Louie Murray

Growing a restaurant isn't always about moving faster. Sometimes it's about knowing when to shift gears. And that's a lesson the team behind Hank Daddy's Barbecue knows well. Since opening in Vaughan, Ontario, in 2016, the family-run business has evolved from a quick-service restaurant into a full-service operation with a catering arm and plans for future expansion. Each time the business levelled up, a new set of challenges emerged.

For generations of Vancouverites, Lee's Donuts has been more than a place to grab a sweet treat. Since opening on Granville Island in 1979, the shop has become a local institution. But what many customers may not know is how much has changed behind the scenes as it went from a single location into a business with 11 locations and plans for further expansion.

Running a restaurant in 2026 isn't exactly getting easier. Costs are up. Customers are thinking harder about where they spend their money. And restaurants still need to deliver great food, great service and a great experience every single time. But there's good news for local food and beverage businesses. Square's 2026 Local Economy Report found that 81% of Canadians surveyed plan to shop in their local neighbourhoods just as much as they did last year or even more.