CHD Expert Reviews the Canadian Restaurant Industry Landscape And Identifies Why Toronto Is Unique

Feb. 26, 2013 - PRLog -- Chicago-based foodservice database, marketing, and analytics firm, CHD Expert (http://chd-expert.com) has new data indicating that independent restaurant operators are making an impact in Toronto’s foodservice market landscape (http://chd-expert.com/). The new data reveals that 69.3 percent of restaurants in Toronto are independent restaurants (1 to 9 units), whereas only 63.4 percent of nationwide restaurants are considered independent. This release will focus on the Canadian restaurant landscape, specifically focusing on Toronto’s independent restaurant operator growth, and popular menu types.

With the 2013 Canadian Restaurant And Foodservice Association Show just a few days away, CHD Expert evaluates the Canadian foodservice market landscape, specifically focusing on the host city of Toronto, and it’s surge among independent restaurants.

When looking specifically at Toronto’s restaurant market landscape, chances are you will find a unique destination that will delight your taste buds. 65.6 percent of all restaurants in Toronto are Full Service Restaurants (FSRs), compared to the 34.4 percent of the city’s Limited Service Restaurants (LSRs). Independent restaurants have a strong presence among Toronto’s FSR segment, making up 93.4 percent of the city’s total FSR market. Toronto’s limited service market segment is made up of primarily chains, with only 23.3 percent of LSR restaurants being independent. By definition, Full Service Restaurants offer table service, whereas a Limited Service Restaurant does not have a wait staff.

When evaluating Toronto’s ‘fine dining’ menu type, approximately 7.5 percent of establishments fall into this category, which is significantly larger than the Canadian national average of 4.3 percent. This difference is similar to that of the “Coffee Shops and Tea Houses” segment, which make up 7.1 percent of Toronto’s landscape, compared to the national average of 4.5 percent. While both of these foodservice segments individually have small market shares against the field, the city of Toronto has shown that these types of restaurants play an important role in the makeup of the city’s foodservice scene.

Toronto’s landscape (http://chd-expert.com/database/find) is distinctly different than the rest of the country. There are more European menu type restaurants in Toronto than in the rest of Canada, making up 5.3 percent of the Toronto landscape, compared to 3.2 nationwide. Data reveals that 9.6 percent of restaurants in Toronto are Asian, whereas Asian restaurants only account for 6.6 percent nationwide. One of the USA’s favorite menu type ‘hamburger,’ does not have as strong of a presence in Canada and is even less predominant is Toronto. As a nation, approximately 6.1 percent of Canadian restaurants serve a ‘hamburger’ menu type.

“Food is at the center of all great cities, and unique independent restaurants fuel the dinning out experience,” stated Brad Bloom, Director of Sales for CHD Expert North America. “As big cosmopolitan cities grow and diversify, some entrepreneurs decide to innovate with their food, and it is CHD Experts business to keep on top of the constantly changing market landscape. It is interesting to evaluate the foodservice landscape for such a great city like Toronto, and I am looking forward to the 2013 Canadian Restaurant and Foodservice Association Show.”

About CHD Expert
CHD Expert is the worldwide leader in collecting, managing, and analyzing data for the Away-from-Home Global Foodservice Market. For more than 20 years, CHD Expert is dedicated to supporting foodservice channel members and providing a global vision and an in-depth understanding of the industry (in Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific).

Our objective is to support our clients in their sales and marketing strategies by providing the most comprehensive and accurate foodservice census housing market information for more than 5 million operators worldwide. For more information or learn about all of our products available, please visit http://CHD-Expert.com.