Vancouver, BC — April 1, 2026 — announces the appointment of Chad Yamagata as its new executive pastry chef, bringing more than two decades of international experience leading pastry programs at some of the world’s most renowned luxury hotels. He will oversee all pastry operations across the hotel’s culinary venues, as well as lead the pastry program at the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, .

Yamagata joins the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star property with a career spanning South Korea, Dubai, and Canada. Known for his refined and elegant approach to dessert, he has built a reputation for delivering elevated guest experiences while creating and mentoring pastry teams.

“We are thrilled to have Chad join our culinary team,” says Jens Moesker, regional vice president and general manager, Fairmont Pacific Rim. “He introduces a new level of artistry and global perspective to our dessert and pastry program, and we look forward to the creativity and leadership he will bring to Fairmont Pacific Rim.”

Most recently, Yamagata was the owner and pastry chef of SEE WHY Patisserie & Dessert Studio in Seoul, Korea, where he led a program of bespoke dessert collaborations with leading global luxury brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, Van Cleef & Arpels, Balenciaga, Gucci, and Thom Browne.

His resume also includes the role of executive pastry chef at five-star hotels such as St. Regis Hong Kong and JW Marriott Dongdaemun in Seoul. He was also the corporate executive pastry chef of South Korean celebrity chef Edward Kwon’s restaurant group, EK Foods.

“I’m honoured to be returning home to Vancouver and joining the talented team at Fairmont Pacific Rim,” says Yamagata. “This is an incredible opportunity to lead the pastry program across such a dynamic property, including the Michelin Guide-recommended Botanist. I look forward to creating memorable dessert experiences for our guests.”

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TORONTO— KINTON RAMEN is bringing the heat this spring with the launch of the Mortal Kombo, a limited-time meal inspired by the upcoming theatrical release of New Line Cinema’s MORTAL KOMBAT II. Starting April 1 for a limited time, guests can enjoy the Mortal Kombo from only $14.99 at participating KINTON RAMEN locations across Canada.

The new combo delivers a powerful lineup worthy of any champion. Each Mortal Kombo includes:

Value Ramen (choose Original or Spicy Garlic flavour)
Choice of protein: pork, chicken, veggie, or beef (+$1)
Tokyo Fries (with an option to upgrade to Fatality Fries for +$1)
A Coca-Cola Family beverage (355 ml)
The campaign invites fans to “Choose Your Ramen. Enter the Kombat.”

“This collaboration is incredibly exciting for us,” said Alan De Luna, Senior Marketing Manager at KINTON RAMEN. “The Mortal Kombat franchise is iconic and has an incredible global fan base. We wanted to create something fun, bold, and accessible for fans as they get ready to see MORTAL KOMBAT II on the big screen, and the Mortal Kombo is the perfect way to bring that energy into the KINTON experience.”

From New Line Cinema comes the latest high-stakes installment in the blockbuster video game franchise in all its brutal glory, MORTAL KOMBAT II. This time, the fan favourite champions—now joined by Johnny Cage himself—are pitted against one another in the ultimate, no-holds barred, gory battle to defeat the dark rule of Shao Kahn that threatens the very existence of the Earthrealm and its defenders. 

MORTAL KOMBAT II will be released by Warner Bros. Pictures only in theatres May 8, 2026.

The Mortal Kombo will be available starting April 1 for a limited time at participating KINTON RAMEN locations across Canada.

Chop Steakhouse & Bar has entered a new chapter, with a new president, as it continues to evolve beyond the traditional steakhouse model. Christina Kuypers steps in, bringing a global hospitality perspective and brand-building mindset to the Canadian steakhouse group.

With a career spanning hospitality, entertainment, consulting, and brand strategy, Christina steps into the role at a pivotal time for the 20-year-old brand as it continues expanding across North America and redefining what a modern steakhouse experience looks like today. 

Chop has spent the past two decades modernizing the category – from contemporary spaces designed for social dining and business gatherings to evolving menus, premium cocktails, and a hospitality-first culture. Under Christina’s leadership, the brand is focused on continuing that momentum while scaling thoughtfully across markets.

Waterloo, ON, March 30, 2026 – Second Cup Café has opened a new location at 255 King Street North, marking the brand’s first café in Uptown Waterloo while growing its presence in one of the region’s most active urban corridors.

Located along King Street in the heart of Uptown, the café is positioned to serve a high-traffic mix of residents, students, and professionals, serving a convenient spot for premium coffee in a walkable, centrally located setting. The café is owned and operated by local franchisees Anil Pablani and Minal Pablani.

“Uptown Waterloo is a growing hub with a strong mix of students, professionals, and local residents,” says Roxane Desjardins, Marketing Director at Second Cup. “This location allows us to meet that demand with a space designed for both convenience and everyday routine, whether it’s a morning coffee or a place to connect throughout the day.”

The grand opening is on April 2 and starts at 11:00 a.m. Member of Parliament Bardish Chagger as well as local Mayor Dorothy McCabe and Councillor Julie Wright will be in attendance. Guests are invited to visit the café on opening day, where 50 customers between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. will receive a complimentary coffee.

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