How to Start a Restaurant or Catering Business in Ontario

The following document was prepared by the Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre (COBSC), a single point of access to information on federal and provincial government programs, services and regulations.  It is designed to provide an understanding of potential license, permit or registration requirements when considering the establishment of a restaurant in Ontario.  Although many of your questions will be answered in this document, the list of resources given here is not exhaustive. 

Need more information?

Click: Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre
Call: 1-800-567-2345
Visit: The Regional Access Program Location Index for a listing of offices in Ontario.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Basics to Getting Started
2. Industry Overview
3. Regulations
4. Financing
5. Taxation
6. Managing Your Operation
7. Catering 
8. Associations
9. Resources and Web Sites of Interest   

1. Basics to Getting Started

Starting a business can be a rewarding undertaking, but it comes with its challenges. Before starting a business in Ontario, it is wise to do your research.  Ask yourself if you are truly suited for entrepreneurship and understand that significant effort may be required.  You should thoroughly enjoy the field you are getting into and you must believe in your service; it may consume much of your time, especially in the start-up phase.  There are several issues to consider such as regulations, financing, taxation, managing your business, advertising and much more.

For further information:
see these documents:
Checklists for Going Into Business
Business Start-Up Info-Guide
Employment Regulations Info-Guide

2. Industry Overview

Maintaining High Health Standards

As a restaurant operator, your main preoccupation should be to maintain high health standards.  Maintaining traffic in your restaurant depends on it, as your restaurant will probably be inspected and appraised.  Important steps to take into consideration when dealing with health issues include:

For further information, call your local Public Health Unit .

Designing your Restaurant and Calculating Seating Capacity

Depending on your experience, finances, location and customers, you will have to decide on the type of restaurant you want to operate (traditional, ethnic, specialty, coffee shop, fast food, cafeteria, self-serve, etc.), and aim for a practical, useful layout, that will set the mood.  It would be good to have all of the following:

• seating/waiting areas, serving room, cashier area, rest rooms, bar (optional);
• one or more areas from which you can view the entire restaurant;
• lighting, signs and obstacle-free traffic flow;
• a variety of seating arrangements: 50% of customers come in pairs; 30% come alone or in groups of three; and 20% in groups of four or more;
• adequate room - the suggested square footage requirements per chair are: 10-20 sq. ft. in traditional restaurants, 10-12 in cafeterias, 7-17 in coffee shops;
• a kitchen that allows efficient and effective food preparation and interaction between staff;
• safety in movement, dry and cold storage, dish washing, an area for staff's personal items;
• convenient delivery zone, ease of cleaning and maintenance, and proper ventilation and lighting.

To determine the maximum potential of your restaurant and break-even point:

1. determine desired profit - convert to percentage of sales to get sales required;
2. determine number of operating days - divide number of days into sales to get average daily sales;
3. estimate volume percentages for meal periods (breakfast, lunch, dinner);
4. multiply figures in step 3 by average sales per day to get dollar volume per period;
5. determine average check per meal period;
6. divide dollar volumes in step 4 by average check for the number of patrons per period;
7. estimate a) average seat occupation per meal period; and b) time per meal period;
8. divide time per period by average occupation to get seat turnover per period;
9. divide possible seat turnover into number of patrons to get number of seats required per period;
10. take the largest seating requirement in step 9 and add a 20% safety margin for the seating capacity.

Source: Western Regional Office, Manitoba Industry, Trade and Mines

Planning Your Business

What is a Business Plan?
A business plan is a recognized management tool used by successful and/or prospective businesses of all sizes to document business objectives and to propose how these objectives will be attained within a specific period of time.  It is a written document, which describes who you are, what you plan to achieve, where your business will be located, when you expect to get under way, and how you will overcome the risks involved and provide the returns anticipated.

Why Do I Need One?
A business plan will provide information of your proposed venture to lenders, investors, and suppliers to demonstrate how you plan to use their money, and to establish a basis for credibility of your project.  This plan will serve as a guide to the various areas that you as a manager will be concerned with.  As you work through this plan, adapt it to your own particular needs.

