BOUCHERVILLE, Que. — Danone Canada has launched a new volunteer program that will link its employees with local organizations.

“The program … reflects our vision of being a responsible company, a vision that dictates we must be a company that is implicated in the development of its community and contributes to improving its quality of life,” said Louis Frenette, president and CEO of Danone Canada.

MONTREAL — A&W Food Services of Canada Inc., has announced the opening of its inaugural Quebec Urban Concept restaurant in downtown Montreal, at 1550 de Maisonneuve West.

The new restaurant is owned and operated by Jean Boisvert, one of A&W's longest-serving and most successful franchised operators in Montreal. This is Boisvert's third A&W.

"We are excited to present this new A&W restaurant concept for our urban customers here in Montreal," said Paul Hollands, A&W president and CEO. "This is a major innovation for A&W, and, with the strength and the vibrancy of Montreal as a major urban centre, we are delighted to open the first of our new prototypes here."

MONTREAL — McDonald’s restos in Quebec are ringing in the 18th anniversary of the brand’s annual McHappy day with some local celebrities.  

On May 11, the Montreal McD’s at 1500 Atwater Avenue will welcome two-time Olympic-medal-winning diver Alexandre Despatie, sports journalist Marie-Claude Savard and Alpine skier Erik Guay at 9:30 a.m. Other restaurants in the province are welcoming such local celebs as comedian Guy Jodoin and actress Mahée Paiement.

MONTREAL — The lengthy renovations that temporarily closed the Ritz-Carlton Montreal may be close to completion, as it's been announced that acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud will helm a restaurant at the legendary hotel.

Maison Boulud is expected to open at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal in early 2012. "We always wanted to add a new offering that would stand out in Montreal's already rich restaurant culture, one that would truly enhance our city's culinary vitality. I'm excited to join with Daniel Boulud to make this dream come true," said Andrew Torriani, president and CEO of the Ritz-Carlton Montreal.