Author: MB Magazine

Shingo Gokan didn’t set out to change the cocktail world. In fact, if you’d asked him at any point in his early years behind the bar, he would have told you he was only staying long enough to learn something useful before returning home to Japan to take over his father’s metal manufacturing business. But Gokan’s story is a reminder that life has a way of throwing the best-laid plans into the blender — a journey that now feels like stepping through the looking glass. What began as a short-term gig fueled by curiosity has evolved into an empire. Today,…

For years, Chuck Ortiz, founder and creative director of Back of House (BOH), has captured the essence of restaurant culture—both its triumphs and its hidden struggles. What started as a magazine exposing the unspoken realities of the industry soon evolved into something far more tangible: The Food Runners, a Toronto-based running crew designed for chefs, bartenders, and hospitality workers looking to break free from the cycle of long hours, late nights, and burnout. Ortiz never set out to start a movement. But a decade later, The Food Runners has grown into more than just a running club—it’s a community. A…

Few chefs can claim to have stepped into a professional kitchen at 13. Fewer still can say they spent the next two decades immersed in the pursuit of Michelin stars, executive titles, and ultimately, restaurant ownership. Chef Romain Avril’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary—not just for how early it began, but for how boldly it’s evolved. A gifted young chef who rose through the ranks with rare speed, Avril has long been celebrated for his technical precision and creative finesse. But it’s the evolution of his leadership—and his growing commitment to lifting others up—that truly defines his influence…

Canada, with its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, has long been a dream destination for travelers. As environmental awareness grows, however, tourists are no longer seeking just beauty—they are looking for sustainable, eco-friendly travel experiences. Sustainable tourism focuses on minimizing environmental impact, supporting local communities, and preserving natural wonders for future generations. Fortunately, Canada has embraced this movement, offering eco-conscious travelers a wealth of destinations and experiences that balance exploration with environmental responsibility. From green cities to pristine wilderness reserves, let’s explore some of Canada’s top sustainable tourism spots. What is Eco-Friendly Travel? Eco-friendly travel, also known as sustainable tourism,…

The numbers are in! Nearly a year in, beverage alcohol sales at Ontario c‑stores are outpacing projections, according to regional chains and independents. Since the province’s Sept. 5 expansion last year allowing c‑stores to sell beer, wine and RTDs, many operators say the new category has been “a lifeline:” pulling in new shoppers and prompting stores to overhaul footprints, tighten adjacencies and test fresh merchandising ideas, from dedicated display islands to walk‑in coolers. The rollout hasn’t been without challenges, from carving out floor and storage space to determining which brands and SKUs to stock. But the biggest frustration has been…

For Canadian grocers, the clock is ticking for this Generation to future-proof their workforce—or risk falling behind. How do you prepare a workforce for a future that seems to change by the minute?  From technological leaps and geopolitical events to shifting employee dynamics, the business world is moving fast—no exaggeration. “The pace of change is quickening—and that’s been true throughout history—but, we’re starting to get to a point where it’s really hard for organisations to handle that pace,” says Gordon Sandford, national lead partner for digital transformation and lifelong learning, EY Canada.  Add to that a hefty dose of turmoil.…

For more than a decade, Jeremy Bonia has stood at the crossroads of hospitality and advocacy, balancing the immediate demands of running restaurants with the broader fight to shape national policy. As he steps down from his extended two-year tenure as Chair of the Restaurants Canada board of directors, Bonia leaves behind a legacy as a steady hand in turbulent times—guiding an industry still in flux as it grapples with yet another wave of economic shocks, from labour shortages and inflation to a trade war with the U.S., adding new layers of political and supply chain pressures. Restaurants, as Bonia…

There’s a new AI-Powered store manager in grocery retail, but you won’t see them walking the floor, chatting with customers or putting up displays. Instead, this manager works behind the scenes, quietly analyzing data and optimizing operations. They can spot when bananas are running low before anyone else notices, adjust stock based on the weather and peak shopping times, and predict when a customer is likely to need coffee and eggs. This isn’t a person, though.—it’s artificial intelligence (AI). And while this technology may be invisible, it’s becoming a central figure in grocery retailers’ operations.  As retail analyst Bruce Winder,…

The Pattison Food Group executive team, left to right: Brenda Kirk, Chris Allen, Bob Mehr, Paul Cope, Mike Olson, Jamie Nelson, Paul Hazra, Heidi Ferriman and Ben Harrack. If one were to write a playbook on how to achieve sustained success in Canada’s competitive grocery landscape, the folks at Pattison Food Group (PFG) could provide some pointers. From humble beginnings—a single storefront in New Westminister, B.C., which opened in 1915—the company has grown into a powerhouse in Western Canada with 30,000 employees across 300 retail locations. Under the company’s umbrella are popular grocery banners such as Save-On-Foods, Buy-Low Foods, Choices…

For decades, automated teller machines (ATMs) have been at the heart of consumer banking. From quick cash withdrawals to balance inquiries, they represented the first wave of self-service banking technology. But as Canada—and the world—moves steadily toward a cashless society, a question arises: Are ATMs still relevant, or are they slowly becoming obsolete? The reality is far more nuanced. While digital payments, mobile wallets, and contactless solutions are reshaping how Canadians transact, ATMs continue to play a critical role in hybrid banking, bridging physical access to cash with digital innovation. This article explores the evolving role of ATMs, the cashless…