Page 3 - MENU - MARCH / APRIL

If there’s one thing Canadians look forward to, it’s the great Canadian outdoors and the beginning of patio season.
Our cover photo is a good reminder that soon we will be saying good-bye to the cold and snow (even Van- couver was shovelling out this year!) and welcoming the arrival of spring.
This is the perfect time to refresh and recharge your foodservice operation. Consumers will be venturing out more often, lingering on patios to enjoy a cocktail, and ready to explore new tastes and avours. The numbers don’t lie: foodservice sales in Canada are about 12% below the annual average in January and February and rise nicely to 9% above the annual average in July and August.
It’s not only sun-starved Canadians who are driv- ing this trend; international visitors are hungry for Canadian hospitality too! The number of interna- tional visitors to Canada starts to climb in April and skyrockets by June and July. In total, we welcomed more than 30 million visitors in 2016, and we can ex- pect even more to join us this year for Canada’s 150th birthday celebrations.
Restaurants Canada can help you capitalize on the coming busy season, starting with this edition of MENU magazine. Our theme is “The Great Out- doors,” and the pages are packed with expert advice and inspiration. We also look forward to welcoming you to RC Show 2017, where you can tap into even more new products, ideas and services.
Be sure to check out our digital platforms for more insights and engagement. We’re connecting the entire foodservice supply chain every day to advance our industry and your business.
If you’re not a member, join us! With a uni ed voice to government and a powerful industry network, we are stronger together.
What’s YOUR moment?
Every day, you help Canadians make moments to re- member. From moments of joy to moments of giving, people connect over great food, drink and hospitality.
To celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday, we’re ask-
ing Canadians to share their favourite restaurant moment. What’s yours? Whether it’s opening your rst restaurant, taking a chance on a new employee, giving back in the community, or going the extra mile for a special customer, you’ve got a great story to tell! After all, you’re helping to build this country one meal at a time.
Showcase your moment through words, pictures or video, and we’ll add it to our Making Moments web- site. And, you could WIN a culinary adventure for two to Yukon, courtesy of Air North!
Visit restaurantscanada.org/makingmoments
Bill Allen
Chair of the Board
Shanna Munro
President & CEO
MARCH / APRIL 2017 MENU 3