Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia
Working with the food & beverage sector since 1947
3400 businesses - 26,300 jobs - $1.3 billion sales
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Celebrating African History Month
This February and beyond, we celebrate Black history and Black futures. The 2023 provincial theme “Seas of Struggle – African Peoples from Shore to Shore” honours the resilience, strength, and determination of people of African Descent. This month is also about joy and celebrating the impact of Black Nova Scotians and People of African Descent across Mi'kmaki and what we now call Canada. Whether through art, athletics, advocacy, media, community impact, etc. - these invaluable contributions have helped pave the way, enriching our world.
By recognizing and celebrating African History Month, we can continue meaningful conversations and action to balance inequities, combat anti-Black racism, decolonize our spaces, and build just futures.
As we move beyond February: What's one action that you will commit to taking toward a just, equitable Nova Scotia?
(Adapted from Impact Organizations of Nova Scotia)
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The Final Products!
Delectable Desserts created six Black Future Cupcake designs, which they have sold throughout the month to support Black Youth in the city. The cupcakes are available until March 10th, so don't forget to pick yours up today! Click here to order yours now!
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Help Support the Staff of The Stubborn Goat Gastro Pub
The Stubborn Goat was damaged in a fire on January 30th. Durty Nelly's invites you to join them on March 19th for a fundraising event in support of the staff of the Stubborn Goat! Fundraiser will be open all day!
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Budgeting Information
Power Rate Increases
Be prepared to brace your restaurant/bar for the new power rate increases. The Public Utilities Board approved a rate increase for NS Power for 6.9% for 2023 and 6.9% for 2024.
General Inflation
Inflation in Nova Scotia is 6.9%, versus national average 5.9%.
Over the last 12 months food prices up 10% & gasoline was up 6.9%.4
Item Count Changes over the Last Year
Nonalcohol Beverage +7.3%
Dessert +6.5%
Add-On +5.4%
Appetizer +5.2%
Entree +4.2%
Side +2.5%
Senior Menu +0.6%
Kids Menu -2.2%
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Grow Your Business: Online Grant - Now Available!
The Grow Your Business Online grant helps small businesses across Atlantic Canada take advantage of e-commerce opportunities. Eligible businesses will receive a micro-grant of up to $2,400 to help with the costs related to adopting digital technologies. They will also support a network of e-commerce advisors who will advise and help small businesses adopt e-commerce.
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Let us support your business!
Did you know that RANS is on social media? If you are hosting an event, highlighting menu items, or generally promoting all the great things happening in your restaurant, remember to let us know! We would love to help you spread the word. Click on any of the following icons to connect with us.
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Not on social media? Not a problem! Email heather@rans.ca if you want to put something out there.
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Winter Health Reminders for Restaurants |
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As we all know Covid-19 had an enormous impact on our sector and forced our industry to make changes in how we operate. That impact continues today and what we have learned the most is be prepared & have a plan of action in case something does happen that could impact staffing levels or consumer confidence.
Three health issues we need to monitor this winter season
(1) Covid
(2) Flu
(3) RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
FAQ from Doctor Strang
Q: What is the waiting period to return to work when experiencing symptoms of illness?
A: Whether it’s a cold, flu, or covid, a person experiencing acute symptoms (fever, chills, headache, etc.) should stay home until symptoms subside. Once they feel better and return to work, it is suggested that they wear a mask for first 2-3 days back.
Even if they have covid, the waiting period is the same as above. Return once symptoms subside. Click here for instruction on testing for covid.
Q: Is it still advisable for staff to wear masks?
A: Yes, still advisable
Q: Is there a number of cases that would trigger a change of masking policy?
A: Not likely because it’s not just about the number of cases. There would need to be a substantial change in the virus where we no longer had vaccine protection before we’d return to regulations we had in 2020-21. Hopefully we don’t see that again.
Q: With all these new COVID variants, will the current test kits reveal a positive result or are new tests being developed?
A: While most experts say the current rapid tests for COVID-19 remain an adequate tool to detect the virus, the World Health Organization says the effectiveness of current tests to detect newer variants are being reviewed. “There is some variation in terms of the quality of the different (tests) that are on the market. So it does depend … but this is something that we are looking at,” said Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s technical lead for the COVID-19 response.
