In this video recap, we take you inside the Restaurants Canada Show 2020, one of the country’s premier events for the food and hospitality industry. This annual gathering brings together thousands of restaurant owners, operators, suppliers, and innovators to explore the latest trends, technologies, and insights shaping the restaurant business in Canada.
Filmed on March 2nd, 2020, this highlight reel features exclusive interviews with industry leaders sharing practical advice on marketing, financing, and customer experience.
1. Keys to Restaurant Marketing with Michael Roman – Food Algorithm (Starts at 1:35)
Marketing is essential for any restaurant looking to grow its customer base and build a loyal following. Michael Roman, founder of Food Algorithm, explains that the key to success lies in consistency and storytelling.
He highlights how restaurants can maintain strong brand presence by:
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Posting regularly on social media
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Using high-quality food photography
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Engaging local communities with authentic content
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Building strong Google and online review profiles
As Michael emphasizes, consistent visibility helps restaurants stay top-of-mind and turn casual customers into repeat visitors.
2. Buying and Financing Restaurant Equipment with Mike Yablon – Econolease (Starts at 2:42)
When it comes to scaling operations, equipment financing plays a huge role. Mike Yablon, CEO of EconoLease, shares valuable insights about purchasing restaurant equipment — including how to decide between new and used equipment and how much financing is typically required.
He also outlines the key questions to ask your equipment dealer before making a purchase to ensure long-term value.
EconoLease, Canada’s leading provider of restaurant equipment financing, works with dealers across the country to make purchasing more affordable and cash-flow friendly for foodservice businesses.
Learn more about EconoLease
Explore Equipment Loans in Canada
Use our Equipment Loan Calculator to plan your financing
3. Modern POS Systems with Ayham Aldajane – Nōwn
Ayham Aldajane, Director of Business Development at Nōwn POS, discusses how technology is transforming customer experience in the restaurant industry.
He explains that modern point-of-sale (POS) systems go far beyond processing transactions — they help businesses personalize service, boost efficiency, and increase revenue.
By using customer data and loyalty tools, restaurants can create memorable interactions that make guests feel special and appreciated — a vital component of building repeat business.
A Slice of Hospitality: Italiana FoodTech Pizza Break (4:50)
The event also featured an incredible pizza break hosted by Italiana FoodTech, showcasing the culinary innovation and sense of community that make the restaurant industry thrive.
Our Take
The Restaurants Canada Show 2020 was a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and passion within Canada’s foodservice industry. From marketing insights and financing tips to new technologies improving customer experience, the event highlighted how restaurants can adapt and grow in a fast-changing world.
Watch the full video above to hear from industry experts.
Visit Business Loans for Restaurants to explore funding options tailored to foodservice operators.
Video by:
Vlad is the President and Co-Founder of Smarter Loans, Canada's original and largest loan comparison website. He is a passionate entrepreneur and business leader in the Canadian financial sector. He was selected as a 2019 Top 25 Leaders in Lending by the Canadian Lenders Association. Vlad is an author at Smarter Loans, and has been featured in publications like the Toronto Star and National Post, among others.
