Food & Drink Archives

Ryan Blackwell is a Calgary chef and restaurateur known for concept-driven menus and polished, approachable cooking. Raised in Cochrane and trained at SAIT, Blackwell sharpened his craft in Vancouver’s restaurant scene, including a turn as chef de cuisine at the acclaimed Bin 941, before returning home to open Elbow Room in Britannia in 2017 with partner Josh Brennand. The restaurant earned quick acclaim, landing in Avenue’s “Calgary’s 25 Best Restaurants” and on OpenTable’s national “100 Best Restaurants for a Big Night Out.”

Since then, Blackwell has helped shape several Beltline concepts, founding Sensei Bar in 2021 and later leading the culinary program at Olea, an all-day café and bar inspired by Mediterranean coastal cooking. His current remit spans culinary director and partner roles across Olea and sister venues, where menus lean into handmade pastas, local market produce, and shareable plates that balance comfort and flair. His kitchens favour seasonality, clear flavours, and hospitable service, reflecting a belief that memorable dining should feel both special and easy to love.

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A Hug in a Bowl personified

September 23, 2025 0:29:12

Sharon Hapton, a successful Calgary-based businesswoman and mother of two, is the founder and CEO of Soup Sisters and Hug in a Bowl Enterprises.

In 2008-2009, leading up to her 50th birthday, Sharon channeled her belief in the healing power of homemade soup into founding Soup Sisters, a grassroots organization. Recognized nationally and regionally for her work, Sharon has led the movement that has delivered over 4 million ‘Hugs in a Bowl’ to families and individuals in crisis. She has received numerous accolades, including being named one of Chatelaine’s and CityTV’s Women of the Year and receiving the Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada in 2016.

“I am a soup maker. I have cared for family and friends with soup for most of my adult life. If someone was down or needed some extra care, I would show up at their door, most often unannounced and with soup. I knew that this simple gesture had the power to change their day, and in the process of making it, I was letting them know how much I cared.

The whole exchange – the soup-making, the visit, the comfort it provided and the appreciation it returned – created a fulfilling cycle of giving. Here is the recipe for Soup Sisters. All it took was for me to realize that I didn’t need to look beyond my truest self and that what I was looking for had always been inside me, just waiting to be recognized. After all, I am, and always have been, a soup maker.”

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From Hospitality to Entrepreneurship: Mike’s Bold Journey

September 12, 2025 0:24:01

Michael Crooks is a hospitality professional who is always interested in new challenges. He has achieved success in all aspects of the hospitality service industry. Three years ago he decided to move over to entrepreneurship and his journey and success are really insightful for those thinking of making the break to independence.

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Creating unique but not too unique beverages

September 2, 2025 0:18:11

John Eresman is a Co-Founder and Director of Brand at Gradient Beverages, a Calgary-based beverage company pioneering bartender-grade drinks and innovative beverages, including their award-winning Inversion Nitro Cocktail range. Prior to founding Gradient, John worked in advertising and marketing for more than a decade. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from the University of Calgary.

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Brewing up some entrepreneurial success

August 29, 2025 0:21:27

Andrew Bullied is the Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Annex Ale & Soda Mfg. in Calgary, Alberta. Andrew has been brewing since 2008, when he was making wine as a means to save money on drinking during university. In 2010, Andrew attended Niagara College’s brewing program in its inaugural year – and was proudly the first drop-out, leaving to start work in Calgary’s budding craft beer industry. Andrew would go on to spend 5 years brewing in Calgary before opening Annex with co-founder, Erica O’Gorman, in 2016.

Over the years, Andrew has been resolute in his approach to brewing. Viewing nothing as sacred and everything as a candidate for improvement, his unwavering pursuit of quality and constant refinement have earned Annex Beers and Sodas critical acclaim and a cult-like following. His approach has also shaped brewing culture in Calgary; not just through innovation, but through intentional collaboration. Today, Annex is recognized for its role in elevating craft culture and building community through partner brews and non-profit advocacy. Through his work, Andrew has positioned Annex as a standard-bearer for quality and innovation in Calgary’s craft beverage scene, while his dedication to community continues to elevate the experience for everyone who walks through Annex’s doors.

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Turning an empty small town Saskatchewan school into a booming restaurant/bar

August 26, 2025 0:20:04

Doug Will, one of the co-owners of Rawhides Bistro & Saloon in Stenen, Saskatchewan, grew up on the family farm just north of Tisdale, where he farmed with his dad and brothers for a few years. In 1980 he moved to farm north of Star City, a town just east of Melfort, where he and his wife raised three sons. In 2000 he bought a farm just north of Stenen, as well as the Alfalfa Mill at Norquay, just down the road from Stenen, where he currently lives and continues to farm with two of his sons.

In 2012, Stenen was having its 100th anniversary and invited him to develop the old school into a “bistro/saloon” They had 90 days from the start to get the new Rawhides up and running and with the great help from all the contractors and town folks they made it happen with six days to spare, for the August long weekend and the town’s 100th anniversary celebration!

Will enjoys antiques, old wood and challenges and while Rawhides provided all of that and more. It’s been very rewarding journey, with one of the most satisfying aspects being the number of people they have been able to hire and help relocate from far away countries and join in the community serving the locals and tourists each and every day at the restaurant.

