SUMMERLAND, B.C. – September 2, 2026 – Chopped Leaf is donating $20,000 to the Canadian Red Cross B.C. Wildfire Appeal following a weeklong fundraising campaign that saw customers across Canada and the U.S. come together to support communities affected by wildfires. The campaign was especially meaningful for the brand’s B.C. franchisees, employees and customers, many of whom have been directly affected by the fires.

“It’s been an incredibly difficult few weeks, and there are still so many people who are dealing with uncertainty about their homes, their businesses and what comes next,” said Lara Scarfo, Chopped Leaf franchisee in Summerland. “Coming back to the restaurant and getting ready to reopen feels like an important step toward normal, but we know many people are still in a very different place. I’m so grateful to everyone who bought a Chopped Water and helped us raise this money. Sometimes, a small gesture can make a meaningful difference.”

Scarfo knows that uncertainty firsthand. Summerland was evacuated as wildfires threatened the community, temporarily forcing her from her home. Now back in Summerland, she has reopened her restaurant as the community begins to recover.

“We saw an opportunity to turn something as simple as buying a Chopped Water into meaningful support,” said Nick Veloce, President & COO, Chopped Leaf. “As a Canadian brand that started in Kelowna, supporting our B.C. communities is especially close to our hearts. Chopped Water gave our guests an easy way to make a difference and seeing that support come together across our restaurants has been incredibly meaningful. We’re grateful that we can turn that generosity into $20,000 for wildfire relief.”

From August 17–23, Chopped Leaf donated 100% of proceeds from Chopped Water sales at its more than 120 restaurants to wildfire relief efforts. The donation will support the Canadian Red Cross and its wildfire relief efforts, helping communities and individuals affected by the fires.

VANCOUVER, B.C. - SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 - After more than a decade of serving the Vancouver community, Fable Kitchen on West 4th Avenue will close its doors on September 20, 2026, marking the end of its 14-year chapter in Kitsilano.

While Fable Kitchen’s West 4th Avenue location is closing, Fable Bar & Grill at 755 Richards Street in downtown Vancouver remains open and continues to welcome guests.

Fable Kitchen has been part of the Kitsilano community since 2012, welcoming generations of diners and becoming a familiar neighbourhood destination. The restaurant has also been recognized with a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand, highlighting its quality and value. The closure follows the recent closure of its sister restaurant, Fable Diner, which served its final guests on August 23.

For owner Ron MacGillivray, the decision to close the West 4th location has been incredibly difficult. Rising operating costs, including labour, food, rent and utilities, combined with the financial and emotional strain of the Broadway Subway construction and the expenses associated with Fable Diner, have made continuing at the current location increasingly difficult.

“This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” says Ron, owner of Fable Kitchen, “We’ve put so much heart, time and energy into these restaurants, and our staff and guests have become like family. But the costs of doing business have continued to rise, and the economic conditions surrounding the current location have made it increasingly difficult to continue.”

While Fable Kitchen’s West 4th location is closing, Fable Bar & Grill on Richards Street remains open, and the Fable brand is not going away. Ron and the team are also actively exploring new ways to bring Fable to the community, including a food truck and future collaborations, with the goal of continuing the brand in new and more sustainable formats.

“This isn’t the end of Fable,” says Ron. “We’re not walking away from the brand or the community we’ve built. We’re looking at different ways to keep Fable going, including a food truck and collaborations, and we’re excited about what could come next. The reality is that the current economic conditions make it very difficult to operate at this particular location, and we need to find a model that allows us to move forward.”

Fable Kitchen will continue welcoming guests on West 4th until September 20, giving longtime customers one final opportunity to enjoy the restaurant, support its team and celebrate 14 years in Kitsilano.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has walked through our doors since 2012,” says Ron. “Kitsilano has been such an important part of our story, and we wouldn’t have made it this far without the support of our guests and the community. If you’ve been meaning to come in one more time, now is the time. We would love to see you.”

Fable Kitchen will remain open at its West 4th Avenue location until September 20, 2026. Guests are encouraged to visit, enjoy a meal and support the restaurant and its team before the final day.

Fable Bar & Grill, located at 755 Richards Street in Vancouver, remains open and continues to serve guests.

Fable is also continuing to explore opportunities for the brand beyond September 20, including a food truck and collaborations.

WINNIPEG, MB — Canada’s Great Kitchen Party is proud to announce Canadian music legend Jim Cuddy as the headlining performer and the six talented chefs selected to compete in Winnipeg’s 2026 regional qualifier for the Canadian Culinary Championship All-Star Invitational.

The highly anticipated 20th Anniversary celebration takes place Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the RBC Convention Centre – York Ballroom, bringing together Winnipeg’s leading culinary talent, food lovers, business leaders and community supporters for an unforgettable evening of food, music and giving back.

For twenty years, Canada’s Great Kitchen Party, which began as Gold Medal Plates, has celebrated the very best of Canadian culture through food, music and community impact. Now, in its landmark anniversary year, the organization is bringing its All-Star Invitational to Winnipeg for an evening that celebrates the incredible depth and creativity of Manitoba’s culinary community.

