SIR Corp., the Toronto-based operator of full-service restaurant brands in Canada, has announced that Steven Pelton has been appointed as the company’s new President and COO, effective July 13, 2026. He will succeed Paul Bognar, who will remain with SIR to seek to ensure a seamless leadership transition prior to his retirement. Pelton was formerly President and CEO of Aegis Brands Inc. that owns and operates the St. Louis Bar & Grill brand and holds the master franchise for the Sweet Jesus ice cream brand in Canada. He was previously a Senior Vice President at Recipe Unlimited Corp prior to which, he was co-founder and CEO of the Landing Group of Restaurants. (SIR Corp – www.sircorp.com)………
And last week, Aegis Brands Inc. reports that while its Board is actively engaged in the search process for a new CEO, as per its late May announcement, it has determined that, given the depth and experience of the company’s executive leadership team, an executive management committee comprised of Melinda Lee, CFO, Chris Fountain, COO and Tara Ramsay, VP People, will continue to lead the day-to-day operations, support franchisees, drive guest satisfaction, and execute Aegis’ strategic priorities under the oversight of the Board of Directors. “The Board has full confidence in our leadership team and their ability to ensure operational continuity while we conclude our search for the next CEO,” said Anthony Longo, Chair of the Board of Directors. (Aegis Brands Inc. – www.aegisbrands.ca)……….
Vida Shoes International, Inc., the New York-based exclusive global licensee and distributor of children’s footwear for the Wolverine Worldwide brands Saucony, Merrell, and Stride Rite, has announced that Pajar Canada Inc., based in Montreal, will become the exclusive Canadian distributor for the children’s footwear lines of Saucony, Merrell, and Stride Rite effective immediately. Indeka Group will continue handling in-season replenishment and select reorders until November 30, 2026, to ensure supply continuity. After that, all operations—including sales, marketing, inventory, customer service, and retail support—will fully transition to Pajar Canada under a coordinated handover between the three companies. (Vida Shoes International Inc – www.vidagroup.com) & (Pajar Canada Inc. – www.pajar.com)………
Crumbl, the growing dessert franchise, is expanding internationally with its first Mexican location, set to open in late Summer 2026 in the Roma Norte neighbourhood of Mexico City. Founded in 2017 in Logan in Utah, the dessert chain has built a global following through its signature pink box, weekly rotating menu and strong social media presence. The new store will introduce Mexican customers to Crumbl’s freshly baked desserts, open-kitchen concept and rotating lineup of flavours, including the Tres Leches Cake collection, Churro Cookie and Dulce de Leche Cookie. The menu will continue to evolve based on customer feedback and local tastes. The Mexico City opening is the first step in Crumbl’s broader expansion strategy for Mexico, with additional traditional stores, shopping centre locations and kiosks planned across Mexico City and Monterrey through 2027. (Crumbl Cookies – www.crumblcookies.com)………
Forum Properties reports that Karolina Freeman has joined the company as Senior Property Manager, based in the Edmonton office. With over 17 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry, Ms Freeman brings a wealth of knowledge in tenant relations, asset optimization, and operational excellence. She oversees the management of the Forum portfolio across Western Canada. (Forum Properties – 780/448-9157 www.forumproperties.com)…………
After opening its long awaited first store in California in mid-June, T&T Supermarket announced that it will be opening a 72,600 square foot store in the former Macy’s location in the NewPark Mall in Newark, a community in the San Francisco Bay area, early in 2027. The largest Asian supermarket in Canada with 37 locations, T&T also has two stores in Washington state. (T&T Supermarket – www.tntsupermarket.com)…………
Subway Canada is entering the long-running debate over whether a hot dog is a sandwich by introducing the limited-time SubDog. Available at participating locations starting in late June, the SubDog features a nearly half-pound all-beef Schneiders hot dog served on Subway’s fresh-baked bread and fully customizable with the chain’s selection of toppings, sauces and breads. Subway says the new menu item combines a classic Summer favourite with its signature made-your-way sandwich experience. The launch also supports Subway’s partnership with the Toronto Blue Jays through the ‘Big Swing’ Sweepstakes, giving SubDog purchasers the chance to win weekly prizes and a grand prize Blue Jays game weekend experience. (Subway Canada – www.subway.com)………
