TORONTO — It was a time to lunch and learn in Toronto yesterday as chefs and executives representing Patak’s Original, which includes Indian sauces, pastes, chutney and pickle products, united to show media how to incorporate Indian cooking into Western foodservice culture.

The lunch lesson began with product history. “What’s unique about Patak’s in Canada is the relationship with the South-Asian community and everyone else,” explained Jean Francois Dery, regional GM – Americas of AB World Foods, Patak’s parent company. “We buy the best ingredients, and we make sure we have quality control.”

TORONTO — Toronto’s C5 restaurant inside the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) will be closed at month’s end after its restaurant operator, Compass Group Canada, re-evaluated its commitment to the foodservice operation.

Kathy Salazar, Compass Group Canada, explains. “Compass Group Canada recently determined to re-evaluate its foodservice operations at the museum. Subsequently, Compass notified the ROM it would terminate its agreement to operate C5,” she said in an email to F&H.

TORONTO — The Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) recently presented Awards of Excellence in Franchising, Franchisees' Choice designations and CFA Recognition Awards.

“The CFA Awards of Excellence in Franchising set a benchmark for franchises throughout Canada,” said Lorraine McLachlan, president and CEO, CFA. “A solid relationship between franchisor and franchisee is vital to the system’s success and these companies’ results show they offer outstanding support to their franchisees.”

TORONTO — Toronto’s Drake Hotel is sharing some new information about the opening of its stand-alone restaurant this summer.

“We’re thrilled,” said Jeff Stober, CEO, Drake Hotel Properties. “Drake has always shown a genuine commitment to its food and beverage offerings — consistently a source of deep pride for us.”