For further information:
see the document Business Plan Guide

Interactive Business Planner (IBP)

The IBP is a computer software program that uses the capabilities of the Internet to assist you in preparing a 3-year business plan for a new or existing business.  The IBP will help you write your business plan, provide a format for writing your business plan, and take the information you enter and prepare financial projections for you.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Interactive Business Planner (IBP)
http://www.cbsc.org/ibp
see the document Interactive Business Planner - IBP

3. Regulations

Environmental Assessment and Approvals
For many of the small or medium-sized business in Ontario, complying with environmental regulations is just a part of their day-to-day business.  However, not all businesses are sure if they are subject to specific environmental requirements or not.  Some of the most common regulations include air permits, hazardous wastes, water quality, etc.  For more information on whether your restaurant should be complying with these regulations please contact the Ministry of the Environment Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch.

For further information:
please call (416) 314-8001
visit the Web site:
The Ministry of the Environment and Your Business
http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/gp/5486e.htm
See the document  Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch

Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency contains a lot of information on food safety, including food safety tips.

For further information:
please call 1-800-442-2342 or (613) 225-2342
visit the Web site:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/toce.shtml

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Web site contains a lot of information on food safety, including information on the Food Safety and Quality Act .

For further information:
please call 1-888-466-2372
visit the Web site:
Food Safety
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/infores/foodsafe/safety.html

Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC)
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Web site contains information on Health Issues, including locations of Public Health Units and publications on food and water safety.

For further information:
please call (416) 314-5518 or 1-800-268-1154
visit the Web site:
Publications: Food Safety
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/pub/pub_menus/pub_foodsafe.html

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act
As of May 31, 2006, the Ontario government is prohibiting smoking in all enclosed workplaces and enclosed public places. The legislation will also strengthen measures to ensure only those 19 years of age and older can buy cigarettes and will phase out the display of tobacco products, with a complete ban beginning May 31, 2008.

For further information:
please call 416-326-4846
visit the Web site:
Ministry of Health Promotion
http://www.mhp.gov.on.ca/english/health/smoke_free/legislation.asp
Smoke-Free Ontario Act
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/English/94t10_e.htm

Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario is a regulatory agency that reports to the Ministry of Government Services.  Its mandate is to regulate the sale, service and consumption of alcohol beverages.  It manages alcohol licences in Ontario.

For further information:
please call (416) 326-8700 or 1-800-522-2876
visit the Web site:
Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario
http://www.agco.on.ca/
see the document Application for a New Liquor Licence

Liquor Control Board of Ontario
The Liquor Control Board of Ontario is responsible for the administration of some alcohol retailing programs in Ontario.

For further information:
please call (416) 365-5900 or 1-800-668-5226
visit the Web site:
Liquor Control Board of Ontario
http://www.lcbo.com/

Bring Your Own Wine (BYOW) and Take Home The Rest (THTR)

Bring Your Own Wine
These new regulations improve customer service by allowing patrons to bring commercially made and unopened wine to participating licensed establishments.  Licensed establishments such as family and fine dining restaurants, cafes, hotel and motel restaurants and similar types of restaurants are eligible for BYOW.  Licensed banquet rooms located in a hotel or motel are also eligible.

Participation in the BYOW initiative is voluntary for eligible licensed establishments, and establishments are free to set their own policies for how they offer the service.  Some establishments may choose to offer BYOW only on slow nights of the week, or only on special occasions.

Licensed establishments offering this service may also charge a corkage or service fee, require minimum food orders and/or limit the number of bottles a patron can bring.

How to Apply for a Bring Your Own Wine (BYOW) Endorsement
Interested licensees must apply to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) for an endorsement to their existing liquor license.  For the first year of the initiative, participating licensed establishments will not be charged an endorsement fee.

A liquor sales license is issued for the sale and service of beverage alcohol in licensed areas where light meals are available.  When a liquor sales license is combined with an endorsement, the licensee may sell and serve beverage alcohol under specific circumstances.

An endorsement is an addition that is only valid when combined with an active liquor sales license.  In order to apply for a BYOW endorsement, licensees should visit the AGCO website at http://www.agco.on.ca to print an application form.  Once completed, the application should be mailed to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission, Licensing and Registration at 20 Dundas Street West, 7th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2N6.

Take Home the Rest (THTR)
New regulations improve consumer service by allowing patrons to remove partially consumed and resealed bottles of wine that they brought to, or purchased from, a licensed establishment.

Take Home the Rest encourages responsible drinking.  Patrons no longer have to choose between finishing a bottle of wine – which may lead to over-consumption – or leaving it behind.  Participation in the Take Home the Rest initiative is voluntary for all licensed establishments.

