Annual Hospitality Trade Show Successful Stop On Canada’s Road To Recovery

Canada’s leading foodservice and hospitality event brings thought leaders and innovators together to discuss the biggest issues impacting the industry – from labour challenges and surviving the pandemic, to mental health and anti-racism TORONTO, ON – February 24, 2021 – The RC Show is back, going ONLINE LIVE in 2021 with a dynamic lineup of solution-based content, all centered around the theme of “Feeding the Recovery.” Coming to attendee screens February 28 – March 3 via a new custom-built, dynamic platform, RC Show ONLINE Live will be tackling some of the most pressing issues facing the industry today from COVID-19’s impact and future outlook, to labour challenges, mental health, anti-racism and much more. In addition to educational and interactive speaker sessions and exciting panels led by the industry’s top innovators, leaders and influencers, this year’s lineup is designed to help businesses rebuild, reinvent and reconnect better than ever. Attendees interested in hearing first-hand accounts of how restaurants have succeeded during the pandemic can listen in on expert CEO panels or join RC’s signature Breakfast With Champions event to network and get inspired by some of the industry’s biggest leaders and innovators. With almost 30 unique sessions held during over action-packed days of the show, attendees will be able to gather inspiration, capture insights, network and discover innovative solutions to boost their bottom line. Here’s a glimpse of who’s coming to RC Show ONLINE LIVE:

Roger Mooking
Chef & Host on Food Network & Cooking Channel
As a celebrated chef, restaurateur, television host, author and award-winning recording artist, Roger Mooking has earned an international reputation as a chef and lifestyle expert showcasing his globally inspired vision. Mooking is a host on Food Network and Cooking Channel globally and is currently in the 9th season of his live fire and barbecue show “Man Fire Food”. Catch Chef Mooking speaking during Inclusive Kitchen: Tackling Systemic Racism.

Suzanne Barr
Chef, Social Advocate, Author, Suzanne Barr Food
One of North America’s most respected chefs with a signature flair for Afro Caribbean comfort food, Barr regularly advocates for food security, people of colour, mental health, equal pay for equal work, LGBTQ communities, nutrition literacy and food source sustainability. Catch Chef Barr speaking during Inclusive Kitchen: Tackling Systemic Racism.

Massimo Bottura
Chef & Owner, Osteria Francescana
Massimo Bottura is one of the most awarded chefs in the world and among the global TOP 100 most influential leaders. Chef Bottura works for the protection of the environment and biodiversity through sustainable cooking practices and ingredient sourcing has been rewarded by Michelin with the new 2020 Michelin Green Star. The UN Environment Programme appointed him as Goodwill Ambassador for his work against the global problem of food waste. Catch Chef Bottura speaking during Made-in-Italy & Zero Waste: A Message of Authenticity & Sustainability.

Joseph Shawana
Chair of Indigenous Culinary of Associated Nations & Professor at Centennial College
Working in the Culinary field for over 20 years, Chef Shawana has been working hard at preserving his heritage through food. Working alongside great chefs and foragers, he has been revitalized to introduce Indigenous Food Systems to a wider audience. Catch Chef Shawana speaking during Inclusive Kitchen: Tackling Systemic Racism.

Michael Smith
Restaurateur, Innkeeper, Author, Food Network Host, Sustainability Advocate & Nutritional Activist
Chef Michael Smith is one of Canada’s best-known chefs, is a passionate advocate for simple, sustainable home cooking and an inspiration for families creating their own healthy food lifestyle. He’s the host of numerous cooking shows seen in more than 100 countries. Smith is a member of the Order of Canada, Prince Edward Island’s food ambassador, a bestselling cookbook author, innkeeper, educator, professional chef and home cook. Catch Chef Smith at Finding Food, Fame & Fireworks: Fireside Chat with Chef Michael Smith.

Jim Treliving
Chairman & Owner, Boston Pizza International and Dragon, Dragon’s Den
Jim Treliving is Chairman and Owner of Boston Pizza International Inc. (BPI). Starting from a single restaurant franchise in 1968, Boston Pizza and Boston’s now has over 400 locations throughout North America. Jim stars as one of the five Dragons on CBC’s reality TV show, Dragon’s Den, where aspiring entrepreneurs secure a financial investment from the Dragons to start their own business. Catch Jim Treliving speaking during Chat with a Dragon: A one-on-one Discussion with Jim Treliving.