What can people do to reduce the spread of illness this season?
- Stay home when sick
- Only return to work when symptoms have subsided and wear a masks for about 2-3 days
- Restaurant servers – suggestion is that they wear masks
- Wash hands
- Stay on top of vaccines
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Food safety remains top of mind in 2023 |
Food safety will continue to be a priority in 2023 as organizations that work with fresh fruits and vegetables strive to ensure that only healthful, wholesome products end up on supermarket shelves and in restaurants and foodservice establishments. Read the full article here.
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What can the data tell us about Black Canadians and the Labour market?
The LMIC (Labour Market Information Council) has conducted a three part series about this history of Black labor in Canada, and the current trends of the labour market. Check out the full article here.
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From Employment and Social Development Canada
Atlantic Region Labour Market Brief - read it here
In the News (Atlantic Region) - read it here
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Call for Nominations for Order of Nova Scotia
Nova Scotians are encouraged to nominate community members who have made outstanding contributions for the Order of Nova Scotia. Read the full news release here.
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"I often purchase grab-and-go items from restaurants
or other food service locations"
Age 18-34 19%
Age 35+ 15%
A 2023 survey conducted by Technomic Inc. highlights the following reasons why customers are turning to grab-and-go items:
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Nova Scotia Loyal
No matter where you live in Nova Scotia – or how long you’ve lived here – we can all be proud to call this province home. And we have a lot to be proud of – our food, our culture, our diversity, our innovation, our vibrant communities, our people. The Department of Economic Development is leading the development and implementation of Nova Scotia Loyal. It is intended to be a buy local program like no other that will include a compelling call to action, be highly visible, and supported by a rewards program for consumers.
For more information, follow:
Instagram – NovaScotia.Loyal
Twitter – @NovaScotiaLoyal
Facebook – @NovaScotiaLoyal
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Visitors to Nova Scotia, as compiled over a three-year period |
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Month-over-Month (December 2022 vs November 2022, seasonally adjusted)
Nova Scotia food services and drinking places receipts increased 0.6% to $172.5 million. Canada's food services and drinking places receipts increased 1.0% to $7.3 billion. All provinces reported monthly increases in receipts for food services and drinking places, with Newfoundland and Labrador reporting the largest gain and Manitoba recording the smallest gain.
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Year-over-year (December 2022 vs December 2021)
Nova Scotia food services and drinking places receipts increased 22.2%. Canada's food services and drinking places receipts increased 21.3%. All provinces reported year-over-year increases in food services and drinking place receipts, with Prince Edward Island and Quebec reporting the largest gains. New Brunswick reported the smallest gain.
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Annual (2022 vs 2021)
Nova Scotia food services and drinking places receipts increased 19.4%. Canada's food services and drinking places receipts increased 26.5%. In 2022, all provinces reported increases in food services and drinking place receipts compared to 2021, with Ontario and Quebec reporting the largest gains and Newfoundland and Labrador reporting the smallest gain.
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Nova Scotia Food Service Receipts
Nova Scotia's 2022 gains in food service receipts are primarily attributable to the increases in limited service eating places as well as full-service restaurants. In percentage terms, however the gains were faster for drinking places and special food services.
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Trends
Food services and drinking places have reported repeated downturns during imposition of COVID restrictions. As these restrictions eased, food service receipts have rebounded, and Nova Scotia has surpassed its pre-pandemic levels.
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Nova Scotia food services and drinking places receipts gradually increased from 2010 to 2019 while declined in 2020. Food services and drinking places receipts rebounded in 2021 and continued strong growth in 2022. In 2022, food services and drinking places receipts increased 19.4% to $1.95 billion. |
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CEBA Repayment and Forgiveness Information for Borrowers |
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All applicants that meet CEBA eligibility criteria will have the following repayment terms:
Interest:
· 0% per annum interest until December 31, 2023
· 5% per annum interest starting on January 1, 2024; interest payment frequency to be determined by your financial institution
Repayments & Maturity:
· No principal repayment required before December 31, 2023
· If loan remains outstanding after December 31, 2023, only interest payments required until full principal is due on December 31, 2025
Debt Forgiveness:
· If the outstanding principal, other than the amount of potential debt forgiveness, is repaid by December 31, 2023, the remaining principal amount will be forgiven, provided that no default under the loan has occurred
What are the Terms of Forgiveness?
