Supporting NB restaurateurs during tough times
In 2026, New Brunswick’s restaurants are under intense pressure.
Labour shortages, combined with rising food costs, wages, insurance, utilities, rent, and lingering pandemic debt are making it harder than ever for independent operators to survive – while customers themselves are cutting back due to affordability concerns.
According to Restaurants Canada:
• 49% of operators report lower sales in 2026.
• 54% report fewer guests.
• 71% report declining profitability.
• 36% are operating at a loss or just breaking even – triple 2019 levels.
• 91% cite rising food costs as a major challenge.
• 87% cite labour costs and shortages.
• 69% say customers are dining out less due to affordability pressures.
Sylvain Charlebois, director of the Agrifood Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University, projects Canada could lose 4,000 restaurants in 2026 alone.
Without meaningful support, many independent restaurants may close.
Rural and family-owned establishments are especially vulnerable, despite playing a vital role in local communities, tourism, and downtown economies across New Brunswick.
Government can help by:
• Reducing payroll and small business tax pressure.
• Helping offset rising energy and operating costs.
• Expanding hospitality training and workforce programs.
• Investing in tourism, downtown revitalization, and “buy local” initiatives.
• Simplifying regulatory and administrative processes for small operators.
Supporting restaurants means supporting jobs, tourism, small communities, and local economies across New Brunswick.
Restaurants are more than businesses – they are employers, gathering places, tourism drivers, and essential contributors to the social and economic fabric of the province.