How many restaurants are predicted to close in Canada by 2026?

A report forecasts a net loss of approximately 4,000 restaurants in Canada by 2026.

What is causing the economic stress for Canadian restaurants?

Canadian restaurants are facing economic stress due to higher input and labor costs, alongside softer consumer demand.

Which Canadian restaurants are most at risk of closure?

Smaller, independently owned restaurants in Canada are most at risk of closure compared to larger chains.

Home / Business and Economy / Canada's Restaurants Face Mass Closures by 2026

Canada's Restaurants Face Mass Closures by 2026

12 Jan

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Summary

Nearly 4,000 restaurants may close by 2026.
Businesses are struggling with rising costs and softer demand.
Smaller independent restaurants face the greatest challenges.

Canada's Restaurants Face Mass Closures by 2026

A significant contraction is anticipated in Canada's restaurant sector, with a forecast of approximately 4,000 net closures by 2026. This projection stems from a Dalhousie University report indicating that the industry has been under prolonged economic stress since 2021.

Contributing factors include escalating operational expenses, increased labor costs, and a shift in consumer behavior towards more cautious discretionary spending. Assistance programs from the pandemic era have since ended, leaving many establishments to navigate these challenges independently.