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TORONTO — A Canadian-first is coming to Toronto with the launch of Renso Pho-Potle, a new fast-casual restaurant concept that combines the bold, aromatic flavours of Vietnamese pho cuisine with a fully customizable, build-your-own dining experience.

Opening in September at 506 Queen Street West in Toronto, Renso Pho-Potle reimagines pho for a modern, urban crowd, combining speed, an individualized approach and bold flavours in a format designed for today’s diner. Pho is at the heart of the meal, but re-imagined. Renso Pho-Potle is introducing dry pho alongside traditional broth-based bowls, with a bold, flavour-forward take that respects the spirit of pho in a new format.

“We saw an opportunity to bring something new to Canada, taking a dish people already love and making it more accessible, customizable and fast,” says Linda Vu, founder of Renso Pho-Potle. “This is just the beginning. Our goal is to build Renso Pho-Potle into a concept that can grow in communities across the country.”

Renso Pho-Potle is the latest food and service innovation from Renso Group, one of North America’s leading providers of authentic Asian foods and food products, specializing in Vietnamese agriculture. The introduction of the “pho-potle” model to Toronto is a concept years in the making, starting with Renso preparing low-margin food products that are premium in a high-cost industry.

This newest take on fast-casual dining creates a tailored dining experience that is designed to be intuitive and approachable. The “pho-potle” approach puts the customer in complete control of their dish, choosing their broth, protein, rice and flavourful toppings for a truly unique and bespoke dish.

“We’ve worked carefully to honour the flavours that make pho so distinctive, while adapting them into a format that fits modern lifestyles,” says Chef Bich Nguyen.  “It’s about balancing the integrity of the ingredients while making the experience simple and engaging for guests.”

Adding to the unique element of Renso Pho-Potle is a gathering space in the restaurant for hosting events, pop-ups, tastings and community nights — including special event nights lead by Renso Pho-Potle chefs to educate people on pho.

For more information, please visit www.rensophopotle.ca.

 
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Featured Canadian dishes added to Buffet for a limited time, Holiday Buffet pricing in effect on Canada Day.

BRAMPTON, ON, June 22, 2026 /CNW/ - Customers are invited to Celebrate Canada with Mandarin Restaurants from June 22 to August 3. This Celebrate Canada promotion features a special selection of Canadian-inspired dishes, seamlessly integrated into Mandarin's award-winning all-you-can-enjoy Buffet. For July 1, Holiday Buffet pricing will be in effect. For pricing, operating hours and to make your phone reservation, visit mandarinrestaurant.com.

A Taste of Canada

Mandarin's Celebrate Canada promotion serves customers with maple and Canadian-inspired dishes added to Dine-In, Take-Out and Delivery as tribute to the great country they call home. These specially curated dishes offer a festive way for friends and family to gather, celebrate the taste, and enjoy the summer.

The new Canadian-inspired dishes offered on the Buffet are:

Cranberry Quinoa Salad

Hawaiian Pizza

Maple BBQ Ribs

Maple Chili Tofu

Maple Glazed Salmon

Mussels in White Wine

Poutine

Spicy Maple Wings

Sweet Endings

The promotion also extends to desserts, featuring a selection of classic Canadian treats:

Butter Tarts

Maple Cheesecake

Maple Ice Cream

Mini Cupcakes

Nanaimo Bars

Peach Pie

"We are excited to bring this Canadian-inspired menu to life for our customers. The menu serves as a wonderful complement to our award-winning Buffet of over 100 freshly prepared Dishes." said Tina Chiu, Chief Executive Officer, Mandarin Restaurant Franchise Corporation.

Make your phone reservation to Celebrate Canada and to enjoy these new and tasty offerings at Mandarin. To view our multimedia on Celebrate Canada, click here.

 
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Jimmy John’s has expanded its presence in Southwestern Ontario with the opening of its first St. Thomas restaurant at 1025 Talbot Street, Unit 5.

