The RC Show — Restaurant Canada’s annual foodservice and hospitality trade event — is one of the highlights of the year for anyone in the Canadian restaurant industry. And the 2026 edition did not disappoint. The Kendale team was on the floor connecting with restaurant owners, chefs, and industry partners, and we came away energized by the conversations and innovations we saw.
Here are our biggest takeaways from the RC Show 2026.
The Industry’s Appetite for Efficiency Has Never Been Stronger
From equipment demos to panel discussions, one theme ran through nearly every conversation at the RC Show: efficiency. Canadian restaurant operators are navigating tighter margins than ever, and the demand for commercial kitchen equipment that delivers consistent quality while reducing labour and operating costs is at an all-time high.
Pressure fryers and commercial broasters were a topic of genuine interest — restaurant owners looking to elevate their chicken programs and reduce oil costs were eager to understand the real-world ROI of pressure frying. We had some fantastic conversations at the Kendale booth on this front.
Sustainability and Oil Management in the Spotlight
Sustainability made a strong showing at this year’s RC Show. Oil management, in particular, drew significant attention — both from an environmental standpoint and a cost standpoint. Modern commercial pressure fryers, which extend oil life significantly compared to open fryers, fit squarely into this conversation.
If you’re looking to reduce your restaurant’s oil consumption and waste, upgrading your commercial frying equipment is one of the most impactful changes you can make.
Technology in the Commercial Kitchen
The integration of smart technology into commercial restaurant equipment was another standout theme. From connected fryers that monitor oil quality in real time to kitchen management systems that flag service intervals before issues arise, the modern commercial kitchen is becoming increasingly intelligent. Kendale stays ahead of these trends to ensure our clients have access to the best and most current equipment available in Canada.
What’s Coming from Kendale in 2026
The RC Show gave us a great opportunity to share what Kendale has been working on and what’s coming. In 2026, we’re expanding our service coverage, deepening our inventory of commercial kitchen equipment, and continuing to invest in the training and support infrastructure that our clients rely on.
Whether you’re equipping a new restaurant from the ground up or upgrading a key piece of equipment, Kendale is ready to help. Our team brings decades of experience supplying and servicing commercial restaurant equipment across Canada.
Come See Us at the Next Event
If we didn’t get a chance to connect at the RC Show this year, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to the Kendale team directly — we’re always happy to walk you through our current inventory and service offerings.
