Burnaby, BC, November 27, 2025 - Variety – the Children’s Charity of BC hosted its Annual Holiday Event on Saturday, November 22, at the Burnaby Heritage Museum, bringing together families supported through the organization’s programs and grants. The celebration allowed children to meet Santa, enjoy a meal, and experience festive holiday lights in a joyful and safe environment.

Ricky’s was proud to support the event by providing 75 meal boxes containing chicken tenders, fries, vegetables, fruit to go, and a juice box.

“Variety’s work to enhance the lives of children and families in BC is inspiring, and we are honoured to support them in bringing this holiday celebration to the community,” said Raymond Ho, VP, Marketing of Ricky’s All Day Grill. “Providing meal boxes for the event is our way of helping celebrate the season and honour the important work they do every day.”

Variety continues to provide programs, services, and support to children living with special needs, helping to improve quality of life and create opportunities for children and families across British Columbia.

Comox Valley, BC – November 25, 2025 –  , a leading wellness destination on Vancouver Island, welcomes Danai Hongwanishkul as the new Executive Chef for Ocean7 Restaurant and AQUA Bistro & Wine Bar. Hongwanishkul brings global experience and a menu philosophy rooted in local, sustainable ingredients and layered, multicultural flavours. His first refreshed menu at the resort showcases West Coast seafood and seasonal produce from nearby growers and suppliers.

"We spent six months developing this menu and are excited to share it with our guests,” said Hongwanishkul. “The ingredients are very, very important to me, and our culinary team do not shy away from quality."

Born in Bangkok and raised in Toronto, Hongwanishkul is known for weaving together diverse culinary influences, from Thai street food and French technique to bold Southern and Japanese flavours. “My multicultural background is reflected in the new menu,” he said. “For example, one of my favourite dishes, the West Coast BBQ Sablefish, is marinated in a Cantonese-style hoisin and five spice, highlighting a fusion of flavours and the fatty, rich nature of the fish.”

His passion for culinary excellence was honed in his previous role as Executive Chef at Notch8 Restaurant at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and as Executive Chef de Cuisine at Marcus' Bermuda, where he worked under the direct mentorship of world-renowned Chef Marcus Samuelsson. His training also includes time with MasterChef Canada judge Michael Bonacini and Patois owner Craig Wong, as well as foundational roles at acclaimed Canadian establishments such as Canoe and Jackpot Chicken Rice in Toronto.

Ocean7’s new fall and winter menu highlights exceptional local producers and signature dishes from both sea and land. Guests will find an array of regional seafood, including Salt Spring Island mussels and oysters sourced from Desolation Sound—farmed by Pa’aje Shellfish LP, a business of the Tla’amin Nation—as well as from nearby Fanny Bay. The celebrated Seafood Tower makes its grand return, joined by new additions such as the Seacuterie and the Seafood Platter. Chef Hongwanishkul has also revisited the Seafood Pasta, now crafted with squid-ink fusilli in collaboration with Prontissima, a pasta producer in the Comox Valley.

From the land, another Ocean7 signature returns: the Tomahawk for Two, a favourite for guests seeking a showpiece dish. Chef Hongwanishkul has also introduced a creative preparation featuring Natural Pastures Brie, showcasing one of the region’s renowned cheese producers. Vegetarian diners will enjoy new dishes such as the Vegan Smoked Surfside King Oyster Mushroom Carpaccio—a visual and culinary standout. It is a rich menu designed for lingering meals, shared plates, and thoughtful wine pairings.

Under Hongwanishkul’s direction, the culinary team strives to use the best ingredients possible and cooks with care, intention and good energy. In the Comox Valley, where high-quality ingredients can be sourced from nearby suppliers and farmers, Ocean7 Restaurant and AQUA Bistro & Wine Bar invite guests to relax with a glass in hand, take in the ocean views and sink into the moment.

The new fall and winter are available online. To learn more about the Ocean7 restaurant and AQUA Bistro Wine & Bar at Kingfisher, visit

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.