News Briefs

After a fifty-year career with A&W, Nancy Wuttunee has decided to retire on March 12, 2027. 

Wuttunee's many contributions to the A&W business include leadership roles in corporate restaurants, marketing, restaurant training, restaurant operating systems and, most recently, vice president of people potential. Through all of her work she has successfully put herself in the shoes of an operator as she influenced decisions and led change.  

The company also announced that Corinne Hua will take on the newly created position of chief corporate and people development officer as of July 6, 2026, reporting to chief executive officer Susan Senecal. 

Hua has held senior roles at several Canadian companies, including leadership in strategic planning, finance, and leveraging technology. Most recently, she was the chief financial officer of Thinkific, an AI-native learning commerce platform built to sell and scale training programs. Hua's business experience will add a valuable mix of skills and knowledge to A&W's talented executive team. In this new role, she will take on executive leadership of the people potential department as well as other key growth areas. She will work closely with Wuttunee over the next several months to ensure a smooth transition.

Senecal commented, "I'm happy for Nancy as she prepares for her next chapter, grateful for her tremendous contributions to the business, and very excited for Corinne to join our team and contribute to A&W's continued growth and success".

Harnois Énergies' partnered with CANEX (Canadian Forces Exchange System) to create a unique version of its Proxi store. It is a national Canadian military store, providing retail goods and services to the Canadian Armed Forces community, veterans, and their families.  

Normally, CANEX stores are permanent fixtures, but the most recent Proxi is a mobile one, and set up at Canadian Forces Base Borden in Ontario for a two-week presence.

As a retailer dedicated to serving Canada’s military community, CANEX has been a valued business partner of Harnois Énergies for several years. Today, this collaboration spans four locations across multiple provinces. 

Empire, the parent company for Needs, announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended May 2, 2026. For the quarter, the Company recorded net earnings and adjusted net earnings of $212 million ($0.94 per share) compared to $173 million ($0.74 per share) last year, an increase of 22.5% (or 27.0% on a per share basis).

"We delivered a solid finish to fiscal 2026, with adjusted EPS growth of 27%, reflecting disciplined execution and continued progress against our strategic priorities," said Pierre St-Laurent, the president and chief executive officer for Empire. "As we enter fiscal 2027, our focus remains on driving growth within our existing network, advancing key growth engines, and continuing to elevate our value proposition for customers in what remains a challenging economic environment."

A&W had discontinued its iconic Root Beer Float three years ago. 

Today, the quick-service chain announced the return of its iconic drink. 

"There is something magical about the connection Canadians have with our Root Beer Floats," says Susan Senecal, CEO and president of A&W Canada. "They are woven into the fabric of Canadian summers, from nostalgic road trip pit stops to savouring a float in the frosty mug with the whole family. We're excited to revive this tradition today, inviting both long-time fans and a new generation to enjoy this timeless treat together."

A&W is bringing back the Root Beer Float for a limited time, inviting Canadians to experience the return of a beloved treat. Customers can come into the restaurant or order on the A&W mobile app starting June 15th to get one while supplies last.

announced the results on the election of directors at its Annual General Meeting held June 9, 2026.

At the meeting there were shareholders represented in person or by proxy holding 5,354,713 common shares of the Company, representing 21.75% of the issued and outstanding shares.

Shareholders voted in favor of all items of business. 

The Company's proxy circular provided for five nominees for election to the Board of Directors.  All nominees were elected by a majority vote of shareholders.

Toshifumi Suzuki, the Japanese businessman credited with creating the 7-Eleven convenience-chain global retail empire, has died in his home on May 18 at the age of 93.

His company, Seven & i Holdings released a statement saying that the honourary advisor passed away due to heart failure. 

Suzuki became chief executive of 7-Eleven Japan in 1978, and. He founded the Japanese arm of 7-Eleven in 1973, when he struck a franchise agreement with the American operator, Southland Corp.

Suzuki was the acting chairperson before his promotion to CEO and president, a role he held until his resignation in 2016. 

Alimentation Couche-Tard, which runs the global Circle K convenience store chain, sought to take over Seven & i Holdings. But it dropped the effort in 2024, citing "lack of constructive engagement."

Funeral services are being held privately with family, and messages, flowers and other condolence gifts were politely declined, according to the company. Seven & i Holdings stated that "details of a public ceremony will come later."