#FOOD: YES SHEF TO TAKE PLACE MARCH 9, 2026 AT THE RC SHOW

Yes Shef, the celebrated culinary event spotlighting women in the food and beverage industry, will make its Ontario debut on Monday, March 9, 2026 at RC Show 2026, taking place at The International Centre in Mississauga. Presented by WORTH Association as part of RC Show 2026’s Women in Hospitality programming, the evening will feature more than 15 tasting stations led by women chefs, restaurateurs, and their culinary mentees, alongside beverage pairings from women winemakers, brewers, bartenders, and more.

Yes Shef will arrive in Ontario’s Greater Toronto Area following five successful years in British Columbia, where the event has become a standout platform for elevating and advancing women in hospitality. This signature, one-night experience will bring together established culinary leaders and rising talent for an evening of exceptional food, meaningful networking, and community building – all in support of advancing women in Canada’s culinary sector.

“WORTH Association is thrilled to bring Yes Shef to the Greater Toronto Area in 2026. Toronto’s food and beverage scene is among the most dynamic in the country, and women are at the forefront of its growth and innovation,” says Joanna Jagger, Founder & Executive Director of WORTH Association, the organization behind Yes Shef. “We are honoured to partner with Restaurants Canada to advance equity and create meaningful change across the sector.”

At the heart of Yes Shef is mentorship. At the Mississauga debut event, 15 chefs will be paired with emerging women culinary students, creating hands-on opportunities to foster the next generation of talent. All event proceeds support women working in recreation, tourism & hospitality.

The Yes Shef 2026 roster will include:

Alida Solomon, Tutti Matti

Charlotte Langley, Nice Cans

Donna Dooher, Mildred’s Temple Kitchen

Eva Chin, Yan Dining Room

Evelyn Chick, Evelyn Chick Projects

Nicole Hynes, Sand & Pearl

Marissa Leon-John, Elle Jays

Suman Ali

…and more to be announced.

EVENT DETAILS:
RC Show 2026
Location: The International Centre, 6900 Airport Rd, Mississauga, ON L4V 1E8
Date: Monday, March 9th, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m.

TICKETS:
Tickets available now at $220 and can be purchased online at https://www.yesshef.com/events/toronto-2026
Registered RC Show attendees can access a preferred rate by adding Yes Shef to their existing show registration.

PARTNERSHIPS:
Opportunities are still available. Explore exclusive access and benefits online at https://www.yesshef.com/partner-with-us.

#FOOD: THE RC SHOW 2025 HIGHLIGHTS

The RC SHOW is now in its 80th year! This annual Food & Hospitality industry event was so fun! Who knew?

While the three day affair running April 7 to 9, 2025 at Enercare Centre in Toronto is highlighted by speaker panels, cooking competitions, exhibitors and samples, at the heart of the show is the goal of helping fuel success through advocacy, connection and support to create vibrant and thriving restaurant and food service communities across Canada. Its spirit is about innovation, and helping businesses and industry professionals gain insight on new technologies and products that can help them remain at the cutting edge. And did we mention the abundance of delicious samples to be had?

The 2025 Show kicked off with some really exciting events including the Bocuse d’Or Team Canada Qualifying Competition on the Culinary Stage, won by Chef Keith Pears (seen below) who will go on again in 2026 to represesent Team Canada at the world’s most prestigious cooking comeptition. Above this were Breakfast Sandwich, Latte Art and The World Pastry Cup. This literally is a food lover’s dream.

Chef José Andrés (seen in banner) also spoke on Opening Day on the Speaker Stage as headliner for RC Show 2025. He spoke for an hour with Restaurants Canada‘s President & CEO Kelly Higginson about his successful and meaningful career. He stars alongside Martha Stewart in upcoming NBC Cooking Competition series YES, CHEF which happened also to be filmed in Toronto.

A big hit seemed to be The Pop Up Experience which featured libations and nibbles, drawing a crowd to Raspberry Point Oysters and snacks like Fish Sauce Chicken Wings.

A Reception closed off the night, with vendors including WHAT A JERK, ALIJANDRO’S KITCHEN, 6 SPICE RACK, TROPICAL SOUTH, and more serving guests their signature creations, along with live music.

Some highlights from Opening Day:

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A post shared by William Wong (@mrwillwong)

More on the RC Show 2025 here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)