News Briefs

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."

• Monia Staropoli, commerce marketing director
• Teresa Blakney, marketing director
• Myriam Ouaiss, marketing director
• Zora Crowder, marketing director
• Jonathan Tosti, senior media specialist
• Johanna Saavedra, brand manager 

Lazcano will report to Caroline Nadeau, Conagra Brands Canada general manager. 

A&W is officially launching the first A&W Smash Burger nationwide on May 25th.

The national chain is searing grass-fed beef patties to bring the A&W's take on this popular burger style. For a limited time, Canadians can smash either a single or a double, loaded with melted cheddar cheese, tangy pickles, sliced onions and a secret sauce on a toasted brioche bun.

"Hand-smashed burgers are rarely done at this scale because it takes quality ingredients and thoughtful execution," says Karan Suri, senior director, innovation at A&W Canada. "Each hand-smashed, juicy, grass-fed beef patty is paired with real cheddar cheese, tangy pickles, and our signature sauce for a perfectly balanced bite. Pure burger bliss."

"There is something so special about the simplicity of a perfect smash burger! We are excited to be welcoming Canadians to try our delicious new obsession," says Susan Senecal, CEO of A&W Canada. "The same quality and care you know and love from A&W is now bringing you a fun and flavourful smash burger."

The 4th Annual Car Wash for a Cure took place across Canada on May 8 and 9, 2026, and brought together professional car washes, industry partners, staff, customers, and communities in support of the Canadian Spinal Research Organization.

This year’s event featured participation from multiple locations across Ontario, including Crosstown Car Wash, Kilworth Car Wash and Valet Car Wash locations in Toronto, North York, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Cambridge, Brantford, Guelph, Kitchener, Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Chatham, and Middlesex Centre.

The Canadian Carwash Association would like to thank title sponsor Wash Links, and sponsors BMO and Young's Insurance Brokers Inc., as well as their participating washes, sponsors, volunteers, and customers who helped make this year’s event a success.  

Canadians increasingly turned to on-demand delivery for everyday essentials, late-night snacks and comfort-food favourites in 2025, according to new data released by Skip, the Canadian delivery network.

The company’s 2025 National Orders Report shows strong growth in retail orders alongside shifts in food and snacking habits nationwide. Skip says its fastest-growing categories this year were retail items—up more than 1,700% compared with 2024—and pet supplies, which rose more than 1,000%.

The company attributes the surge to an expanding roster of national retail partners, including Shoppers Drug Mart, Dollarama and PetSmart. The additions gave customers access to a wider range of need-it-now items, from pantry staples to over-the-counter products and pet essentials.

“In 2025, Canadians relied on Skip for it all—pantry restocks, pet supplies and, of course, comfort meals and midnight snacks,” said Melanie Fatouros-Richardson, vice-president of communications and government relations at Skip. “With more retail partners joining the network, we’re helping Canadians get what they need, when they need it.”

Food orders also reflected a mix of comfort, curiosity and social-media-driven trends. Butter chicken remained the country’s most-ordered dish for the third consecutive year, followed closely by garlic naan and California rolls. Fries and poutine rounded out the top five, underscoring Canadians’ continued preference for classic sides and familiar fare.

Canadians also proved quick to sample trending treats. Orders of Dubai-style chocolate jumped more than 2,300%year-over-year, and hot honey continued its rise as a go-to condiment, particularly on pizza.

Burgers remained the top cuisine category nationwide, with smash, double and classic styles all contributing to the trend. 

Skip reported that retail snacking and impulse-driven purchases increased across most regions, mirroring broader consumer patterns toward convenience and smaller, more frequent eating occasions.

The report also highlights the link between food delivery and major cultural moments. During the Toronto Blue Jays’ ALCS Game 7, orders rose 10% compared with two weeks earlier, reflecting what Skip describes as a growing tendency to pair big events with delivery meals.

Skip’s retail expansion marks a notable shift for the company, which has traditionally focused on restaurant delivery. The company says growing demand for convenience, value and speed is pushing customers to use delivery for a wider set of everyday needs.

“With Canadians seeking faster and more affordable ways to shop, retail integration is becoming a bigger part of the delivery landscape,” Fatouros-Richardson said.

Skip says it expects continued growth across new categories next year as more retailers join the platform and customers increasingly look to delivery as a way to save time and simplify daily errands.