Originally comprised of 23 Vancouver restaurants, the Breaking Bread online platform now seamlessly connects Canadian consumers with more than 1,500 hospitality businesses across the country, from restaurants, to wineries and breweries, to grocery delivery and more. 

The Breaking Bread collective was launched roughly seven weeks ago by members of the Vancouver hospitality community to help consumers discover local independent businesses as a way to support them through COVID-19 pandemic.

“Restaurants are part of the indelible fabric of our communities--old favourites, new hotspots and best-kept secrets where we have gathered to celebrate, connect and be among friends,” says Shelley McArthur Everett, principal of SMC Communications and founder of Breaking Bread. “That’s why it’s so critical that we all come together and sustain that familiar spirit of hospitality at a time when the industry needs our support the most.”

With many reports indicating that as many as half of Canada’s independent restaurants could wind up closing permanently, supporting local businesses through initiatives like Breaking Bread is now more important than ever.

All independent restaurants and foodservice businesses are encouraged to join Breaking Bread by signing up free of charge online. Businesses are also now able to update their existing listing. Those who are interested in supporting independent businesses through sponsorship opportunities can inquire via email.