For further information:
call 1-800-522-2876
visit the Web site:
Questions and Answers - Bring your own wine/Take the Rest Home
http://www.agco.on.ca/en/t.tools/t3.3.LLA.Reg.Changes.faqs.html

Municipal regulations

Keep in mind that specific municipal requirements may also apply, depending on the city where the business will be located.  Local municipalities may be responsible for the administration of certain business licenses, and they are also responsible for the administration of certain provincial laws, like the Health Protection and Promotion Act, which governs community health standards.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Association of Municipalities of Ontario
http://www.amo.on.ca//AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home
see the document Municipal Requirements to Start a Business

Related legislation:

Alcohol and Gaming Regulation and Public Protection Act, 1996
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/English/96a26_e.htm

Liquor Licence Act
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/English/90l19_e.htm

Wine Content and Labelling Act, 2000
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/English/00w26_e.htm

Health Protection and Promotion Act
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/English/90h07_e.htm

Smoke-Free Ontario Act

Food and Drugs Act
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/F-27/

4. Financing

The Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre has created documents, which provide an overview of some of the main financing options for individuals starting and operating a business in Ontario, including programs offered or supported by the government.

For further information:
please call 1-800-567-2345
visit the Web site:
The Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre
http://www.cbsc.org/ontario
see the documents:
Financing for Starting a Business Info-Guide
Financing for Established Businesses Info-Guide
Business Guides

Canada Small Business Financing Program

The CSBF Program, under the Canada Small Business Financing Act, can assist businesses in obtaining term loans and capital leases of up to $250 000 to help finance fixed asset needs.

For further information :
please call (613) 954-5540
visit the Web site:
Canada Small Business Financing Program
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/incsbfp-pfpec.nsf/en/Home
see the document Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF) Program

Sources of Financing

Sources of Financing is an Internet resource for locating traditional and alternative sources of small business financing.  This site provides interactive access to objective information on appropriate forms of public and private sector sources of debt and equity financing.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Sources of Financing
http://strategis.gc.ca/sources
see the document Sources of Financing

Sources of Micro-credit Financing

"Micro-credit" can be defined as small loans made to individuals to undertake self-employment or to start small businesses.  This type of financing may be provided through a number of different sources including independent non-profit organizations, community economic development programs, commercial financial institutions, etc.

For further information:
please call 1-800-567-2345 or (416) 775-3456
visit the Web site:
Micro-Credit
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/insof-sdf.nsf/en/h_so03327e.html
see the document Sources of Micro-credit Financing

5. Taxation

Dealing with Business Taxes

All businesses must be aware of the various taxes that may apply to their product or service.  Depending on the type and location of products or services being offered, federal, provincial and/or municipal business taxes may apply.

For further information:
visit these Web sites:
Provincial Tax Forms and Publications
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_9237_1.html
Small Business Tax Help
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_160_1.html
CRA Business Tax Web Page
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/business/menu-e.html
see the document Taxation Info-Guide

Income Tax Information

Business owners must be aware of the requirements of Income tax that may apply to their product or service.  There are different tax implications for incorporated and non-incorporated businesses.  For information specific to your organization you should consult an accountant or financial professional.

For further information:
please call 1-800-959-5525
visit the Web site:
Ontario Income Tax
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_2447_1.html
Canada Revenue Business Taxes Menu
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/business/menu-e.html
see the document Taxation Info-Guide

Below are links to publications that cover some of the tax requirements for restaurant owners in Ontario.

Prepared Foods
This Pointer will help if you sell prepared foods from an eating establishment.  It explains the basic Retail Sales Tax (RST) rules for your type of business.
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_24702_1.html

Alcoholic Beverages
This Pointer provides basic Ontario retail sales tax information relating to the sale of alcoholic beverages in an establishment such as a restaurant, bar, pub, hotel, resort or caterers.
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_6821_1.html

Status Indians, Indian Bands and Band Councils
The information in this guide explains how Retail Sales Tax (RST) applies to purchases of taxable goods and services made by Status Indians, Indian bands and band councils. 
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_6607_1.html

Application for a Vendor Permit
This form is to be completed when applying for a retail sales tax Vendor Permit, for purposes of charging and collecting retail sales tax.
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_6695_1.html

Discount Coupons
The information in this guide explains how Ontario retail sales tax applies when various types of coupons are redeemed towards the purchase of goods.
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_6283_1.html

Below are links to publications that cover some of the general tax requirements for business owners in Ontario.

