Restaurants Canada and GE Capital announce new conference for foodservice operators

TORONTO, Oct. 14, 2015 /CNW/ - Restaurants Canada has joined with GE Capital Franchise Finance Canada and Big Picture Conferences to launch a new event to help foodservice operators stay at the top of their game. The Canadian Restaurant Operators Summit (CROS) will focus on boosting operational knowledge, and will run at the same time as the Canadian Restaurant Investment Summit (CRIS), which covers investment and real estate trends.

CRIS/CROS will start on March 1, 2016 with the opening reception held at the Hockey Hall of Fame and conference sessions taking place March 2, 2016 at the Hilton Toronto Hotel. It immediately follows the Restaurants Canada Show, which runs Feb. 28, 29 and March 1 at Toronto's Enercare Centre (formerly the Direct Energy Centre). Investors and operators can attend any session at either CRIS or CROS.

"This new event comes at a critical time for our industry, as we confront issues ranging from rising costs to the impact of new technology," said Donna Dooher, President and CEO of Restaurants Canada. "If you're attending the Restaurants Canada Show, simply add on CROS for one more day of education and networking that will sharpen your competitive edge."

You can register for CRIS/CROS as early as next month. After signing up for the Restaurants Canada show (www.restaurantshow.ca), you'll be given the option of visiting the CRIS/CROS website (http://www.restaurantoperator.ca) to continue your registration. Restaurants Canada members will receive preferred pricing.

"We're looking forward to working with Restaurants Canada," said Ed Khediguian, Senior VP, GE Capital Franchise Finance Canada.  "The conferences give our partners and future clients the chance to network, learn and be more informed about competing and investing in Canada's restaurant industry."

In 2015, an estimated $72 billion in sales will be generated by the restaurant industry, accounting for 4% of Canada's GDP. The restaurant industry directly employs 1.2 million Canadians, is the number one source of first jobs, and serves 18 million customers every day.

About Restaurants Canada
Restaurants Canada is a growing community of 30,000 foodservice businesses, including restaurants, bars, caterers, institutions and suppliers. We connect our members from coast to coast, through services, research and advocacy for a strong and vibrant restaurant industry.

About GE Capital, Canada
With more than 20 offices throughout Canada, GE Capital (gecapital.ca) offers a wide variety of financial products and services to address commercial financing and fleet management needs in all phases of a business's life cycle. GE Capital offers consumers and businesses around the globe an array of financial products and services.

About Big Picture Conferences
Big Picture Conferences is dedicated to connecting people via the production of conferences and networking events for the Canadian hospitality industry. Big Picture Conferences delivers turnkey events by developing program content, organizing quality speakers, and coordinating marketing services while managing venue arrangements, registrations and finances.

SOURCE Restaurants Canada

Media Contact: Beth Pollock, Communications Specialist, 1-800-387-5649 ext. 4254, or email [email protected]; Big Picture Conferences Contact: Orie Berlasso, Managing Director Big Picture Conferences, [phone], [email protected].