TORONTO, ON (January 27, 2026) –  is proud to announce a special one-night-only guest bartender residency and mixology masterclass featuring Mitsuhiro Nakamura, chief mixologist at Park Hyatt London’s Nine Elms Bar and recognized as one of Japan’s leading bartending talents.

In partnership with The House of Suntory, Nakamura will host a bartending masterclass before unveiling a one-night only tasting of his cocktails at the legendary  on February 11. This rare Toronto appearance is a unique opportunity to witness the precision, creativity, and craftsmanship that have earned Nakamura international acclaim: an evening designed for cocktail enthusiasts seeking a truly unforgettable experience.

“Welcoming Mitsuhiro Nakamura for this one-night-only residency gives our guests an unparalleled opportunity to witness the precision, creativity, and artistry of one of the world’s most special mixology talents,” said Eduardo Bressane, General Manager, Park Hyatt Toronto. “From the masterclass to the curated cocktail tasting at the Writers Room Bar, this evening will be an unforgettable celebration of craftsmanship and hospitality, which we always strive to deliver at Park Hyatt Toronto.”

Internationally respected for his disciplined, Japanese-influenced approach to mixology, Nakamura is a winner of the Patrón Perfectionist Japan (2018) and the Bombay Sapphire World’s Most Imaginative Bartender (Gin Challenge) and has represented Japan as a finalist in international cocktail competitions across Mexico, Spain, and the United Kingdom. In 2023, Nakamura became the first Japanese presenter at Tales of the Cocktail, the world’s largest and most influential bartending symposium.

Formally trained under Shibusawa Reisen, Nakamura holds an instructor’s permit in chadō and the tea name Soju. In 2021, he published his first book, Designing Yourself (Jibun wo dezain suru), exploring personal philosophy, craftsmanship, and intentional design.

The evening offers two immersive, bookable experiences: MASTERCLASS: The Origin of Japanese Bartending (3:00–4:00 PM): In partnership with The House of Suntory, join us for an exclusive masterclass with Mitsuhiro Nakamura, Chief Mixologist of Park Hyatt London, as he explores the origins of Japanese bartending. Rooted in centuries-old traditions and influenced by the Japanese tea ceremony, this intimate session reveals how precision, movement, and quiet hospitality shape one of the world’s most refined cocktail cultures. Guests will enjoy a rare behind-the-bar perspective in a small-group setting designed for discovery and conversation. Tickets are CAD

$110 per person and are available via .

RESIDENCY: Writers Room Bar (6-10 PM): Following the masterclass, Nakamura will take over the iconic Writers Room Bar for a special one-night-only residency showcasing three original cocktails crafted in partnership with The House of Suntory. Drawing from his Japanese heritage and international experience, Mitsuhiro’s cocktails highlight balance, precision, and thoughtful storytelling. Each cocktail will be paired with a curated dish, available à la carte, allowing guests to customize their experience. 

Nakamura will remain behind the bar throughout the evening, offering personalized interaction and insight into his creative process.

Premium bar seating is limited and requires. Writers Room Bar  are also recommended.

TORONTO, Jan. 20, 2026 /CNW/ - Corby Spirit and Wine is pleased to announce that its portfolio of premium Canadian whiskies earned major recognition at the 2026 Canadian Whisky Awards. Leading the wins, J.P. Wiser's 24-Year-Old was named Canadian Whisky of the Year.

The recognition further reinforces J.P. Wiser's reputation for excellence, following the Decades Series' recent success at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, where J.P. Wiser's 28-Year-Old was named Best in Class Canadian Whisky.

Adding to the momentum, Pike Creek 22-Year-Old PX Cask earned two major category wins: Best Limited Expression and Best Aged Whisky Over 15 Years, showcasing the impact of bold finishing and long aging at its best.

"These awards are a meaningful recognition of the passion and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle we create," said Dr. Don Livermore, Master Blender at Hiram Walker & Sons Distillery. "Each distinction reflects what makes Canadian whisky so special: patience, precision, and deep respect for the grains, barrels, and people behind the process. From long-aged expressions to bold finishes and rye-forward styles, these wins speak to what's possible when you give whisky the time, and the attention, it deserves."

Full award results include the following medal-winning expressions and category distinctions:

Gold

• J.P. Wiser's 24-Year-Old
• Pike Creek 22-Year-Old PX Cask
• Lot No. 40 Dark Oak

Silver

• J.P. Wiser's 10-Year-Old
• J.P. Wiser's 15-Year-Old
• Pike Creek Double Barreled

Bronze

• J.P. Wiser's Deluxe
• J.P. Wiser's 18-Year-Old
• Lot No. 40 Single Copper Pot Still
• Lot No. 40 Oloroso Cask
• Gooderham & Worts

Crafted in Windsor at the historic Hiram Walker & Sons Distillery, these award-winning whiskies reflect a legacy that has helped define Canadian whisky for generations. Behind every bottle is a dedicated team proudly carrying that heritage forward, bringing care and ambition to every whisky while continuing to evolve the category through premium releases, innovation, and world-class quality.

