Richmond, B.C., November 5, 2026 – A new izakaya experience is coming to Richmond. Wabi Izakaya & Sushi Bar (Wabi), located at 120-9020 Capstan Way in the former Manzo Itamae space, will officially this winter, serving a variety of sushi, sashimi, and nigiri alongside kushiyaki skewers, A5 Miyazaki wagyu, premium sake and whisky, and Japanese-inspired cocktails.

Rendering of the upcoming Wabi Izakaya & Sushi Bar

Wabi will be the latest restaurant from GoodChaos Hospitality, the Richmond-born group behind the city’s popular The Story Café – Eatery & Bar and The Sequel - Kitchen & Bar in Vancouver’s Coal Harbour neighbourhood.

“We feel honoured to have the opportunity to continue the legacy of the Manzo brand that the former owners founded more than 25 years ago (and 18 years on Capstan Way), while starting a new one under GoodChaos Hospitality with Wabi," says Kingsley Ho, owner of GoodChaos Hospitality. “We want Wabi to be an every day place for guests to enjoy good izakaya dishes, sushi, home-style Japanese comfort food, housemade desserts, and drinks with great people. We can’t wait to open later this month.”

The izakaya-focused menu pairs classic items with creative dishes like Hamachi Jalapeño Crudo and Uni Seafood Toast, alongside a full kushiyaki menu. At the centre of the room, the sushi bar will serve sashimi and sushi made to order, and every dessert, from Matcha Tiramisu to Hojicha Panna Cotta , will be made in-house.

The beverage menu, with crafted cocktails created by Ayaka Suehiro, highlights Japanese beer, premium sake and hard-to-find Japanese whisky.

The almost 3,000 square foot refreshed space is inspired by a zen garden and features 98 seats, including three private rooms.

“When I first opened The Story Cafe seven years ago, during the pandemic, our guests were just finding us. However, the Richmond community stuck by us and continues to support us. I knew my next project was going to be in Richmond again,” adds Ho. “With Wabi, I also want it to be a place our neighbours can make their own for any occasion.”

Wabi will soft open this winter, in late 2026. An official opening date will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information and updates, please visit heywabi.com

Foodtastic Inc., the Montreal-based company behind 30 brands including Milestones, Freshii, Second Cup and Dunkin's forthcoming foray into Canada, went public Tuesday with a takeover offer for MTY Food Group Inc.

MTY, which is also headquartered in Montreal, operates the Thai Express, Manchu Wok, Country Style and Big Smoke Burger banners, among many others.

The pitch valued at $982 million came about two weeks after Foodtastic said MTY rebuffed a prior takeover attempt.

MTY said Tuesday that it had given Foodtastic multiple extensions to an exclusivity window to secure financing and close a transaction but said when MTY's board evaluated the proposals from Foodtastic, it determined the offers were "not in the best interests of the corporation or its shareholders."

Foodtastic's latest proposal was publicized within minutes of MTY announcing that Victor Mandel, a member of the company's board, would immediately replace chief executive Eric Lefebvre in the top job.

Foodtastic chief executive Peter Mammas said he is making a play for MTY because he long admired the business, but he thinks it has room for improvement.

MTY launched a strategic review in November 2025, when its stock was under pressure and rising prices, competition and economic volatility were threatening the business.

The company warned the process could end in a sale, but when it wrapped up last month, there was no buyer and MTY instead opted to reshape its business, including optimizing its portfolio of brands.

Foodtastic has charged that MTY has "acquired too many concepts — some good and some bad — and it is not generating organic growth in the aggregate."

Foodtastic's offer is structured as $43 per MTY share in cash — a 32 per cent premium on MTY's current share price.

MTY shares closed at $32.75 on the Toronto Stock Exchange on Monday.

Foodtastic, which first made a proposal to the MTY board on Oct. 15 and reiterated the plan on Oct. 20, said it was "disappointed" the offer was rejected.

