As restrictions are lifting across most provinces and dine-in operations resuming, drivers for delivery app services are starting to see a notable decrease in work. A return to "normal" restaurant service also means that many new concepts will be opening their doors throughout the summer and Alberta is especially buzzing in this regard.
Looking across Canada in general, the pandemic has left behind a higher than usual amount of food-related litter.
Here are five notable food news stories you might have missed this past week.
New restaurants gearing up to open across Alberta
With Alberta's COVID-19 restrictions lifting, several new restaurant are preparing to open their doors for the first time. Many of the new restaurant projects have been on hold due to the ongoing lockdown, but they'll finally get the chance to reveal their creative food concepts and welcome guests this summer.
Among the new eateries coming to Calgary are Major Tom (finally!), Fonda Fora at The Westley Hotel and Saucy Burger on 17th Ave, and we will also see a Japanese barbecue and sushi concept, Hello Sunshine, opening in Banff.
Read all about it via The Globe and Mail and Calgary Herald.
Delivery-app drivers seeing decrease in work as restaurants reopen
In New Brunswick, drivers for food delivery companies such as Skip the Dishes and DoorDash face a decline in business as in-person dining opens up.
During the pandemic, many people relied on these apps for convenient food delivery, but the demand is less now that restaurant restrictions are lifting. Experts say that food delivery gig work may have an uncertain future in areas like Fredericton where the demand is unstable.
Visit CBC News for the full story.
Local food entrepreneurs partner with Edmonton International Airport
A collective of farmers’ market startups have announced a partnership with the Edmonton International Airport to convert a former flight kitchen into a food production packaging facility.
The Ag-celerator at EIA project will help ;small food manufacturers scale up production, access transportation partners, and increase their international reach.
Learn more over at the Edmonton Journal.
Food-related litter increased during the pandemic
A new report by The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup has revealed that nearly twice as much food-related litter has been recorded during the pandemic.
The increase in litter is likely due to the closure of dine-in service, more people were ordering restaurant takeaway and consuming individually-packaged foods, leading to a rise in the use of single-use food and beverage containers.
Visit CTV News to read more.
Calgary Stampede's hiring blitz is currently underway
The Calgary Stampede is coming up soon as restrictions lift in Alberta and they're currently hiring to fill positions for the 10-day event. Jobs include food services, ticket selling, and midway games, but due to restrictions and decreased capacity, there will be about 1,000 to 1,500 fewer employees this year.
This year, the hiring process–which is happening now–is taking place virtually with online applications and interviews.
Read more about the Stampede's staffing strides at CBC News.
