Kraft Heinz Foodservice Steps up to Support Independent Restaurants with the Chance to Win $10,000
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 was a devastating punch in the gut for the foodservice industry. In the early days of the pandemic, many restaurant owners and operators were forced to pivot, close their brick-and-mortar spaces, or even shutter their businesses entirely to protect the health and safety of Canadians.
To put things into perspective, the restaurant sector lost more jobs in the first six weeks of the pandemic than the entire Canadian economy during the 2008-09 recession. At the height of the pandemic, the industry lost over 800,000 jobs.
From staying on top of rapidly evolving COVID-19 restrictions to simply keeping their businesses afloat, restaurant owners and operators in Canada have faced huge challenges, and sometimes outright devastation. At the end of 2020, COVID-19 led to the closure of more than 10,000 foodservice establishments, resulting in hundreds of thousands of lost foodservice jobs, and erasing more than $20 billion in commercial foodservice sales.
While the industry as a whole has taken an enormous hit, full-serve and independent operators have experienced the steepest declines—especially those who didn’t have the ability to shift their business models to offer takeout and delivery.
According to the Restaurants Canada 2020-2025 Long-Term Forecast, the economic outlook for the remainder of 2021 is looking brighter. Commercial foodservice sales in Canada are forecast to improve to $61.4 billion this year. While this represents an 11.8% increase compared to 2020, sales still remain 20% below pre-COVID-19 levels.
There’s no doubt that the pandemic’s impact on the industry has been a reminder of the importance of restaurants in communities across the country. Restaurants bring people together to celebrate a milestone or a special event. They serve as an important meeting place where friends and family gather to catch up over delicious food. And, their walls (and patios!) hold countless memories.
Last year’s patio season was like no other with tables and chairs spilling onto sidewalks for COVID-safe dining during the warmer months. In many ways, outdoor dining gave owners a significant revenue boost. There was a 13.7% month-over-month increase in July 2020 over June; and a 28.6% increase in June 2020 over May.
Recognizing the turbulent year restaurant owners and operators have experienced, Kraft Heinz Foodservice is giving independent restaurants across Canada a chance to win $10,000 at a time when they need it most.
With outdoor dining (hopefully) on the horizon, many restaurants will have the opportunity to open for business, serve customers and make a profit once again.
While the reopening process isn’t without its financial, physical and emotional challenges—from restocking kitchens to hiring front- and back-of-house staff—Kraft Heinz Foodservice wants to help business owners turn a new page and the summer months on a high note.
From March 29 to May 18, 2021, here’s how to enter for a chance to win $10,000 from Kraft Heinz Foodservice
- Visit kraftheinzfoodservicecontest.ca
- Complete the short survey
- Sign up for Kraft Heinz Edge emails to stay up to speed on current trends, products, and promotions.
That’s it! You’ll be entered for a chance to win $10,000.
What would you do with $10,000?
We asked members of the Restaurants Canada community how they would spend the $10,000 prize money from Kraft Heinz Foodservice if they won. Here’s what they said!
“10,000$ would finally allow us to bring back jobs to our staff and help increase capacity on our patio. We have been working closely with local food banks as well, so our ability to continue to support our community and possibly expand on that would be fantastic.” – Executive Chef, Waterloo, Ontario
“This money would help us save a family-run business that has been operating for 29 years and protect the life’s work of two siblings. The funds would also be vital in helping to protect the jobs of 25 employees who rely on us to support their families.” – Owner, Toronto, Ontario
Let us know in the comments how you would spend $10,000 and how it might help your business!
Rules and Regulations
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sponsored and administered by Kraft Heinz Canada ULC. Entry opens March 29, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. ET and closes May 18, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Open to owners of non-franchised, independent restaurants currently operating in Canada that: (i) operate no more than three (3) restaurants; (ii) hold a license to operate a restaurant; and (iii) reside in Canada. To enter, please visitwww.kraftheinzfoodservicecontest.ca, complete the Survey promoted and subscribe to Kraft Heinz Edge emails by providing contact information. Limit of one (1) entry per Entrant. One (1) Prize of one (1) $10,000 cash prize for your restaurant. Prize winner selected on May 25, 2021. Value of Prize is $10,000 in total. Odds of winning a Prize depend on number of eligible entries submitted during the Contest Period. Entrants must answer a skill-testing question to claim the Prize. For prize details and full contest rules, please visit: kraftheinzfoodservicecontest.ca
