Background The labour shortage in the food service industry continues to be headline news not only in Canada but the U.S. as well. Restaurants Canada research has shown that 80% of respondents to their survey were having difficulty hiring back-of-house staff and 67% were experiencing difficulty hiring front of house staff (source: https://bit.ly/39YDF0b). This survey […]
The Labour Shortage in the Food Industry: Part 1
As more stores and restaurants have reopened, some establishments have found themselves in a unique position that was not as prevalent pre-Pandemic. Restauranteurs and hiring managers are asking the question, “Where have all the hospitality workers gone?” Many businesses that have managed to survive and in some instances, thrive during the pandemic, are now […]
Will Increased Covid-19 Vaccination Save the Struggling Hospitality Industry
Covid-19 has been a challenge of enormous proportions not only worldwide but also federally, provincially and municipally. Economies have been impacted and no one knows that re than business owners. The inability to bring customers into your food premises 100% has greatly reduced revenues for many in the food business. In some states and provinces […]
Home-based Food Businesses in Ontario
The Ontario government is supporting home-based businesses and has brought out a new guide. Please note this guide only references the province of Ontario. During Covid-19 more individuals have explored their interests in food-based enterprises and some have started their own food-based businesses from their homes. A home-based food business must follow many guidelines and there […]
Food Handling and Hepatitis A
How food is handled is a critical aspect of food safety. There are many bacterium, viruses, parasites, and toxins which can impact food safety. Hepatitis A is one such virus. Firstly, it is important to distinguish the difference between the different types of Hepatitis. There are five classes of hepatitis, Hepatitis A, B, C, D, […]
Happy and Safe Holidays 2020
This year continues to be like no other that we have seen in our lifetimes and many sacrifices must continue to be made to ensure we all have a safe holiday season. Whether you are celebrating Hanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or just enjoying the holiday season, safety comes first this year. Let’s not forget to be […]
Virtual Holidays 2020
Thanksgiving looked very different this year in Canada and around the world. Regardless of the date of on which you celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, adjustments had to be made to adhere to strict COVID guidelines. In this COVID world, the traditional Thanksgiving of the past where all of the family would gather around and have […]
Back to School 2020: Food Safety and Covid-19
It is that time of year again when children are returning to school either virtually or in-class. School looks different this year with temperature checks at door, Covid-19 screening apps, face masks, sanitizing stations and health and safety signage everywhere. In this era of Covid-19, there is a real concern not only about health and […]
Social Distancing (Physical Distancing) in the Hospitality Industry : The New Normal?
Recently we held a socially distanced onsite Food Handler class and one of the questions posed to those in attendance was, “What is the most difficult adjustment your organization has had to make in your Covid-19 re-opening?” Many of those in attendance answered “Social distancing”. Why is social distancing so important and how can we […]
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Hospitality Industry: Part 2
During this month, many restaurants are already open or will soon be re-opening. There is no doubt that the pandemic has left an indelible footprint on the food industry which will take a long time to erase. As re-openings are occurring, we have been unfortunately witnessing the closing of some of our favourite restaurants. Many […]