Ontario Small Business Guide
This booklet will guide you through various aspects of Retail Sales Tax, Corporations Tax and Employer Health Tax.  This booklet also answers some of the frequently asked questions of small business owners regarding tax obligations.
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_24414_1.html

EHT Guide for Employers
Describes the main features of the EHT, including taxpayer rights and responsibilities under the Employer Health Tax Act.
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_44509_1.html

For further information:
see the document Employer Health Tax - EHT

Retention/Destruction of Books & Records
Explains the retention period required for Ontario tax purposes, before books and records can be destroyed.
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_20001_1.html

Voluntary Disclosure
Explains what voluntary compliance is and the basic principles under which Ontario's tax system operates.
http://www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_19999_1.html

6. Managing Your Operation

Insurance

Insurance needs for businesses vary greatly.  It is best to choose an insurance agent or broker familiar with your size of business and, in particular, an agent familiar with your type of operation.  If you don't have an insurance agent, it could be a wise decision to ask other business owners in your area to recommend one.  

Your local restaurant association may also have information about insurance packages specifically tailored for restaurants.  The following list is included to remind you not to overlook the complex areas of business insurance.  It is best, however, to discuss your specific requirements with your insurance agent.

Basic insurance:

• fire insurance (extended coverage on buildings and contents);
• liability insurance;
• burglary protection (theft coverage); and
• dishonesty insurance (covers thefts by employees).

Marketing/Advertising

Word-of-mouth advertising and good public relations are often the best ways of promoting your business.  Depending on your market and its size, also consider flyers, business cards, brochures, newspapers (especially for holiday promotions), radio, TV, the phone book and the Internet.  Also, bear in mind that a satisfied customer is good advertising.  Referrals are also a valuable way of making customers aware of your products or services.

A web site is also a good marketing tool. It should have details to describe the location (your address, telephone and fax numbers, and directions on how to get to your establishment), hours of operation, services offered, credentials and anything else you think may be of interest to potential customers.  However, once you launch a web site, you should update it on a regular basis.

Participating in community events is another way of advertising your business.  You may also want to hold events that will promote your business.  No matter how you choose to market your business, it is wise to track how your clients became aware of your establishment - this may help determine your future advertising strategies.

For more information:
see these documents:
Signs and Your Business
Plan Your Advertising Budget
Advertising Do's and Don'ts
Ways to Promote Your Product or Service
Marketing Plan Outline

The Marketing Basics section of the Online Small Business Workshop covers the basics from developing your customer profile to promoting your business.

For more information:
visit the Web site
Online Small Business Workshop
http://www.cbsc.org/osbw

The Competition Act governs misleading advertising and deceptive marketing practices for all businesses in Canada.  The Act, which is administered by Industry Canada, defines which marketing practices are illegal and the process of complaint investigation.

For more information:
please call: (819) 997-4282 or 1-800-348-5358
visit the Web site:
Competition Bureau
http://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/internet/index.cfm?lg=e
see the document Competition Act - Misleading Advertising and Deceptive Marketing Practices

Market Research

Successful businesses have extensive knowledge about their customers and their competitors.  Acquiring accurate and specific information about your potential clients and competitors is a critical first step in market investigation and development of a marketing plan.

In developing a marketing plan, your primary functions are to understand the needs and desires of your clients, select or develop a service that will meet their needs, develop promotional material that will make them aware and ensure service delivery.

For more information:
see the document Marketing Plan Outline

Selecting Professional Services

The use of professional services is essential to the success of a small business.  Professionals can provide knowledge and expertise in the areas where you may have little.  They can round out your management team to ensure your business is operating efficiently.

Professional services often used by entrepreneurs may include:

• lawyer;
• insurance broker;
• accountant; and
• banker (for tips on dealing with your bank, see the document Dealing With Your Banker & Other Lenders ).

For further information:
see the document Selecting Professional Services

Employing people

What are the rules on working conditions in Ontario?
The Employment Standards Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Labour is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Employment Standards Act, which provides for minimum terms and conditions of employment in most industries.

For further information:
please call (416) 326-7160 or 1-800-531-5551
visit these Web sites:
Employment Standards Claim
http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/claim/index.html
Employee Self Help Kit
http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/selfhelp/index.html
see these documents:
Employment Regulations Info-Guide
Employment and Training Assistance Programs Info-Guide
Are You an Employee or Self-Employed?

