On this holiday Monday, we give thanks to the owner and staff at Feast Café Bistro, which has been serving up helpings of modern Indigenous culture, cuisine and a renewed sense of community in Winnipeg’s West End since 2016.

Chef/Owner Christa Guenther opened the restaurant as a way of paying homage to her own background and bounty of local ingredients but also with the intention of creating an environment that would be welcoming to all community members while providing opportunities for those who face barriers to employment as well.

Guenther and her staff have also championed an ongoing ‘Pay it Forward’ initiative that allows businesses and members of the community to purchase and donate hot meals for frontline workers, grocery store staff, teachers, childcare workers and families in need.

A brief note to give thanks to all the hardworking chefs, restaurateurs, back-of-house crews and front-liners in the Canadian foodservice industry who have been giving their all since the pandemic hit in March.

It’s our sincere hope that you all get to enjoy a well-deserved rest this long weekend and spend some valuable time breaking bread with your loved ones and families.

Stay strong. Stand tall. Show love. Support local.

As much as might be unknown, one thing is certain: Canadians’ commitment to supporting restaurants is as rock solid as ever.

Check out how a variety of Canadian hospitality industry vets are innovating, recovering and persevering in the face of COVID-era adversity in an RBC Inspired Investor article entitled ‘Necessity Breeds Creativity.’