SafeCheck Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this powerhouse episode of the SafeCheck Podcast, we sit down with Kelly Higginson, President of Restaurants Canada, for an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at how advocacy is shaping the future of foodservice in Canada. From fighting for the GST holiday to navigating tariffs and labor shortages, Kelly shares what it takes to lead an industry through its most challenging chapter yet.

We dive into the staggering impact restaurants have on the economy — 1.2 million employees, $28 billion in taxes, and 23 million guests served every day, and why it’s time Canadians see the sector for what it is: an essential economic and social force.

Kelly also gives us an exclusive preview of the 2025 RC Show, her thoughts on how operators can survive and thrive, and why getting out of the four walls is more important than ever.

Whether you're an independent operator, franchisee, or supplier, this is a must-listen conversation about resilience, advocacy, and the power of showing up.

Renowned chefMassimo Caprashares his incredible journey from a small town in Italy to becoming a celebrated culinary figure in Canada. In this candid conversation, Chef Capra discusses the evolution of the restaurant industry, the challenges of maintaining culinary excellence, the impact of changing labor dynamics, and his thoughts on food safety and training in modern kitchens. With humor, wisdom, and a deep passion for his craft, he offers insights into the highs and lows of the industry, from his early apprenticeships to running acclaimed restaurants like Capra’s Kitchen and Boccone Pronto at Pearson Airport.

Don't miss this engaging and inspiring episode!

Send us a textIn this transformative episode of Safecheck Podcast, hosts Domenic and Jay sit down with Craig McFadyen from Learning Planet, revealing a groundbreaking approach to corporate training and personal development. As they navigate through the journey of learning and growth, Craig shares invaluable insights from his 30 years of experience in training and development, emphasizing the importance of investing in employees for both personal and organizational growth. This episode sh...

Send us a textUnlock the future of food entrepreneurship with insights from Azrah of Syzl, where culinary dreams find a home in professional kitchens without the overhead nightmare. In this exciting exploration, our guest unveils how Syzl catalyzes the growth of small food ventures, offering a novel platform that’s stirring the pot in the Canadian food industry. We delve into the transformative power of Syzl's approach to kitchen space rentals, providing a compliant and affordable stepping st...

Send us a textWhen Darcy from Integrity Advocate stopped by for a chat, we never expected to journey from heartwarming lunches with furry friends to the critical corners of online proctoring. Yet, here we were, unpacking the transformation of their innovative software from an oil and gas industry staple to a versatile tool across other industries. With features designed for the modern learner, like no installation hassle and mobile compatibility, Darcy's insights highlight just how aligned we...

Send us a textDiscover the vibrant path of Francine Shaw, from her start as a fry girl to becoming a leading voice in food safety. Join us for an enlightening conversation where we dissect the critical, sometimes overlooked aspects of health inspections and the restaurant industry. Francine, hailing from Savvy Food Safety, shares her unique insights from a career that spans operations, academic, and regulatory frameworks, offering a fresh take on what truly makes the food service sector tick....

Send us a textDiscover the chilling truth behind your favorite frosty refreshment as Dustin from Clean Ice Canada joins us for a deep freeze into the world of commercial ice machine cleanliness. It's easy to overlook these frost giants in the kitchen, but as we learn, they're as critical to food safety as any grill or griddle. This episode promises to change the way you view the ice clinking in your glass, emphasizing the crucial care needed to prevent bacterial build-up and contamination ris...

Send us a textPrepare to expand your knowledge and enhance your culinary expertise! In this episode, Mark McEwen from Food Service Solutions takes us on an informative journey through food safety and technology. As a former chef turned technology expert, Mark reveals how revolutionary cooking technologies from Europe and America are transforming Canadian kitchens. These innovations are more than just clever gadgets; they're pivotal in increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and maintaining hig...

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Send us a textJoin us as we sit down with Nick, a Business Development Manager at Sysco and a third-generation industry insider, for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of food safety and the unique challenges posed by the Montreal food market. Nick brings a wealth of experience to our conversation, guiding us through how online training and multilingual exams have become pivotal in the quest for compliance and safer dining experiences. We then shift our focus to Montreal’s unique fo...