Proud to Serve: Spotlight on Rainbow Registered Hospitality Businesses

By MENU Magazine

July 30, 2025

Main Course

IRONWOOD CIDER HOUSE | NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ONTARIO

For Ironwood Cider House, inclusion isn’t just a statement—it’s a practice rooted in purpose. Nestled in the heart of the Niagara, Ontario wine country, Ironwood has built a reputation not only for its crisp, contemporary ciders but also for creating a space that feels as welcoming as it is vibrant. That inclusive spirit is now backed by action through the business’s Rainbow Registered accreditation.

“We’ve always valued community,” says Shannon Daust, Sales Manager at Ironwood. “But over time, we realized that just believing in inclusion wasn’t enough—it had to become something we actively practiced.”

As a member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community herself, Daust is candid about the shift from passive allyship to intentional change. “We have queer team members, myself included, and our lived experiences really informed how we approached this. It’s not enough to assume people feel safe—we need to build spaces where that safety is real, and where it’s communicated clearly through our actions.”

From rethinking staff training to refining their event strategy and customer service approach, Ironwood began weaving inclusion into every aspect of its operations. The journey toward becoming Rainbow Registered brought clarity—and a few necessary wake-up calls. “One of the biggest surprises was seeing where we were unintentionally falling short,” Daust recalls. “Things we thought were standard practice—like checking ID—turned out to have more nuance than we realized.”

Participating in Rainbow Registered’s educational sessions and webinars introduced new ways of thinking, particularly around the guest experience for trans and non-binary patrons. “Even small interactions can have a big impact,” she says. “We started to realize how even something as routine as asking for ID could feel uncomfortable or invalidating. That was a big shift in perspective.”

This process led the Ironwood team to enhance its front-of-house training, rethink language use, and develop internal practices that prioritize empathy and respect.

Ironwood’s commitment to inclusion shines through in its annual Pride celebration—an event that has quickly become a community favourite. “Every year, we host a big Pride party at Ironwood to celebrate and uplift the 2SLGBTQI+ community,” Daust says.

This year’s event, Amour, takes that commitment further by highlighting queer artistry and culture. Featuring a curated visual arts gallery in partnership with NOTL Contemporary, as well as live music and community activities, Amour is more than a party—it’s a platform. And this year, it’s completely free. “We want Amour to feel accessible and celebratory, but also intentional,” Daust explains. “We’re not just throwing a party—we’re creating space for queer joy, for visibility, for connection. That’s what makes it powerful.”

Internally, Rainbow Registered has changed the way Ironwood approaches its team culture. “It’s no longer something we aim for—it’s something we live every day,” Daust says. Inclusion is now baked into how staff are trained, how issues are addressed, and how values are modelled from leadership on down. For Daust, that change has been deeply personal. “I’m proud to be a member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, and working for a place that genuinely supports us is truly amazing,” she says. “Our owner doesn’t just say the right things—he backs them up with real investment. That makes a huge difference.”

This kind of cultural clarity also strengthens morale. Staff know where the business stands, and what’s expected of them. That consistency builds trust—among employees and with the guests they serve—that extends out into the community. The Ironwood team is currently forming a dedicated committee
focused on building inclusion initiatives beyond the cidery walls.“We see our events not just as celebrations but as catalysts,” Daust explains. “They’re opportunities to build connection, raise awareness, and generate real support for the queer community in our region.”

Plans are already underway to expand future events and channel proceeds into 2SLGBTQI+ organizations and initiatives. “We want to use our platform to amplify queer voices and create something that lasts,” says Daust. “Inclusion has to go beyond hospitality. It has to live in how we support
our communities.”

Follow Ironwood Cider House:
ironwoodcider.ca
IG: @ironwoodcider

WHICH CRAFT | GUELPH, ONTARIO

Inclusion was never an afterthought at Which Craft—it was the starting point. Located in downtown Guelph, this community-minded barbecue and craft beer spot opened its doors with a mission to create a space where everyone feels at home. “I applied to become Rainbow Registered before we even opened,” says owner Michael Woodley. “Inclusivity was built into the concept from day one.”

That commitment shows up in every detail. From private, fully enclosed stalls in gender-neutral washrooms to the way staff are trained, Which Craft was designed with belonging in mind. “We had delays getting materials for the washrooms,” Woodley says, “but it was essential. Everyone should feel
safe and respected.”

That intention extends to guest interactions. Staff are trained to use gender-neutral language and to ask for pronouns, setting a tone of respect from the moment guests arrive. “We have a zero-tolerance policy—respect is non-negotiable here,” Woodley adds. “We’re proud of how many reviews
mention the atmosphere and how safe people feel just being themselves.”

Which Craft goes beyond inclusion to elevate and celebrate community, joy, and expression. The venue regularly hosts drag bingo, full-cast drag shows, queer burlesque, and performances by local alt-drag troupe Riot Queer. Touring companies and Pride fundraisers keep the event calendar lively and inclusive. “These aren’t side projects,” says Woodley. “They’re at the heart of what we do. Earlier this year, our local drag queen Chimaera offered to put me in drag for my 43rd birthday—and I said yes. I gave all of my
tips from the night to Pride.”

At Which Craft, allyship isn’t performative—it’s built into the business structure and culture. Guests and staff alike know that their identities are not just accepted, but respected and celebrated. Woodley acknowledges that more than half of the Which Craft team identifies as 2SLGBTQI+, and leadership is evolving to reflect that representation. “Though I’m a cisgender white male—which I totally get, boooo—I’m surrounded by an incredible team,” Woodley says. “My head chef Kirsten is part of the community, and she’ll be joining me as a business partner soon.”

The commitment doesn’t end inside the restaurant. The team actively supports vulnerable communities through Pride fundraisers and uses social platforms to amplify queer voices and urgent causes. As a Rainbow Registered business, it shows that the standard for hospitality isn’t just welcoming everyone—it’s making sure everyone feels they belong.

“We make sure everyone knows they’re safe, heard and loved for who they are,” says Woodley.