This opening represents the 16th Jimmy John’s location in Canada. Franchisees Abhay Panchal and Akshay Patel own and operate the new restaurant, which was launched with a ribbon-cutting event attended by the local team and St. Thomas city councillors today.

Franchisees Abhay Panchal and Akshay Patel celebrate the grand opening of Jimmy John’s St. Thomas with members of the local team and St. Thomas city councillors Gary Clarke, Rose Gibson, Jim Herbert and Earl Taylor. The new restaurant is located at 1025 Talbot Street, Unit 5. Photo: Foodtastic.

 
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CALGARY, AB, June 18, 2026 /CNW/ - Factor Meals, Canada's leading ready to eat meal brand, has officially opened a new 50,000 sq. ft. kitchen and distribution centre in Calgary, Alberta. The state-of-the-art facility establishes localized production in Western Canada, serving as a milestone in unlocking nationwide delivery for the brand this Fall.

Initially launched in 2022 to serve Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes, the Calgary expansion allows Factor Meals to seamlessly scale its dietitian-approved, chef-crafted meal deliveries from coast to coast.

"Activating our Calgary kitchen is a critical piece of the puzzle for Factor Meals in Canada," said Ian Brooks, CEO of HelloFresh Canada, Factor Meals' parent company. "This facility positions us to achieve national service in the coming months, bringing fresh, nutritious, and convenient meals to millions of new households across the Western provinces."

The facility represents a major economic investment in the region, creating 400 new jobs across production, logistics, and management. The launch was supported by $3.6 million in provincial and federal funding, including $2.3 million from an Alberta Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit (APITC) and $1.3 million from a Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership (SCAP) grant.

Tara Sawyer, Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, emphasized the impact of this regional integration. "Factor Meals' new facility is a prime example of how Alberta is attracting major investment in value-added processing. The Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit and the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership help companies establish and grow in our province while taking advantage of some of the best agricultural inputs in the world. Investments like this support local farmers, strengthen our ag sector and help meet the growing demand for high-quality agri-food products."

Calgary Mayor Farkas echoed the sentiment on the local impact. "Calgarians will benefit directly from this investment as Factor Meals expands in our city, creating hundreds of jobs and strengthening our local economy. This expansion reflects Calgary's continued growth as a destination for investment, where companies are choosing to scale, invest and be part of a city that is diversifying and building long-term economic strength."

Invest Alberta and Calgary Economic Development were instrumental in bringing this investment to life, providing Factor Meals with direct access to local supply chains, skilled talent, and government resources critical to establishing and scaling operations in the Calgary region.

"Factor Meals' decision to expand in Calgary reflects the momentum we're seeing across sectors where local innovation is transforming how we produce, move and deliver goods, including food-tech and agri-processing. With a competitive cost environment, room to scale, a highly skilled workforce and strong partnerships, Calgary offers what businesses need to scale with confidence." Said Brad Parry, President and CEO, Calgary Economic Development.

The facility will also integrate deeply with the regional agricultural supply chain, utilizing provincial incentives to advance the Province's agricultural sector.

"Factor Meals' investment underscores the growing strength of Alberta's integrated supply chain—from locally produced ingredients to advanced food processing and distribution. By choosing Alberta as a base for their Western Canada operations, HelloFresh and Factor are helping improve access to high-quality, affordable food options for consumers across the region. Invest Alberta is pleased to support companies making meaningful, lasting investments that connect our agricultural strengths with innovative food solutions and deliver tangible benefits to households," said Invest Alberta, Acting CEO, Keith Bradley.

Kevin Marban, General Manager of Factor Meals, confirmed that the facility is already operational and heavily focused on this regional network. "With 400 new roles, this facility allows us to work closely with local suppliers while delivering fresh meals directly to customers' doorsteps across Western Canada," Marban said. "We're incredibly grateful for the partnership with the city and the Province and look forward to continuing to support the local community."

