VICTORIA, BC (February 9, 2026) – The wait is officially over. One of Victoria’s most beloved spaces is welcoming guests once again, ushering in a new era for a storied location inside . The Bengal has reopened as the hotel’s breakfast room, marking chapter one of an evolving vision—one where history and contemporary refinement come together to create a renewed sense of place.

Long known as The Bengal Lounge, the space has been woven into the social fabric of the City of Victoria for generations. Originally opened in 1912 as the ‘Reading & Writing Room’ following the hotel’s grand extension, it evolved in 1954 into the Coronet Lounge—the city’s first cocktail lounge of its kind—creating a new era of social gathering. From milestone celebrations to quiet conversations, it has long served as a place that felt both intimate and special. Now, The Bengal returns with renewed energy, inviting guests to rediscover a room that has grown and transformed alongside the city it serves.

“The Bengal has always been an integral part of The Empress and a place that holds real meaning for our community, and we’re incredibly proud to officially open once again,” said General Manager Dan McGowan. “We’re reintroducing this iconic space in a way that feels both familiar and new, with the intent to create an unforgettable experience for the guest of today. We cannot wait for people to experience it now and for everything that’s still to come as the space continues to evolve.”

Originally celebrated for its rich heritage architecture—defined by beams, pilasters, and intricate carvings—the new Bengal is a loving homage to its past while embracing a brighter, more inclusive setting. The heritage-style beams remain as anchors to history, while plush velvet seating, cane textures, and a lighter, organic palette soften the room and create a seamless connection to the gardens just outside. The result is an atmosphere that feels elegant, welcoming, and unmistakably The Bengal.

Every morning, The Bengal is ready to welcome hotel guests and locals alike for breakfast from 6:30am to 11:00am. Serving dishes inspired by the breakfast menu at Q at the Empress, along with feature items that give a subtle nod to the former lounge, including dishes inspired by the Mango Lassi Chia Pudding and the Bengal Tartine. Click here to review the .

The Bengal is also available for dinner while Q at the Empress undergoes renovations are available and walk-ins welcomed based on availability.

Looking ahead, the reopening of The Bengal is only the beginning of its transformation. Once renovations at Q at the Empress are complete, the space will become Victoria’s largest private dining room, offering an exceptional and opulent setting for memorable gatherings, celebrations, and special occasions. Having served as a venue for private events since 2016, The Bengal is uniquely positioned for this next evolution.

Vancouver, BC, Feb 9, 2026 - The Chinese Restaurant Awards is proud to once again partner with St. Paul’s Foundation for the Scotiabank Feast of Fortune charity gala, taking place on February 28, 2026, at JW Marriott Parq Vancouver. A stellar lineup of five acclaimed and rising chefs will headline the gala, delivering a memorable culinary experience to inspire generosity.  Proceeds will support St. Paul’s Foundation’s mission to drive medical innovation, leading research, and advancements in care for people in British Columbia and beyond.

Since 2008, donors to the Scotiabank Feast of Fortune have contributed over $25.7 million, funding life-saving diagnostics, state-of-the-art surgical equipment, and patient-centred research across Providence Health Care’s hospitals and other care sites. The Chinese Restaurant Awards celebrates its 12th year of partnership with the gala, reflecting a shared commitment to elevate health care through collaboration between the restaurant industry and St. Paul’s Foundation.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Chinese Restaurant Awards again for the 19th annual Scotiabank Feast of Fortune Charity Gala,” says Sheila Biggers, President and CEO, St. Paul’s Foundation. “This year, our fundraising efforts will support compassionate care, innovative research, and the critical development of the new Jim Pattison Medical Campus—home to the new St. Paul’s Hospital and adjoining Clinical Support & Research Centre as part of a health ecosystem that will benefit generations to come.”

Culinary Trailblazers Unite for a Feast that Fuels a Healthier Tomorrow

Guests can anticipate an extraordinary culinary journey, as the five featured chefs come together to craft a Chinese-inspired feast, blending traditional and contemporary flavours in celebration of the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Horse. Notably, two of the participating restaurants—The Fish Man, ranked No. 9, and Xi’an Flavour, ranked No. 27—have been recognized among Elite 30 CANADA 2025, showcasing some of the finest Chinese culinary talent in the country.

Featured Chefs (alphabetical by first name):

• Bo Li, Chef-Owner, The Fish Man (Restaurant of the Year 2022, Rising Star Chef of the Year 2022; Elite 30 CANADA 2025, Ranked No. 9)
• Jack Ge Feng, Chef-Owner, Yuan’s Garden (Critics’ Choice Signature Dish Awards winner)
• Kaniia Sam, Chef (Top 100 Contestant, Chef of China 2025)
• Steve Kuan, Chef-Owner, Torafuku (Critics’ Choice Signature Dish Awards winner)
• Wang Zhan Hui, Executive Chef, Xi’an Flavour (Elite 30 CANADA 2025, Ranked No. 27; Critics’ Choice Signature Dish Awards winner)

Transform lives today and for generations to come. Join St. Paul’s Foundation and these award-winning chefs in supporting the Scotiabank Feast of Fortune Charity Gala on February 28, 2026.

To join the gala in person or to make a donation, please visit: https://helpstpauls.com/feast-of-fortune/

To learn more about the participating chefs, please visit: .

Supporting partners of the tasting presentation: Geoduck Canada, eatFish.ca, Hook and Herd, Wingtat Game Bird Packers, and Vancouver Community College.

MONTREAL, February 9, 2026 - Second Cup Café reopens its location at Mega Centre Laval, welcoming guests back after the café had been closed since May 2024 for renovations. The reopening marks a fresh start for the local team and the community members. To mark the reopening, Second Cup hosted a grand event on Saturday, February 7, featuring complimentary samples, a live DJ, and a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.

“We’re welcoming guests back to our Mega Centre Laval café following several months of renovations,” says Roxane Desjardins, Marketing Director at Second Cup. “The reopening reflects the commitment of our franchise partners and local team and allows us to serve the community in a refreshed space once again.”

The reopening is significant for franchisee Emile Haykal and his team, who oversaw the renovation process over the past several months.

“We appreciate the patience and continued support from our guests,” says Haykal. “We look forward to reconnecting with the community and resuming our role as part of customers’ daily routines.”

Located at 1084 rue Desserte O., Laval, QC, the refreshed café offers a full menu of Second Cup’s premium coffee, espresso-based beverages, and café food items.

For more information, please visit .

CALGARY, AB, Feb. 6, 2026 /CNW/ - The Canadian Brewhouse is expanding its presence in Calgary with the opening of its newest location in West Springs, officially opening to the public on Saturday, February 7, 2026. The new restaurant marks the brand's 49th location across Canada and reinforces its continued growth as one of the country's leading sports bar and casual dining destinations.

Located in the heart of West Springs, the new Canadian Brewhouse is designed to be a true community hub- a place where locals can gather for game days, casual nights out, family dinners, and everything in between. Guests can expect the brand's signature energetic atmosphere, extensive menu and hospitality-first experience.

"West Springs is an incredible, growing community and we're excited to finally call it home," said Mike Wheeler, COO, The Canadian Brewhouse. "This new location is about more than just opening another restaurant- it's about creating a new neighbourhood gathering place where people can come together, celebrate, and feel like they belong."

The West Springs opening continues The Canadian Brewhouse's momentum of national growth, built around its belief that the best moments happen when people show up together- whether it's for a big game, a milestone celebration, or just wings on a weeknight.

Location Details

The Canadian Brewhouse – West Springs

8538 Broadcast Ave SW, Calgary, AB, T3H 6L8