Food Roundup

Closings

• After 16 years, the Brewsters in Summerside closed its doors on Feb. 9.

Headlines

• The City of Edmonton will institute fees for large patios on public land on April 1, after previously offering permits for such patios at no charge. "With reduced funding as a result of the 2024 Fall Supplemental Operating Budget Adjustment, the city is shifting to a shared-investment model," a city spokesperson told CBC. Large year-round patios that spill onto sidewalks will cost $6,900 per year, while seasonal ones will cost $3,700. Small sidewalk patios remain free to operate. Wayne Jones, who owns the Rocky Mountain Icehouse and operates a year-round patio there, said he can't afford the sudden fee because his business is still down 30% in revenue since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
• Edmonton city council's executive committee unanimously backed a proposal on Feb. 11 to designate Happy Beer Street as an entertainment district along 78 Avenue between 100 Street and 99 Street NW. To address concerns, the district would have a 10pm closing time, on-site security, and no outside liquor. The move would allow businesses such as Bent Stick Brewing, Shiddy's Distilling, and Sea Change Brewing to more easily host events with public alcohol consumption. Council is set to vote on the bylaw on Feb. 17 or 18.
• Teresa Spinelli of the Italian Centre Shop discussed stigma in the McCauley neighbourhood due to the concentration of services for people experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and addiction. Spinelli recently purchased The Piazza, a strip mall near the Italian Centre on 95 Street, which she said has helped fight the stigma. "Now you feel safe walking by that building at 8pm," she told CBC Edmonton's This is Edmonton podcast. "You don't have to worry about anyone attacking you."
• The Sweet Treats & Latte Festival by the Old Strathcona Business Association kicked off with more 40 participating businesses, a 35% participation increase over previous years.
• Keenan Pascal, co-owner of Token Bitters and Spilt Zero Proof and CEO of both Token Naturals and Hansen Distillery, shared four business lessons. They include having a backup plan, going slow to go far, leaning on mentors, and finding new ideas. One of his new ideas is to sell bitters for medicinal purposes. "We've sold more of our drink mixes on medical platforms in two months than we have in two years in the recreational side," Pascal told Edify.
• Tu Le of Jack's Burger Shack shared why he's selling the burger joints he runs with his brother in Edmonton and St. Albert and what he's looking for in a buyer. "They have to have a passion not only for food and burgers, but a passion for the community and the staff and people in general," Le told CBC Edmonton's Radio Active. Le won the Big Burger Battle last spring, with a triple-smash burger that showcased his flair for creative flavour combinations.
• Daily Hive visited Mexico Lindo, a family-owned Mexican restaurant in Sherwood Park that was nominated for the city's Business of the Year in 2025.
• Edify tried hyper-realistic mousse cakes from Tisto Cakes. The trompe l'oeil creations are made of biscuit, puree, and mousse but look like the fruits that flavour them. The bakery has locations in Windermere and at West Edmonton Mall.
• Daily Hive shone a spotlight on Mayte, a new Spanish restaurant focusing on paella, tapas, and wine in Manchester Square at 12026 107 Avenue NW.
• Emma Pivato, a retired psychologist and researcher, has written a cookbook and guide for people who have difficulty swallowing called Gourmet Puree. The complex health needs of Pivato's daughter inspired the book, which includes easy, flavourful recipes and tips on dining out with someone who can't chew. "I'm the one who's been seeking out the answers," Pivato told CBC's Radio Active.
• Winnie Chen of Fu's Repair Shop shared a recipe for wonton soup with The Tomato, calling it a versatile budget dish that uses broth made from shrimp shells and pork bones.
• NAIT named Vancouver-based Alex Kim as its 2026 Hokanson Chef in Residence. Kim is an alumnus, the culinary director of Five Sails restaurant, and has appeared on Top Chef Canada. He'll work with students and host dining events, among other work, from March 23 to 27.
• Five students at NorQuest College competed in a rice cook-off called Rice and Roots to celebrate the importance of rice in Black, African, and Caribbean history while showcasing the diversity of the staple food in modern Black cuisine.
• Grocery prices in Alberta have nearly doubled since 2002, with almost half of that inflation happening in the 2020s, according to Statistics Canada data from 2025. Meanwhile, economists suspect food inflation spiked further in January because of federal tax changes and the trade war between Canada and the United States. StatsCan is expected to publish January's food-price data on Feb. 17.
• Alberta's imports of U.S. alcohol have rebounded since the province lifted its ban in June, but much of the demand seems to be for bourbon, and many buyers are in Ontario, which has continued its ban, indicates The Globe and Mail's Decoder column. "Some people avoid American products, but there are people out there who have always been bourbon drinkers and they want that particular flavour profile," said Adam Koziak, manager of the Chateau Louis Liquor Store.
• Wheat prices for Alberta farmers fell to $276 per tonne in December 2025, down from $521 in June 2022, according to ATB Financial. Canola and barley prices have also declined from record highs, with strong global supplies expected to keep downward pressure on prices this year.

Happenings

Here are some events coming up over the next seven days:

• Feb. 17: Soup & Bannock starting at 5pm at Strathcona Community Centre and County Hall
• Feb. 18: Lunar New Year Wontons starting at 6pm at Edmonton Public Library (Stanley A. Milner)
• Feb. 20: Lunar New Year Celebration: Chef-Hosted Long Table Dinner starting at 6pm at Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
• Feb. 20: Cocktail Class - Louisiana Cocktails starting at 7pm at Cocktail Culture
• Feb. 21: Tales and Taste starting at noon at Edmonton Public Library (Stanley A. Milner)
• Feb. 21: Pints & Pages: Bridgerton Edition starting at 1pm at PYRO Wood-Fired Kitchen and Bar
• Feb. 21: HOM Bibo Wine Bar Pop Up starting at 7pm at Bibo Strathcona
• Feb. 22: High Flying Brunch: Yoga & Brunch starting at 11am at Halo Bar and Bistro
• Feb. 22: Sunday Spirit Club starting at 4pm at Chartier

And here are some upcoming events to keep in mind:

• Feb. 27: Insecure: A documentary film screening on food security in Edmonton at Earth's Refillery Coop
• Feb. 28: Brunch For Ben at Matrix Hotel
• March 5: Intentional Discussions with Entrepreneurs from across Alberta Series - Agriculture Technology online

Visit the Taproot Edmonton Calendar for many more events in the Edmonton region.