Janet Zuccarini
CEO, Gusto 54 Restaurant Group
Janet Zuccarini is the sole owner and visionary behind Gusto 54 Restaurant Group. Janet stands out as a woman and powerhouse entrepreneur in the restaurant industry, curating innovative and delicious dining experiences on a global scale. Catch Zuccarini speaking during Are Canadians Ready to Come Back?: Data Insights on Canadian Consumers.

Shoel Davidson
Founder & President, Mind the Bar Foundation
With 20 years of experience in the food service and bar industry, Shoel Davidson is a co-owner/operator of Gringo Restaurant in Vancouver, and founder of Mind The Bar Foundation, a mental health initiative established in 2018 which provides information, resources, and support for depression, anxiety, suicide, substance abuse/misuse, and workplace harassment within the hospitality industry. Catch Davidson speaking during Mental health: increasing awareness & supporting tools.

Philman George
Chef, High Liner Foodservice
Philman George is no stranger to seafood! With both of his parents hailing from the small Caribbean island of Barbuda, he naturally learned to appreciate seafood at a young age. He has worked in a wide variety of establishments from the traditional English style pub to award winning restaurants, private clubs & hotels In Canada, Australia and the Caribbean. Catch George speaking during multiple stage sessions, including Seafood is Better To-Go; Inclusive Kitchen: Tackling Systemic Racism,and; It’s Back… the Alaska Wild Throwdown.

Michelle Tham
Head of Education, Labatt Breweries of Canada
Michelle Tham is responsible for leading a culture of beer education and appreciation through the brewery’s people and diverse portfolio of brands. A Certified Cicerone®, MBAA Beer Steward, and recognized BJCP Beer Judge; Tham’s expertise on beer and food pairing has been featured on Global News, CTV Morning Live, 680 News, the Globe & Mail, and Fashion Magazine. Catch Tham speaking during Rediscover your Guest – the 2021 consumer.

Danny Meyer
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Union Square Hospitality Group
Danny’s Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) comprises some of New York’s most beloved and acclaimed restaurants, including Gramercy Tavern, The Modern, Maialino, and more. USHG also offers large-scale event services, foodservice solutions for public and private institutions, industry consulting, and educational programming. Together, Danny and USHG’s restaurants and individuals have won an unprecedented 28 James Beard Awards. Catch Meyer speaking during the exclusive Breakfast with Champions.

For a full list of stage speakers and sessions happening ONLINE LIVE at the RC Show 2021, media accreditation and more information about the show, visit www.rcshow.com.

Media Contacts:
Lisa Raffaele │ 647.896.0743 │ lisa@bubblegumcanada.com
Dena Gouweloos │ 647.825.3927 │ dena@bubblegumcanada.com

Follow us and the conversation on social: #RCShow #FeedingtheRecovery @RestaurantsCanada

About RC Show – since 1944

Canada’s leading foodservice and hospitality event showcasing cutting-edge products, pioneering people and transformative ideas. Attendees can shop, taste, learn, connect and grow their business with multiple days of business-building action, including featured areas, competitions, workshops and RC Hospitality Week events tailored to educate, motivate and lead the industry. RC Show includes the latest trends, a dynamic selection of innovative products, and influential speakers assembled from around the globe, designed to help operators grow their businesses. An annual event not to be missed. Learn more at www.rcshow.com

About Restaurants Canada
Restaurants Canada is a national, not-for-profit association advancing the potential of Canada’s diverse and dynamic foodservice industry through member programs, research, advocacy, resources and events. Before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada’s foodservice sector was a $93 billion industry, directly employing 1.2 million people, providing Canada’s number one source of first jobs and serving 22 million customers across the country every day. The industry has since lost hundreds of thousands of jobs and could lose as much as $44.8 billion in sales in 2020 due to the impacts of COVID-19. www.restaurantscanada.org