Registration now open for Canada's leading foodservice and hospitality trade event, bringing together 1,300+ brands, 25,000 industry professionals and three days of insights, innovation and business connections

TORONTO, Nov. 3, 2026 /CNW/ -- Registration is now open for RC Show 2027, bringing Canada's foodservice industry together to discover new products, explore solutions to today's business challenges and build connections that drive growth. Canada's leading foodservice and hospitality trade event runs March 7 to 9 at The International Centre in Mississauga, Ont.

Under the theme Meet the Moment, RC Show 2027 will feature more than 1,300 brands, five curated trade halls, industry-leading speakers, culinary competitions and expanded networking opportunities. Programming will focus on the issues shaping the industry, from rising operating costs and changing consumer expectations to technology, productivity and innovation.

"Our 2026 Foodservice Facts report shows eight in 10 Canadians are eating out less because of the cost of living," said Kelly Higginson, president and CEO of Restaurants Canada. "Yet six in 10 say they would visit a table-service restaurant more often if they had more disposable income. Canadians still want what we offer.  RC Show gives operators an opportunity to explore new ideas, discover solutions and connect with industry partners to help them respond to changing consumer needs."

"RC Show is where our industry comes together to share ideas, strengthen relationships and find new opportunities," added Higginson. "This year's expanded programming and networking opportunities are designed to help operators navigate today's challenges and position their businesses for success."

Addressing the challenges facing foodservice operators

With rising operating costs, tight margins and consumers increasingly focused on value, restaurant operators are navigating a rapidly changing business environment. RC Show 2027 will explore how operators can adapt, improve productivity and deliver the experiences today's guests expect.

Across three days, attendees can explore emerging trends, hear from industry leaders, discover new products and technologies, and connect with peers and suppliers. On Monday, March 8, Restaurateur Jen Agg delivers the keynote, The Ultimate "Table Boss": Jen Agg and What Makes a Restaurant Matter. The acclaimed Toronto restaurateur and author will share insights on building restaurants with meaning and staying power. Other highlights include:

Sunday, March 7: Experience & Hospitality

• Main Stage sessions focused on the challenges and opportunities facing independent restaurateurs and foodservice operators. The Garland Canada Culinary Competition semifinals run live on the Garland Culinary Stage, presented by Garland Canada and Restaurants Canada.
• The Chefs' Exchange gathers top Canadian chefs and those on the rise.

Monday, March 8: Women in Hospitality Day

• International Women's Day programming includes Restaurants Canada's dish. brunch, connecting women leaders and emerging talent in foodservice.
• The Garland Canada Culinary Competition crowns the 2027 champions, and the two-day RC Show Pizza Competition begins with the Traditional Pizza category on the FAEMA-MORETTI FORNI Stage.
• The RC Show Leadership Reception debuts, creating new opportunities for restaurant leaders and suppliers to connect.

Tuesday, March 9: Meet the Moment: Tech & Innovation Day

• The Tech Breakfast and Sustainability Champions' Networking Reception offer opportunities to connect with industry peers.
• Chris Elliott, Restaurants Canada's chief economist and vice-president of research delivers an economic outlook examining the trends shaping Canada's foodservice industry and what they mean for operators.
• The RC Show Pizza Competition continues with its Creative pizza category. The Mixer brings bar operators and talent together for a networking reception.

Registration for RC Show 2027 is open now at:  Visit rcshow.com to register and explore the full program.

On Monday 2^nd November, in Macao, Japan’s victory, represented by chef Tetsuya Asano, brought the 2026 Bocuse d’Or Asia-Pacific selection to a close. 

Thailand (with chef Chutima Srichai) and China (with chef Chun Kei Wong) completed the podium, finishing second and third respectively. These three teams, along with the other nations in the Top 5 (New Zealand and Malaysia), secured their places in the Bocuse d’Or Grand Finale, which will be held on the 24^th and 25^th January 2027 during Sirha Lyon.

Please find attached below the relevant press release.

Attachments:

Bocuse d Or Asia Pacific Press Release..pdf

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