Savehospitality.ca launched by coalition of independent Canadian restaurants

Hundreds of restaurants have banded together to outline and advocate for what needs to be done to save the industry

Mar 30, 2020 - EightSix Staff

The COVID-19 crisis represents an existential threat to many Canadians whose livelihoods depend on the hospitality industry. To represent these voices when dealing with banks and federal and provincial governments, a strong coalition of Canadian restaurants and restauranteurs created Savehospitality.ca.

Lead by John Sinopoli of Toronto's Ascari Hospitality Group, the architects of the coalition include Andrew Oliver and Eric Joyal of Oliver and Bonacini Hospitality as well as Dyson Forbes of Forbes Wild Foods and the Food and Wine Industry Navigator. Together, the team created a plan that outlines what needs to be done immediately to allow restaurants and bars to stay open and reduce layoffs, as well as a plan for the future to support the industry once it is permitted to resume business following the end of social distancing. Rent freezes and cash infusions are integral save the industry, the group argues.