Edo Japan, the Calgary-based fast growing Asian quick service chain of restaurants, reports that Oleg Mitelman has joined the company as Director of Franchise Partnerships. Mitelman brings extensive experience in franchising, restaurant operations, and business development. His background in supporting franchise growth and working closely with franchise partners will be a valuable asset as the chain expands across Ontario and Eastern Canada. (Edo Japan – www.edojapan.com)………
AutoCanada has completed the acquisition of a collision repair business in Stratford in southwestern Ontario, formerly operating as Fix Auto Stratford and now rebranded as ACX Stratford. The approximately 20,000 square foot facility strengthens AutoCanada’s growing Ontario collision repair network and supports its strategy of expanding regional density while leveraging insurer relationships, dealership referrals and OEM partnerships. Located within an hour of ten AutoCanada dealerships, the facility enhances repair capacity in Southwestern Ontario and complements the company’s existing London operations. (AutoCanada – www.autocan.ca)…………
PROREIT has completed the acquisition of two industrial property portfolios in Québec City and Winnipeg for a combined purchase price of approximately $136.8 million(Cdn). The Québec City portfolio includes 13 industrial properties totaling 611,924 square feet, while the Winnipeg portfolio consists of four properties with 159,235 square feet. PROREIT has also signed a binding agreement to acquire four additional industrial properties in Winnipeg, totaling about 165,000 square feet, for $21.7 million(Cdn). The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026. (PRO Real Estate Investment Trust – www.proreit.com)…………
Texas-based Pennzoil Quaker State Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Shell USA, Inc., that comprises Shell’s United States lubricants business, has completed the previously announced sale of Jiffy Lube International and its subsidiary Premium Velocity Auto (PVA) LLC business to an affiliate of private investment firm, Monomoy Capital Partners for $1.3 billion(US). The sale includes the Jiffy Lube brand and a network of franchised stores which are owned and operated by independent franchisees, in addition to franchised stores that are owned and operated by PVA. Shell has retained its Pennzoil Quaker State, Rotella and other Shell Lubricants brands, along with marketing, manufacturing and distribution of lubricants in the U.S. and Canada that serve consumer, commercial and industrial sectors. Jiffy Lube International operates more than 2,000 franchised and company-owned and operated service centers across the U.S. and licensees in Canada. Premium Velocity Auto, LLC (PVA Group) is the second-largest Jiffy Lube franchisee, with over 360 locations across 20 states. As part of the transaction, Pennzoil Quaker State Company retains a long-term lubricants supply agreement with Monomoy. (Monomoy Capital Partners – www.mcpfunds.com ) & (Jiffy Lube International – www.jiffylube.com)…….
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is urging the federal government to make small business concerns a priority as negotiations over the renewal of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement/CUSMA continue. CFIB President Dan Kelly said maintaining Canada’s tariff-free access under CUSMA is essential, while addressing ongoing challenges such as steel and aluminum tariffs and complex compliance requirements for small exporters. CFIB research found that 64 percent of small businesses prefer taking more time to secure a stronger agreement rather than accepting a faster but weaker deal. The trade dispute has strained Canada-U.S. business relationships, with 75 percent of small and medium-sized enterprises reporting weakened ties with American partners. Nearly half have shifted toward domestic or alternative international markets, although diversification remains challenging. CFIB is also calling for simpler customs procedures, clearer rules of origin and lower administrative costs, while ensuring small business perspectives are fully represented throughout the negotiations. (Canadian Federation of Independent Business – www.cfib.ca)……………
The Canadian Labour Congress too is calling for the federal government to stand firm as it begins negotiations on the future of CUSMA. CLC President Bea Bruske noted in a statement that a new agreement should strengthen, not weaken, our ability to invest in Canadian industries, protect public services, uphold strong and enforceable workers’ and labour rights, and expand value-added production here at home. (Canadian Labour Congress – www.canadianlabour.ca)………..
Have a great week and Elbows Up Guys………….