Restaurants Canada Announces 2026 Awards of Excellence Winners

Six industry leaders and organizations will be honoured at One Table on Sept. 29

Toronto, Aug. 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Restaurants Canada has announced the winners of its 2026 Awards of Excellence, recognizing the individuals and organizations whose leadership, creativity and commitment are helping move Canada’s foodservice industry forward.

The winners will be honoured at One Table, Restaurants Canada’s signature industry gathering, on Sept. 29, 2026, at The Warehouse Event Venue in North York, Ont.

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The Awards of Excellence celebrate the leaders and changemakers behind Canada’s foodservice industry—and the vision, dedication and impact strengthening restaurants and communities across the country.

“Foodservice is one of the most vital industries in this country—1.2 million workers, $125 billion in annual sales, 4% of Canada’s GDP, and 23.7 million Canadians walking through our doors every single day,” says Kelly Higginson, President and CEO of Restaurants Canada. “That doesn’t happen without exceptional people and organizations. The award winners we’re celebrating today represent the very best of this industry — the innovators, the leaders, the trailblazers who raise the bar for everyone. Recognizing them isn’t just about celebration. It’s about showing Canada exactly what this industry is capable of.”

Nominations were open to Canada’s foodservice community from Jan. 23 to June 29, 2026. A judging committee comprising industry leaders, past recipients and representatives from Restaurants Canada’s Board of Directors and leadership reviewed the nominees, drawing on submitted materials, independent research and, where appropriate, additional documentation provided by nominees.

Leadership Award of Excellence | Presented by PepsiCo Canada Hemant Bhagwani, Chef and Restaurateur, Toronto

Hemant Bhagwani is recognized for the scale and sustained influence of his entrepreneurial leadership in Canada’s restaurant industry. His record of launching more than 60 concepts across North America has showcased the breadth, diversity and sophistication of South Asian cuisine while expanding its place in Canada’s culinary landscape. Bhagwani received more nominations from across the country than any nominee in the Awards’ history—a reflection of his reputation for building strong teams, developing talent and creating opportunities for others throughout the industry.

Emerging Leader Award of Excellence | Presented by Groupex Canada Jessica Kwon, Head Chef, Cactus Club Cafe, Richmond, B.C.

Jessica Kwon is recognized for her rapid professional rise and demonstrated leadership, progressing from her first kitchen role to Head Chef at Cactus Club Cafe’s Richmond location. She is also helping create opportunities for the next generation of culinary leaders through her contributions to the company’s Junior Sous Chef Program, Women in Leadership Program and Training and Development Task Force.