Held annually in conjunction with the Victoria Whisky Festival, the Canadian Whisky Awards recognize the best Canadian whiskies and encourage distillers to maintain the highest quality standards. The awards are widely regarded as a trusted benchmark for producers, distributors, retailers and whisky fans alike.

J.P. Wiser's, Lot No. 40, Pike Creek, and Gooderham & Worts are available at your local alcohol retailer, or online for residents of Ontario at .

The  is kicking off 2026 with an inside look at the trends reshaping two powerhouse sectors of franchising—foodservice and retail. With the franchise industry projected to be worth $133.3 billion by 2026, these categories are entering a new era marked by accelerating innovation and fast-changing consumer expectations.

Foodservice Industry Trends:

Popular Categories

• Full-Service Restaurants: Restaurant brands continue to attract franchisees with scalable operations, steady revenue, and innovative menu offerings. As more consumers prioritize in-person experiences, dining out in full-service restaurants continues to be popular.
• Culturally Rooted Brands: Concepts rooted in a founder’s personal, regional, or cultural background are gaining momentum, offering authenticity that resonates with customers.

Sector-Specific Trends to Watch

• Fusion Menus: Combining different cuisines allows brands to stand out while appealing to a wider audience. Fusion menu items are growing in popularity, especially with younger demographics who are drawn to unique menu offerings.
• AI & Smart Operations: Franchise systems are increasingly using AI to streamline operations, from optimizing ordering and inventory to analyzing consumer feedback. These tools help franchisees run more efficiently, make data-driven decisions, and focus on growth.

Retail Industry Trends:

Popular Categories

• Pet Care: Franchises offering pet products and services continue to see strong demand, as Canadians increasingly prioritize the health and well-being of their pets. Rising pet ownership, a willingness to spend on premium products and services, and the humanization of pets are driving growth in this sector, making it a resilient and high-potential category for franchisees.
• Health & Fitness: Wellness focused franchises remain popular, attracting consumers looking for holistic wellness, and lifestyle experiences. Growing awareness of health and mental well-being, combined with increased disposable income for lifestyle and self-care services, is fueling strong demand in this sector. Wellness brands are harnessing technology to deliver products and services, from infrared saunas to video fitness classes to IV drips.

Sector-Specific Trends to Watch

• Eco-Friendly Practices: Sustainability is becoming a major factor in where people spend their money. Consumers, particularly younger generations, are increasingly drawn to sustainable and environmentally conscious brands, creating opportunities for franchisees to align with these values.
• Experience-Driven Retail: Retail concepts are focusing on interactive and memorable experiences to build loyalty and stand out in competitive markets.
• Tech-Enabled Shopping: From e-commerce platforms and mobile apps to digital loyalty programs and AI-driven insights, technology is helping franchisees improve efficiency, optimize operations, and enhance customer experience.

Looking ahead, foodservice and retail remain some of the most attractive sectors for franchise investment, offering strong consumer demand, opportunities for innovation, and room to grow.

TORONTO, Jan. 7, 2026 /CNW/ - Molson is boosting Canadian athletes' performance this winter by sending them Performance Enhancing Canadians, passionate fans in the stands to cheer them on. Studies show that fans cheering in the stands can enhance athletes' performance by up to 10%. So, as a proud supporter of Canadian sports for decades, Molson is bringing the statistically-proven competitive advantage to life by rallying Canadians to become Performance Enhancing Canadians and fill the stands at winter sporting events.

With hundreds of prizes available, including ten all-expenses-paid experiences to major winter sporting events, Molson is reaching far and wide to bring Canadians closer to the action to help the country win.

Sport has always been a powerful unifier for the country. And with their troop of Performance Enhancing Canadians, Molson is hoping that the noise they're bringing to the stands will not only boost Canada's performance on the field, but also rally Canadian pride from coast to coast.

This builds on Molson's long-standing legacy in sports that dates back to the 1950s–from their foundational partnership with the NHL and their role as a pioneering champion of the PWHL, to their enduring support for the CFL and the iconic teams that unite fans across the country. As Canada's oldest brewery, Molson continues to prove that showing up for our athletes is part of who they are, upholding a legacy built on investing in the arenas, the fans, and the support systems that define Canadian sports.

"Supporting Canadian sports and their athletes has been part of Molson's DNA for generations," says Leslie Malcolm, Vice President of Marketing at Molson Coors Beverage Company. "Over the past year, we've seen Canadians come together in powerful ways, and this program is about taking that spirit one step further and bringing everyone in to support our Canadian athletes and remind them our country is behind them."

Ready to be one of Molson's Performance Enhancing Canadians? Head to to enter and be part of the fan energy powering Canadian athletes this winter. Lookout for hundreds of other performance enhancing experiences on social and at select bars and restaurants.