TORONTO — Now that Rob Ford has been elected mayor of Toronto, the city’s restaurant community — at more than 7,000-restaurants strong — is hoping he’ll hear their voice.

It’s been a trying time for operators who have been burdened with increasing taxation and a litany of bureaucracy, which has impeded their businesses, leading to a loss in profit.

In the late fall, while Ford was campaigning for mayor, the Ontario Restaurant and Hotel Motel Association (ORHMA) organized a session with the politician and several of the city’s restaurateurs. Held at the Pilot restaurant in Yorkville, operator concerns were varied and included a call for a better partnership with the city. “We’ve had no consultation on hospitality-related matters,” said Todd Sherman, vice-president of ORHMA, and owner of Gaby’s Restaurant. “Items have been passed that we haven’t had any impact on. You can’t go to any other city and face the restrictions we have.” According to the operator, many hospitality businesses have thwarted expansion plans due to the stifling bureaucracy in Canada’s largest city. The group cited zoning bylaws, reduced garbage pick up and liquor taxes as three of the most pressing issues. 

TORONTO — Ten of Toronto’s top toques will be duking it out next week with the goal of being named the city’s best chef and declared Gold Medal Plate winner.

Alexandre Bilodeau, Olympic gold medallist from the 2010 Vancouver Games, will be the honorary ambassador of this year’s Gold Medal Plates event, to be held Thursday, Nov. 4, at the Metropolitan Toronto Convention Centre. Bilodeau will join other entertainers, including Jim Cuddy, Barney Bentall, Holly Cole, Rex Harrington and Sheila McCarthy.

Among the chefs competing are: Ted Corrado, C5; Frank Dodd, Hillebrand Winery Restaurant; Jonathan Gushue, Langdon Hall Country House; Jamie Kennedy, Gilead Bistro; Lora Kirk, Ruby Watchco; Martin Kouprie, Pangaea; Lorenzo Loseto, George; Michael Steh, Reds Bistro & Wine Bar; Anthony Walsh, Canoe; and Anne Yarymowich, Frank.

ENCINO, Calif.  — Torontonians hungry for Menchie’s famous frozen yogurt will not have to wait much longer. The American chain, which puts the customer in the driver’s seat, is set to open its first Toronto unit Nov. 6 at 511 Bloor St. in the Annex neighbourhood.

“Menchie’s upbeat crowds bring new energy that rejuvenates retail centers, boosts foot traffic, and helps increase revenue for adjacent businesses all across the United States,” Amit Kleinberger, CEO of Menchie’s Group, Inc., said earlier this year, when the brand’s first Canadian location opened in Vaughan, Ont. “We plan to bring that same energy to communities all across Canada.”

Michael and David Shneer, operators of Yogurtworld Corporation, are the master franchisors of Menchie’s in Canada. The partners first sampled the yogurt last year in Los Angeles and were struck by the long line-ups and interactive approach. They were intrigued customers pay by weight for the yogurt — which comes in 100 flavours, with a choice of 40 toppings. In Canada, the cost is .49 cents per ounce.

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — The menu at Casey’s Grill • Bar has been kicked up a notch with four new Health Check items, 12 new dishes and a new quick-response (QR) barcode giving guests access to nutritional and allergen information about the food they’re ordering.

“Guests come to dine at Casey’s for a variety of reasons. Some come to treat themselves, and others simply want to enjoy a delicious, healthy meal in a fun, relaxed setting,” says Grant Cobb, senior vice-president, Brand Management for Casey’s parent company, Prime Restaurants.  “With the introduction of a QR code that instantly provides nutritional and allergen breakdown for every item on the menu, along with a variety of Health Check menu items, Casey’s guests can make informed decisions about what they would like to eat and what items best suit their lifestyle.”