If you borrowed $40,000 or less:
Repaying the outstanding balance of the loan (other than the amount available to be forgiven) on or before December 31, 2023 will result in loan forgiveness of 25 percent (up to $10,000).
If you borrowed more than $40,000 and up to $60,000:
If you received a $40,000 loan and subsequently received the $20,000 expansion, the terms of your forgiveness have changed and are described here.
Repaying the outstanding balance of the loan (other than the amount available to be forgiven) on or before December 31, 2023 will result in a single tranche of loan forgiveness up to $20,000 based on a blended rate:
· 25 percent on the first $40,000; plus
· 50 percent on amounts above $40,000 and up to $60,000.
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CREW STEAM Apprentice Program
SKILLED TALENT EMPLOYMENT ADVANTAGE METHOD (STEAM) is a Federal government-sponsored program led by CCRW (Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work) aimed to break down barriers for motivated individuals to become apprentices or further themselves toward a Red Seal Trade.
Employer Benefits:
- access to certified-track apprentices
- access to potential wage subsidies (Approval on a case by case basis)
- cost assistance with educational materials and culinary supplies
- barrier removal support services to allow your staff to succeed. OR support with accommodation implementation
- promotion for your business across all CCRW channels
Apprentice Benefits:
- Support for basic equipment and supplies
- Barrier removal services that are tailored to each apprentice.
could include:
- personalized barrier removal plans
- transportation costs
- tuition supports.
- study aids
- exam fees
- muscular support equipment
Find the application here!
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DigiPort
Delivered in partnership between Tourism Nova Scotia and Digital Nova Scotia, DigiPort is an online hub where you can connect with qualified digital service providers for one-on-one support and access to articles, videos, tip sheets, webinars and more to help you be more visible online, reach more potential customers, and close the sale.
DigiPort is available to tourism businesses and organizations that are based in or regularly conduct business in Nova Scotia. There is no cost to register for DigiPort.
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SilverChef
SilverChef provides flexible equipment finance for hospitality businesses. Where other financiers moved away from hospitality during COVID, we're still here championing your success. We've been behind you since 1986, proudly investing more than $1bn into the hospitality industry - and counting. We're also a proud certified B Corp; a new kind of business that balances purpose with profit, changing the world for the better.
Click below to start your application today!
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A warm RANS welcome to our new
restaurant members!!
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Welcoming SilverChef to the RANS Family!
We are pleased to welcome SilverChef as a new supplier member to RANS. They are here to support your team and your entreprenurial dreams! See the Products and Services section of our newsletter for more detail, or take a look here.
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Welcome Atlantic Bar Solutions! |
Atlantic Bar Solutions is the leading innovator in liquor control management for restaurants and bars. They offer products with technology that connects seamlessly to your POS, printer equipment, and internet, leads staff through easy-to-read recipes, and tracks all liquor poured in your establishment. This allows you to get better profit margins on every pour, making your bar more profitable. Click here for more information.
Atlantic Bar solutions is pleased to offer a 15% discount to RANS members!
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If you are not already a member of RANS, contact natasha@rans.ca for all the great benefits the association has to offer. We are here to help!
Check out our website for more information!
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MEET OUR BENEFIT SUPPLIERS |
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We are able to offer our members a wide range of services and support thanks to our benefit suppliers:
If you are currently a member of RANS or would like to become a member and access the discounts, rates, and services provided; please contact natasha@rans.ca or 902-429-5343 ext 1.
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Additional Member Benefits |
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RANS members are entitled to an exclusive discount through Park n'Fly! This offer extends to owners, managers and restaurant employees! Contact us today to receive your information package, and exclusive discount code for your restaurant.
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We are in search of Business Bite submissions from our members! If you have an event, new product/service, or interesting trends/stats to add to one of the newsletters and/or our social media, please send to natasha@rans.ca.
We are excited to see them!
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