Moxy Ottawa Downtown has officially opened in the ByWard Market, marking RIMAP Hospitality Services’ latest expansion in Canada’s capital. Located at 126 York St, the hotel targets a new generation of travelers with a playful, social, and energetic atmosphere, placing guests close to major business, cultural, and entertainment hubs. Following RIMAP’s 2025 AC Hotel opening and ahead of a planned Renaissance Hotel in 2027, this launch strengthens its regional presence. Designed with Moxy’s signature industrial-chic style, the hotel features compact, functional guestrooms, communal lounges, coworking spaces, and tech-forward amenities. At its core is the lively Moxy Bar, offering food, cocktails, and regular entertainment such as DJ sets and themed events. A branded moose mascot, ‘Mox,’ adds a distinctive, social-media-friendly touch. Blending hospitality with nightlife and community experiences, Moxy Ottawa Downtown aims to become a vibrant social hub and a standout destination in the city’s evolving hospitality scene. (RIMAP Hospitality Services – www.rimaphospitality.com)…………..
The Hatheway Group of Companies has expanded its presence in Atlantic Canada with the acquisition of five orthodontic practices from Canadian Orthodontic Partners, adding locations in Fredericton in New Brunswick, and Bedford, Halifax, Sydney, and Truro in Nova Scotia. The deal increases the Hatheway Group’s portfolio to seven clinics, complementing its existing practices in Bridgewater and Yarmouth in Nova Scotia, acquired in 2025. The newly acquired clinics will continue serving patients with their existing clinical teams to ensure continuity of care. Dr. Robert Hatheway said the acquisition returns the practices to Maritime-based ownership and builds on a family legacy dating back to the early 1970s, while keeping decision-making local and maintaining close ties to patients and staff. The Hatheway Group also has real estate and aviation divisions that support its orthodontic operations across the Maritimes. (The Hatheway Group of Companies – www.hathewaygroup.com)……….
In mid-July, Happy Belly Food Group Inc. reported that that further to its news release on June 15th announcing the signing of the largest Multi-Unit Franchise Agreement to date for 45 locations, led by Alex Rechichi and Bedford Park Capital for Heal Wellness, the franchise group has now secured a real-estate location in Toronto’s Leaside neighborhood, at the prominent intersection of Eglinton Ave East and Laird Dr., as they accelerate their openings through the remainder of 2026 and 2027. In the days following, the company announce the grand opening of its newest Heal Wellness location at 14 York St. in Toronto’s downtown core. This location is also being opened by the franchise group led by Alex Rechichi and Bedford Park Capital. (Happy Belly Food Group Inc. – www.happybellyfg.com)……….
CF Markville will celebrate Markham’s first-ever professional racing weekend by hosting a free, family-friendly ‘Pit Stop’ activation on Aug. 1-2 in partnership with professional racer Demi Chalkias and Toronto Racing Simulators. The mall’s Grand Court will be transformed into an interactive racing experience featuring an authentic Radical race car display, four professional-grade racing simulators, and a virtual recreation of the Markham Indy race circuit. Visitors can compete in the ‘1:20 Speed Challenge,’ with participants recording an average lap time of 1:20 or faster winning a $15 CF SHOP! card while supplies last. Markham native Demi Chalkias, a Radical Cup Canada competitor and the first mother to race in the series, will appear both days. (Toronto Racing Simulators – www.torontosimulators.ca)…………
The Keg Steakhouse + Bar has launched its first-ever delivery service through an exclusive partnership with DoorDash, making its signature menu available across Canada and the United States. The move marks a significant expansion for the premium Canadian steakhouse, allowing customers to enjoy popular menu items from the comfort of home. Company executives said the partnership enables The Keg to extend its renowned hospitality beyond its dining rooms while maintaining the quality guests expect. DoorDash said it is proud to become the brand’s exclusive delivery partner, helping bring The Keg experience to households across North America. Founded more than 50 years ago, The Keg operates over 100 locations across North America. (The Keg Steakhouse + Bar – www.thekeg.com) & (DoorDash – www.doordash.com)………..
HF Foods Group Inc., a U.S.-based distributor of international foodservice products, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Richmond, British Columbia-based Searay Foods Inc. and related entities for approximately $47.9 million(Cdn). Expected to close in Q3 2026, the acquisition marks HF Foods’ first expansion outside the United States and establishes a platform for future North American growth. Founded in 2000, Searay is a leading importer and distributor of ethnic and specialty frozen seafood, supplying retail, wholesale, and restaurant customers across North America through brands including Searay Foods, Thai Best, Pinoy’s Best, Smart Fish, Diamond Shrimp, and Gold Label. HF Foods said the acquisition will expand its seafood portfolio, strengthen cross-border distribution capabilities, and create supply chain synergies. Searay’s management team, led by incoming CEO Derick Ngan, will continue operating the business as part of HF Foods following completion. (HF Foods Group Inc. – www.hffoodsgroup.com) & (SearayFoods Inc – www.searayfoods.com)………..
Earlier in the Summer, Paris Baguette and franchise owner Farid Shahmohammadi opened the brand’s first bakery café in Washington, D.C. at 4000 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Offering the brand’s signature selection of artisan pastries, cakes, breads and handcrafted beverages, the opening marks another milestone in Paris Baguette’s North American expansion, with more than 300 bakery cafés across the region and a goal of reaching 1,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada by 2030. (Paris Baguette – www.parisbaguette.com)………….
Statistics Canada reports that Canada’s retail sales increased one percent in May to $73.71 billion, matching market expectations and marking broad-based gains across all nine retail subsectors. The increase was led by gasoline stations and fuel vendors, where sales climbed 3.1 percent, largely due to higher prices, although volumes declined. Motor vehicle and parts dealers, the largest retail segment, posted a 0.7 percent increase, while core retail sales excluding fuel and vehicles rose 0.9 percent, supported by stronger results from general merchandise retailers. Food and beverage retailers recorded a 0.5 percent gain, including a one percent increase at supermarkets and grocery stores. In inflation-adjusted terms, retail sales grew 0.3 percent. Statistics Canada’s preliminary estimate suggests sales may rise another 0.4 percent in June. Economists noted that while consumer activity showed momentum in the second quarter, challenges including tariffs, extreme weather and energy price pressures could weigh on growth later this year. (Statistics Canada – www.statscan.gc.ca)…………
Have a great week…………….