Have You Heard……….

Happy Belly Food Group has appointed Christoph Barrow to Brand President of Yolks Breakfast as the boutique breakfast brand enters a key growth phase. “Promoting Christoph to Brand President is a natural step as we lean into the brand’s growth cycle,” saif CEO Sean Black.  “With Christoph stepping into the role of Brand President, we have the leadership in place to capitalize on that demand and drive the next chapter of growth.”  With rising franchise and landlord interest, Yolks has development agreements across multiple provinces. Happy Belly now has 666 contractually committed locations nationwide. (Happy Belly Food Groupwww.happybellyfg.com)…………

Toronto-based Richmond Asset Management has acquired Capri Apartments at 20 Bradmon Dr., a 79-unit purpose-built rental property in St. Catharines, marking its entry into the Niagara Region and expansion beyond Windsor-Essex and Sarnia-Lambton. The acquisition aligns with Richmond’s value-add strategy and long-term ownership approach. Located in the desirable Port Weller neighbourhood, the property features spacious suites, balconies, parking, and access to green space. The deal strengthens Richmond’s multifamily portfolio and reflects confidence in secondary Southwestern Ontario markets with strong rental fundamentals. (Richmond Asset Management www.richmondam.ca)………

Rexall, the pharmacy retailer with over 370 pharmacies across Canada, has appointed Ron Wilson as President and CEO, effective March 2, 2026, to lead its next phase of growth and transformation. Formerly President of Best Buy Canada, Wilson brings extensive experience in retail expansion, innovation, and operational excellence. He will focus on execution, engagement, and advancing Rexall’s pharmacy-first community care strategy. Jeff Boutilier is also appointed COO, strengthening pharmacy leadership. Outgoing President Nicolas Caprio will join Rexall’s Board and support the leadership transition through March 2026. (Rexallwww.rexall.ca)………….

Over the weekend, High Tide Inc. opened a new Canna Cabana retail cannabis store at 3148 Kingston Rd in Scarborough in Ontario.  The opening brings High Tide’s national footprint to 219 Canna Cabana locations, including 95 in Ontario. Strategically located on a high-traffic corridor with strong visibility and limited nearby competition, the store serves surrounding residential neighbourhoods and builds on the site’s prior success as a Rockwood Cannabis location. CEO Raj Grover said the opening reflects High Tide’s disciplined expansion strategy, leveraging its proven operating model, pricing leadership, and loyalty ecosystem to drive performance. (High Tide Inc. – www.hightideinc.com)…….

Don’t forget, Valentine’s Day is Friday……in three short days.  Don’t say we didn’t warn you.  And Buy Canadian………..