Fueling the Future: Kelly Higginson

Fueling the Future: Kelly Higginson

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.

Chef Massimo Capra, A Culinary Journey from Italy to Canada

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!

Leadership, Learning, and Community, A Conversation with Darin Reeves

Send us a textIn this episode of the SafeCheck Podcast, Jay Ashton and Dominic Pedulla sit down with Darin Reeves, Director of Human Resources at Rancherlo Society. Darin shares the inspiring journey of Rancherlo, a not-for-profit that has been serving Saskatchewan for over 58 years, offering services like psychotherapy, vocational programs, and mental health support. Darin shares the importance of building a supportive workplace culture, the value of investing in people, and how training pro...

The importance of training and cross-training in the foodservice

Send us a textIn this episode of the SafeCheck Podcast, hosts Jay Ashton and Dominic Pedulla sit down with Rob Jusela, a seasoned hospitality professional with years of experience opening restaurants across Canada. Rob takes us through his fascinating career journey, from working with the Canadian Brewhouse in Alberta to managing locations in Ontario. He shares insights on the challenges and triumphs of opening new locations, the importance of training and cross-training in the food service i...

The Investigation with Jim Chan

Send us a textIn this episode of the SafeCheck Podcast, hosts Jay Ashton and Dominic Pedulla return after a brief hiatus to dive deep into the latest developments in the food safety world. With a special focus on the recent outbreak in Calgary that shocked the childcare industry, they explore the root causes and the critical recommendations from the Alberta government's investigation. Joined by food safety expert Jim Chan, the discussion highlights the importance of building a robust food saf...