Related Legislation

Employment Standards Act
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Statutes/English/00e41_e.htm

Choosing Your Location

Choosing the right location for your business is important.  Considerations include the needs of your business, where your customers and competitors are, and such things as taxes, zoning restrictions, noise and the environment.  For most businesses, an appropriate location is critical.

For further information:
see the document Store Location - "Little Things" Mean a Lot

Furnishing and Equipment

Before you open your restaurant, you will probably want to buy tables, chairs, lighting and decorative items. You might also need a kitchen, a bar and dinner wares.  The menu, size of restaurant and kind of service will determine the type of equipment you will require.  For assistance in this area, you might want to try to get the advice of a sales representative or consult trade publications and manufacturers' Web sites.  An important factor to consider when choosing equipment is the after-sales service and repair and their affordability.

Financing your Equipment

Sources of Financing, at http://strategis.gc.ca/sources, is an Internet resource for locating traditional and alternative sources of small business financing.

For further information:
see these documents:
Lending - The Basic Criteria
Dealing With Your Banker & Other Lenders
Sources of Micro-credit Financing

Leasing Equipment - Another alternative is to lease equipment to help keep start-up costs down.  The Capital Leasing Pilot Project, under the Canada Small Business Financing Act (CSBFA) assists small businesses in obtaining capital leasing up to $250 000 for new or used equipment.  Capital leases are made directly by participating leasing companies (lessors).

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Capital Leasing Pilot Project
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/incsbfp-pfpec.nsf/en/la00068e.html
see the document Capital Leasing Pilot Project

Used Equipment - Consider buying used equipment as a cost-saving measure.  Sources of used equipment could be a restaurant that is closing or dealers in second-hand equipment.  The drawback to this approach is that, often, there are no guarantees with the purchase.

Planning your Menus

Plan your menu carefully.  Try to know what items your customers prefer and how they like them prepared.  Try to provide variety while maintaining stable cost averages.  Menu prices are a combination of food costs and what is needed to meet expenses and realize a profit.  Generally, the price of an item is approximately three times the food costs, depending on restaurant type, operating expenses and competitors' prices.  To establish pricing:

• estimate your sales - counter-balance higher cost items tagged with lower mark-up, with higher mark-ups on lower cost items;
• maintain a desired overall food cost percentage, usually 33-40% of gross sales, and a normal margin of profit; and
• balance items ranging in popularity - monitor high demand items which can determine your success.

For further information:
see the document Setting the Right Price

Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act

The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents (PIPED) Act sets out ground rules for how private sector organizations may collect, use or disclose personal information in the course of commercial activities.  As of January 1, 2002, the personal health information collected, used or disclosed by these organizations is also covered.

For further information:
please call 1-800-282-1376
visit the Web site:
A Guide for Businesses and Organizations
http://www.privcom.gc.ca/information/guide_e.asp
see the document Protection of Personal Information - Your Responsibilities

7. Catering

A catering business follows many of the same regulations as a restaurant.  You should decide whether you want to run your catering business from your home as different regulations may apply.

For copies of these regulations, you can call your local health department and speak with a food inspector.

For further information:
visit the Web site:
Public Health Unit Locations
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/contact/phu/phuloc_mn.html
Health Protection and Promotion Act
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Regs/English/900562_e.htm
Food Inspection Branch
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/staff/foodinspection.htm

Liquor License for a Catering Business

License Endorsements
The Liquor License Act allows for the addition of a variety of special conditions to a sales license.  This special condition is referred to as a license "Endorsement".

Catering Endorsement
The holder of a catering endorsement may sell and serve liquor at a catered event in an unlicensed area of a licensed establishment and at a catered event away from the licensed premises in an unlicensed area where a Special Occasion Permit would otherwise be required.

For further information:
visit these Web sites:
Catering Endorsement
http://www.agco.on.ca/en/b.alcohol/b1.types.html#cateringendorsement
Types of Licenses
http://www.agco.on.ca/en/b.alcohol/b1.types.html

8. Associations

The Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CFRA)
http://www.crfa.ca
CFRA's mission is to create a favourable business environment for all sectors of Canada's foodservice industry.

For further information:
please call(416) 923-8416 or 1-800-387-5649

Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association
http://www.orhma.com/
The Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA) is the largest provincial hospitality Association in Canada.

For further information:
please call (905) 361-0268 or 1-800-668-8906

Canadian Culinary Federation
http://www.ccfcc.ca/
This website has a job bank where employers can post a job offer.

