May 21, 2013 - Square targets restaurant industry

SAN FRANCISCO—Square Inc., the payment startup founded by Twitter chair Jack Dorsey, launched updates to its payment register in late April in an effort to target the restaurant industry, according to a news release.

May 15, 2013 - UPDATE: A familiar face vies for a Down Under dream job

TORONTO—Tourism Australia released its shortlist of applicants for “The Best Jobs in the World,” and a notable name from the Canadian culinary scene made the cut. Mary Gazze, communications specialist for the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA) was among the top 25 people selected for the Taste Master position.

May 15, 2013 - Nation’s brews celebrated at Canadian Brewing Awards

VICTORIA—Breweries of all sizes put their best brews forward at the 11^th annual celebration of Canadian brewing excellence held at the Inn at Laurel Point from May 9 to 11.

May 21, 2013 - Ontario wines celebrated

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ON—Malrize Beyers of Hidden Bench Vineyeards and Winery was awarded winemaker of the year at the May 10 Ontario Wine Awards.

May 15, 2013 - New chair and board members for Smart Serve Ontario

Mary D’Alton is the new chair of the board of Smart Serve Ontario. D’Alton is the president and managing director of the Waterloo Inn Conference Hotel, and has previously served on the Board of Smart Serve Ontario.

May 15, 2013 - Putting the cool in crustaceans

TORONTO—Two industry veterans are transforming the former Mildred Pierce space at 99 Sudbury. Chef Michael Pataran, who has been executive chef at The Prince of Wales Hotel’s Escabèche, Taboo Resort and The Windsor Arms Hotel, and Marco Petrucci, co-owner/partner of Porzia restaurant and the El Macombo, are teaming up to open Cool City Oyster Yard in early June.

May 10, 2013 - A dinner for the fishes

CALGARY—A group of West Coast chefs will collaborate in support of sustainable seafood and Ocean Wise for a May 29 boat-to-table dinner at River Café.

May 9, 2013 - Regina restaurant patios approved

REGINA—City council unanimously approved a new policy allowing Regina restaurateurs to set up temporary patios. The policy was passed April 29, allowing patios to operate from April to October, reported the CBC.

May 9, 2013 - Mixed reaction to private liquor stores in Saskatchewan

SASKATOON, REGINA—The province of Saskatchewan announced it is allowing the addition of private liquor stores in Regina and Saskatoon. Both cities will see existing retail stores build or expand their brand with the addition of liquor outlets, not operated by Saskatchewan’s Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA), according to the SLGA.

May 13, 2013 - Fishermen tie up boats in protest against lobster prices

CHARLOTTETOWN – With the lobster season beginning early last week, a Thursday (May 9) meeting on lobster prices between P.E.I. fishermen and seafood processors ended in an impasse.  On Thursday morning, more than 700 P.E.I. fishermen rallied outside the Department of Fisheries and Oceans demanding a higher price for the popular crustacean.

May 6, 2013 - Culinary Institute of Canada’s kitchen gets smarter

CHARLOTTETOWN—Holland College is upgrading what is already called Canada’s Smartest Kitchen, with help from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). With an investment of more than $100,000 from ACOA and another $34,000 from the college, the kitchen will stay at the cutting edge, according to an April 29 release.

May 3, 2013 - A Barrington bar’s final goodbye

HALIFAX—The Pogue Fado on Halifax’s bar-laden Barrington Street has officially closed its doors. The Irish public house’s owners explained their position in a Facebook post, saying the closure is effective immediately.