Inside the State-of-the-Art Calgary Kitchen

The facility operates as a large-scale commercial kitchen and production site designed to prepare high-quality meals fresh daily. Built to support premium flavour development, freshness, and strict food safety, the infrastructure includes advanced industrial ovens, grills, braisers, and blast-chilling capabilities. To seamlessly manage the supply chain from raw ingredients to final fulfillment, the site features extensive commercial-scale warehouse space with dedicated receiving docks for fresh-cut produce and proteins. The operation utilizes multiple temperature-controlled zones and ambient storage to maintain strict cold-chain integrity.

Community Partnerships

Beyond economic development, Factor Meals is establishing local food rescue initiatives to distribute surplus ingredients and meals to residents experiencing food insecurity. The brand has partnered with Second Harvest nationally, alongside local organizations including the Calgary Food Bank and the Community Kitchen Program of Calgary.

Learn more about Factor Meals at www.factormeals.ca

 
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Port Moody, BC, (June 17, 2026)NOVA Kitchen & Bar has officially opened its doors in Port Moody, bringing contemporary dining, award-winning cocktail and wine programs, and elevated hospitality to one of Metro Vancouver's fastest-growing culinary destinations. Furthered by a locally sourced sea-food line up and weekend brunch, NOVA brings a high class yet accessible touch to the city.

Named after the astronomical term for a "new star," NOVA is designed to offer a premium dining experience without the pretension. Collecting the talents of Head Chef Thomas Shorthouse — whose CV includes names like Fanny Bay Oyster Bar, Homer Street Café, and Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar — bar consultant Max Curzon-Price, and wine consultant Kurtis Kolt, the restaurant centres on exceptional food, thoughtful beverage offerings, and genuine hospitality in a stylish and welcoming setting.

At the heart of the menu is 100% Canadian Certified Angus Beef, selected for its rich marbling, depth of flavour, and tenderness, and aged up to 45 days. Signature offerings include Steak Frites, The Blue Cut, and the Black Truffle Sirloin. Located at the tip of the Burrard Inlet, NOVA’s menu offers West Coast-inspired seafood dishes such as Seafood Plateau, Yellowfin Tuna Crudo, and West Coast Spring Salmon.

Complementing the food menu is a thoughtfully curated beverage program. Curzon-Price, recipient of the MICHELIN Guide Vancouver Exceptional Cocktail Award, has developed signature cocktails including the 5 O'Clock Somewhere, Silk Road, and Golden Hour. Alongside it, award-winning sommelier Kolt has curated a wine program highlighting standout British Columbia producers and carefully selected international wines.

"We don't believe excellence should come with barriers," says General Manager Prashant Pandhi. "NOVA was created because Port Moody deserves a restaurant where guests can enjoy exceptional food and drinks without having to travel downtown. More importantly, we wanted to bring back the kind of hospitality where every guest feels genuinely welcomed and appreciated. That's the experience we're committed to creating every single day.”

NOVA opens amid a period of significant growth and investment in Port Moody, a community increasingly recognized as one of Metro Vancouver's emerging culinary destinations. In 2024 alone, the City issued more than $259 million in building permits and nearly 3,000 business licences, reflecting continued residential, commercial, and hospitality growth. Combined with the success of Brewers Row and a growing collection of independent restaurants, breweries, and retailers, Port Moody has emerged as one of Metro Vancouver's most vibrant food and beverage destinations.

"There is tremendous opportunity in Port Moody," says Pandhi. "The community is growing, the energy is incredible, and we’re thrilled to offer a restaurant that reflects that momentum while becoming a place where people can gather, celebrate, and connect."

NOVA's interior reflects the same balance of sophistication and comfort found throughout the guest experience. The restaurant features an inviting dining room, lively lounge, and one of Port Moody's most welcoming pet-friendly patios, designed equally for casual lunches, date nights, family gatherings, and celebrations. Live music, rotating seasonal features, and attentive service complete the experience.

Weekend brunch offers lobster Benedict, port belly hash, smoked salmon toast and brunch focused cocktails.

visit www.novarestaurant.ca

 

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