduce costs, strengthen operations, or simplify decision-making without placing additional strain on cash flow.

“There is reason for cautious optimism in the foodservice industry after some very challenging years, but we have to keep the ongoing inflationary pressures in perspective,” said Kelly Higginson, President and CEO of Restaurants Canada. “Operating costs continue to rise while consumers are pulling back on discretionary spending, conditions which make investment in technology and growth plans risky. The federal government needs to deliver on its promise to improve affordability for Canadians in its budget tomorrow.”

Restaurants Canada is urging the federal government to permanently exempt all food, including restaurant meals, from GST/HST, to reduce the cost of living for Canadians and support growth in the foodservice industry. To sign Restaurants Canada’s petition calling on government to exempt all food from sales tax, visit .

HAMILTON, ON, Oct. 31, 2025 /CNW/ - East Side Mario's®, the home of All-You-Can-Eat Soup, Salad and Garlic Homeloaf, has opened its newest restaurant in Winona Crossing at 1372 South Service Road, unveiling a bold new design inspired by the energy of Italy's famous San Gennaro street festival.

"We're beyond excited to open our doors at Winona Crossing," say Dale and Michele Adams, longtime Stoney Creek residents and proud franchisees of East Side Mario's Queenston Road since 2017. "We can't wait to welcome our neighbours in to enjoy delicious, abundant Italian-inspired food and celebrate the joy of spending time with family and friends."

This opening marks another milestone in East Side Mario's almost 40-year legacy of bringing Canadians together to share meals and memories. The Winona Crossing restaurant is only the second in Canada to feature East Side Mario's vibrant new design, a reimagined space that captures the sights, sounds, and spirit of Little Italy.

"We're proud to grow East Side Mario's in the Stoney Creek community as we transport guests to Little Italy, where the dream of our brand began," says Nathan Cameron, Chief Operating Officer of East Side Mario's. "It's an invitation to escape to your very own Little Italy and make memories that last a lifetime, whether it's a family dinner, birthday, or night out with friends."

The opening comes just in time for Stoney Creek residents to celebrate the holidays at the new location. Guests can enjoy Mario's Three-Course Feast from $24.99 until January 5, making it the perfect season to gather, celebrate, and create new memories at East Side Mario's Winona Crossing.