Toronto Vegetarian Association
http://www.veg.ca/tva/index.html
Founded in 1945, the Toronto Vegetarian Association is the largest locally-based vegetarian organization in North America.  Their website offers a wide range of vegetarian information – restaurant listings, events, articles, fact sheets, recipe links, and much more.

Baking Association of Canada
http://www.bakingassoccanada.com/
The Baking Association of Canada is the national trade association representing Canada's $3.2 billion baking industry.

For further information:
please call (905) 405-0288 or 1-888-674-2253

Canadian Health Food Association
http://www.chfa.ca/
The CHFA promotes the views and interests of its members and provides leadership to its members by promoting natural health products, whole foods and organics as the primary source of well-being for all Canadians.

For further information:
please call (905) 479-6939 or 1-800-661-4510

International Caterers Association
http://www.icacater.org/index.php
The International Caterers Association (ICA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing education, mentoring and service for professional caterers and promoting the profession of catering to clients, industry members, vendors and the public.

For further information:
please call 1-888-604-5844

Ontario Chinese Restaurant and Food Service Association
This organization seeks to promote and maintain the international status of the Chinese food services industry in Ontario.

For further information:
please call (416) 340-7850

Retail Council of Canada
The Retail Council of Canada provides advocacy, research, education and services that enhance opportunities for retail success, and increase awareness of retail's contribution to the communities and customers it serves.

For further information:
please call (416) 922-6678 or 1-888-373-8245
visit the Web site:
Retail Council of Canada
http://www.retailcouncil.ca
see the document Retail Council of Canada

Retail Merchants' Association of Canada (Ontario) Inc.
The Retail Merchants' Association is run by retailers for retailers, and offers a broad range of programs designed to keep independent retailers strong and profitable and provides an online advertising initiative called Real-time Merchant Advertising.  Association members can also be eligible for lower credit card merchant discount rates.

For further information:
please call (416) 293-2100
visit the Web site: http://www.rmacanada.com/index.html

9. Resources and Web Sites of Interest

Related Publications

Saving Energy Dollars in Hotels, Motels and Restaurants
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/publications/infosource/pub/hospitality_sector/english/index.cfm

Statistics

Statistics Canada is the official source for social and economic statistics and products.  You may want to take a look at:

• Restaurant, Caterer and Tavern Statistics
  http://www.statcan.ca:8096/bsolc/english/bsolc?catno=63-011-XIE
  This publication presents the monthly estimates of total receipts of restaurants, caterers and taverns both at the national and provincial levels;
  
• Food Expenditure Survey (FOODEX) public use microdata file
  http://www.statcan.ca:8096/bsolc/english/bsolc?catno=62M0002X
  This survey provides estimates of food expenditures and quantities purchased by households (includes food and beverages from restaurants by type of restaurant).

Web Sites of Interest

Canadian Food Inspection Agency - Bureau of Food Safety and Consumer Protection - Information for Restaurateurs and Food Service Operators
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/labeti/retdet/rest1e.shtml
This information aids in the interpretation of the Section 5 requirements of the federal Food and Drugs Act, and other federal legislation which impacts on the advertising and labelling of food.

Ontario Public Health Association (OPHA)
http://www.opha.on.ca/
The Ontario Public Health Association provides leadership on issues affecting the public's health and strengthens the impact of people who are active in public and community health throughout Ontario.

For further information:
please call (416) 367-3313 or 1-800-267-6817

Strategis
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/epic/internet/inimr-ri.nsf/en/gr111831e.html
Strategis is the largest business information Web site in Canada.  Through Strategis, Canadian businesses have access to a vast array of management resources, perspectives and data that can help them further develop and expand their markets, create alliances and find new clients.

FoodserviceWorld
http://www.foodserviceworld.com/
Highlights both North American and international resources for owners and managers for the foodservice, hospitality and tourism industry.

Eat Smart! Ontario's Healthy Restaurants Program
http://www.eatsmart.web.net/
The goal of the Eat Smart! Program is to combat the spread of chronic disease (such as heart disease and cancer, as well as food-borne illnesses).

For further information
please call (416) 367-3313

• Fair Labelling Practices Program
• Food Safety and Environment Division - FSED
• Important Notices
• Business Guides Available at the COBSC

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this document is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. Users concerned about the reliability of the information should consult directly with the source, or seek legal counsel.

Links Policy
Some of the hypertext links lead to non-federal government sites which are not subject to the Official Languages Act and the material is available in one language only.