10 Cities • 20 All-Star Chefs • East vs. West • One Canadian Culinary Champion

From St. John’s to Victoria, Canada’s most accomplished chefs will gather in ten cities across the country before advancing to the Canadian Culinary Championship in Ottawa in January 2027.

For the first time in championship history, two chefs will represent each city at the national finale. Each regional event will crown one winning chef to join the city’s Chef of Distinction, creating an elite 20-chef field for the national competition.

WINNIPEG’S CHEF OF DISTINCTION

Emily Butcher has been named Winnipeg’s 2026 Chef of Distinction. A two-time provincial winner and 2020 Canadian Culinary Championship Bronze Medalist, Butcher will represent Winnipeg at the national championship in Ottawa.

She will be joined by the winner of Winnipeg’s 2026 All-Star Invitational culinary competition.

THE ALL-STAR COMPETITORS IN WINNIPEG

Six of Winnipeg’s most exciting culinary talents will go head-to-head in the high-stakes competition:

• Darnell Banman — Thermea Spa Village Winnipeg
• Luc Jean — Wow Catering Inc.
• Edward Lam — Peacock Kitchen and Drinks
• Graham Peltier — The Oakwood Café
• Fabrizio Rossi — DeLuca Specialty Foods
• Jessica Young — Spruce Catering

These chefs represent the extraordinary depth of talent, creativity and passion that continues to put Winnipeg’s culinary community on the map.

THE EXPERIENCE

Guests will enjoy signature dishes created by each competing chef, an exciting All-Star culinary showdown and an evening filled with entertainment and celebration.

Adding to the excitement, Chrissy Troy will serve as Emcee, Gregg Maidment will lead the Live Auction, and Canadian music legend Jim Cuddy will take the stage as the evening’s headliner.

VIP guests will also have the exclusive opportunity to experience a special dish created by Winnipeg’s Chef of Distinction, Emily Butcher.

“This is an incredible year for Canada’s Great Kitchen Party in Winnipeg,” says co-chair Matt Pilloud, Partner and Business Advisor with KP’s National Presenting Partner MNP. “The 20th Anniversary gives us the opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary culinary talent in this city while bringing our community together for an evening of great food, music and meaningful impact. With this exciting lineup of All-Star chefs, our Chef of Distinction, Emily Butcher, along with Jim Cuddy performing with Devin Cuddy and Anne Lindsay, we are creating a very special celebration for Winnipeg.”

DINING WITH PURPOSE

While Canada’s Great Kitchen Party celebrates Canadian excellence, the heart of every event is its commitment to giving back.

Since its inception, Canada’s Great Kitchen Party has helped generate nearly $20 million to support charitable causes across Canada.

Funds raised through the Winnipeg event will support three important organizations: SpiritNorth, MusiCounts and Harvest Manitoba’s Meals2Go.

Harvest Manitoba is the event’s local charity partner, with a focus on supporting children, families and food security in Manitoba. Funds raised in Winnipeg stay in Winnipeg, helping strengthen our local community.

TICKETS

Tickets for Winnipeg’s 20th Anniversary Canada’s Great Kitchen Party are available now.

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
RBC Convention Centre – York Ballroom
Business Cocktail | Splash of GREEN

For tickets and event information, visit greatkitchenparty.com

Calgary, Alta., August 27, 2026 – Jimmy John’s, home of “The Sandwich of Sandwiches,”is opening its first location in Calgary on September 1 at 4149 University Ave NW, Unit 2. This will mark the 18th Canadian location and the second in Alberta since the brand’s first Canadian location opened in November 2024, with plans to open over six more before the end of the year.

A grand opening celebration will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and the first 100 guests will receive a free 6-inch sandwich and a 16 oz. fountain drink. Guests can enjoy $5 Classic sandwiches from September 1 to September 4, followed by a free combo upgrade with the purchase of a large sandwich available September 5 and 6. Students, healthcare workers, and front-line workers will receive a 10 percent discount for a limited time.

The new location is locally owned and operated by Calgary entrepreneur and franchisee Mohit Saini. Situated in a high-foot-traffic area within walking distance of the University of Calgary and Alberta Children’s Hospital, the restaurant is ideally positioned to serve students, hospital staff and visitors, residents and the University District community.

“The University District is a fantastic location with students, families, healthcare workers and residents all within walking distance,” said Mike Warren, director of operations at Jimmy John’s. “We’re looking forward to creating a place where people can grab a fresh sandwich whether they’re on their way to class, heading to work or simply looking for a great meal close to home.”

Known for its daily fresh-baked bread, hand-sliced meats and cheeses, and made-to-order sandwiches, Jimmy John’s offers a menu designed for quick, convenient meals without compromising on flavour.

Adding a local connection to the Calgary opening, Jimmy John’s chips are made locally in Calgary. The chips produced in the city are supplied to Jimmy John’s restaurants across both the United States and Canada.