Toronto development companies, Arista and Paradise Commercial have acquired Thornhill Square Shopping Centre, a 170,000 square foot mixed-use retail property at 288, 298, and 300 John St in Thornhill in the GTA. The new owners plan to preserve its legacy while investing in its future through a comprehensive revitalization strategy. Working with property manager McCOR Management, they will undertake capital improvements, refresh the tenant mix, and pursue proactive leasing initiatives to enhance the property’s appeal. The acquisition reflects Arista and Paradise Commercial’s continued focus on acquiring and improving community-oriented retail assets across strong Greater Toronto Area markets, creating long-term value for tenants, shoppers, and the surrounding community. (McCOR Management – www.mccor.ca)…………….
First Capital REIT unitholders have approved the previously announced plan of arrangement with KingSett Real Estate Growth LP No. 8 and Choice Properties REIT at a special meeting. Under the transaction, each First Capital REIT unit will be exchanged for $19.24 in cash plus 0.3186 of a Choice Properties unit, subject to the arrangement’s completion. (First Capital REIT – www.fcr.ca), (KingSett Capital -www.kingsettcapital.com) & (Choice Propertioes REIT – www.choicereit.ca)………….
PGW Auto Glass, the Pennsylvania-based distributor of automotive replacement glass, specialty parts, shop accessories, and business technology solutions in North America, has acquired Edmonton-based Windshield Surgeons, an established Canadian automotive glass company with eight locations in Alberta, recognized for its strong customer relationships, technical expertise and quality service. The acquisition supports PGW’s strategy to expand its Canadian operations by enhancing its capabilities in automotive glass installation, ADAS calibration and wholesale distribution. By combining Windshield Surgeons’ regional presence with PGW’s scale, product expertise and operational resources, the company aims to deliver more comprehensive solutions to customers, insurers, fleets, glass professionals and industry partners across Alberta. PGW said the acquisition reflects its commitment to investing in people, capabilities and long-term growth opportunities in Canada’s automotive glass market. (PGW Auto Glass – www.buypgwautoglass.com) & (Windshield Surgeons – www.windshieldsurgeons.com)………….
Shortly after opening its first location in Western Canada, Shake Shack Canada reports that it will be opening its first location in Canada with a drive-thru, according to the Daily Hive online news service. The new 5000 square foot freestanding unit at 9253 Macleod Tr SW is expected to open in the Fall. Shake Shack Canada, a partnership between Osmington Inc. and Harlo Entertainment Inc., opened its first location in Canada in mid-2023. Presently there are seven locations in the GTA and one in Calgary that opened in May 2026. (Shake Shack Canada – www.shakeshack.ca)………..
After filing for bankruptcy in early 2026, global franchising company FAT Brands has effectively ceased operations as a holding company after FBG Bid Co, a group of lenders, acquired 13 of its restaurant brands for approximately $595 million(US), transferring control of more than 1,700 locations. The Twin Peaks brand and several others were sold separately while Smokey Bones closed permanently after failing to attract a buyer. Despite the restructuring, the restaurant brands themselves remain operational. The brands acquired by FBG Bid include Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Great American Cookies, Buffalo’s Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Native Grill & Wings, and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses. (FBG Bid Co – 310/319-1890)………..
After nearly 50 years at A&W Food Services of Canada that included leadership roles in Corporate Restaurants, Marketing, Restaurant Training, Restaurant Operating Systems and, most recently, Vice President, People Potential, Nancy Wuttunee has decided to retire on March 12, 2027. Corinne Hua will take on the newly created position of Chief Corporate & People Development Officer as of July 6, 2026, reporting to CEO Susan Senecal. Ms Hua has held senior roles at several Canadian companies, most recently, the CFO of Thinkific, an AI-native learning commerce platform built to sell and scale training programs. (A&W Food Services of Canada Inc – www.aw.ca)………….
Happy Canada Day!!!
And Developers & Chains will NOT be published on Canada Day, July 1st 2026.
The next issue will be on July 6th, 2026.
Enjoy the fireworks and Stay safe………..