New Brunswick·New
Restaurants are entering 2026 with higher grocery costs, a labour shortage, and changing consumer habits. Experts say more than 40 per cent are operating at a loss, and thousands of establishments in Canada won’t make it to next year.
Canada could see a loss of 4,000 restaurants this year, analyst says
Allyson McCormack · CBC News
· Posted: Jan 12, 2026 5:00 AM EST | Last Updated: 27 minutes ago
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Charbel Gerges serves the lunchtime crowd at his family-run restaurant, grateful for the customers during the slow winter months. (Allyson McCormack/CBC)
On a cold January morning, the owners of Yassou Souvlaki & Donair in Fredericton are busy heating up the kitchen, slicing vegetables and donair meat to prepare for their lunch-hour crowd.
Charbel Gerges and Elias Youssef are grateful for this loyal customer base as they head into the winter slump, when consumers typically tighten their belts, and poor weather keeps many at home.
“We have customers that come here at least once a week,” Gerges said. “Some customers come here every day.”
But even with that local support, Gerges knows January through March can be a tough time at the family-owned restaurant,
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