In 2015 they developed the Chandelier room/rec centre to hold wedding events and corporate functions with its huge outdoor deck, c/w firepits and outdoor stage. Two years ago they completed the project with the addition of a spa, beauty salon, pedicure/manicure, massage therapy. They have also opened up several rental suites for those customers wishing to stay and explore the surrounding area or maybe golf at the nearby Crystal Lake Golf Club.

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On a mission to make the world a healthier place, one sip at a time

March 5, 2025 0:21:07

Mitch Jacobsen is a former engineer turned beverage entrepreneur. He is the receptionist, the janitor, and sometimes the CEO at Rviita [pronounced Ree – Vai – Tuh and short for ‘revitalize’] Energy Tea, which is a natural energy drink now carried in over 1200 stores across Canada and is a top selling energy drink on Amazon and recently listed in select Costco locations. When he’s not obsessing over how to cram more goodness into a sleek, eco-friendly beverage pouch, Mitch is probably brainstorming ways to make energy drinks that don’t make you feel like you’ve licked a battery. Armed with a passion for sustainability and fueled by his own product (literally), Mitch is on a mission to keep you awake and make the world a healthier place, one sip at a time.

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Making the rum that’s worth sipping

December 26, 2024 0:25:27

Tomas Romero is the co-founder of Romero Distilling Co. The largest rum producer in Canada making rum from scratch. Their product portfolio is comprised of international award-winning rums and pre-mixed cocktails. The rum is crafted in Calgary, AB with glacier fed water from the Canadian Rockies and Crosbys molasses.

Tomas along with his Dad, Diego Romero, started Romero Distilling Co. in 2018. Prior to starting the distillery, Tomas worked in both Construction and Oil and Gas. He has a B.Sc. from the University of Calgary and an MBA from Athabasca University. With products currently sold in Canada, the US and Europe, he looks forward to expanding their product portfolio with unique cask expressions and growing the company’s presence both domestically and abroad.

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Hakan Uluer – EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 – Regional Award Winner

December 18, 2024 0:30:34

Phil Bliss, Founder of Canada’s Podcast interviews Hakan Uluer after receiving the Award November 26, 2024.

EY Entrepreneur Of The Year National Award winners:

Tobyn Sowden | Redbrick (Pacific)

Denis Jones | Deveraux Group of Companies (Prairies)

Clive Kinross | Propel Holdings (Ontario)

Hakan Uluer | The Bertossi Group (Atlantic)

Ken Harris | Plusgrade (Québec)

National Honouree Citations:

Jeff Dirks | KBL Environmental Ltd.

Terry Raymond | Fire & Flood Emergency Services Ltd.

Mina Mekhail | Freshr Sustainable Technologies Inc.

The Canadian entrepreneurs in the EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ North America Class of 2024 and the EY Entrepreneurs Access Network Canadian Class of 2024 were also honoured at the awards show. These programs support high-potential women entrepreneurs and Black and Indigenous leaders by providing access to networks, advisors, learning and resources to help scale their businesses. All three entrepreneur programs are part of EY’s 30-year commitment to fostering entrepreneurship in Canada at every stage of the growth journey.

The 2024 National independent judging panel comprised Tania Clarke, Corporate Director; Andreea Crisan, President and CEO, ANDY Transport; Arlene Dickinson, General Partner, District Ventures Capital; Joanna Griffiths, Founder and President, Knix and Kt by Knix; Ashif Mawji, Managing Director, ScaleGood Fund LP; Kristi Miller, Managing Partner, Krystal Growth Partners; Imran Siddiqui, Managing Director, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan.

This year’s program national sponsors are TSX Inc., Air Canada, The Printing House, The Globe and Mail and Hillberg & Berk.

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Revolutionizing Food Supply Chains: Wayne McIntyre’s Mission for a Truck-Free Future!

October 2, 2024 0:24:22

Wayne McIntyre is the founder and CEO of Relocalize, a cleantech company that is transforming food supply chains by using autonomous micro-factories to decarbonize food production.

With over 20 years of experience in helping technology companies accelerate growth, Wayne brings a diverse background in business strategy, technology, and corporate law. He has a proven track record of leading successful growth transformations, building high-performing commercial teams, and developing and executing Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) strategies for both large and small technology firms.

Under Wayne’s leadership, Relocalize is disrupting the food and beverage industry by decentralizing manufactured food production, eliminating middle-mile trucking, and significantly reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This innovation increases supply chain efficiency for grocery retailers. Wayne’s mission is to create a truck-free future for the food industry, delivering sustainable, eco-friendly products that benefit retailers, consumers, and the environment.

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Food & Drink

How to survive and thrive in today’s restaurant industry

A Hug in a Bowl personified

From Hospitality to Entrepreneurship: Mike’s Bold Journey

Creating unique but not too unique beverages

Brewing up some entrepreneurial success

Turning an empty small town Saskatchewan school into a booming restaurant/bar

On a mission to make the world a healthier place, one sip at a time

Making the rum that’s worth sipping

Hakan Uluer – EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 – Regional Award Winner

Revolutionizing Food Supply Chains: Wayne McIntyre’s Mission for a Truck-Free Future!

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