TORONTO RESTAURANTS by veteran journalist and industry expert Stephanie Dickison is a food and restaurant news site that lives entirely online, here and across social.

Think of it as a magazine for modern day living - without the environmental footprint. Because it’s 2022. And as much as I love print and hard copy, it just doesn’t make sense for how frequently I publish - almost daily. Also, you’re on the phone ALL. THE. TIME, so why not check out the latest resto news while you’re adding a filter to Insta and “window shopping” - *adds to cart* online.

Being an editor and columnist for various magazines and newspapers for 15+ years, and the daughter of a lifelong newspaper man, I still love the structure, layout and design of newspapers and magazines. So go ahead and read TORONTO RESTAURANTS as you would your favourite mag and look forward to regular sections and features, in addition to new and exciting content.

WHAT MAKES TORONTO RESTAURANTS STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD

I Live and Breathe Restaurants

I’ve been diligently studying and covering the restaurant scene in Toronto/GTA for 15+ years. No one knows the ins and outs of restaurants like I do. Unlike most outlets in the city, I’m not covering an assortment of topics - politics, real estate, sports, auto, etc. Instead, I’m focused on one thing: restaurants. And everything connected to it - food, wine, chefs, bars, cafes, hotels, news and events. You want food and chefs 24/7? I’ve got it.

Fact. Check.

I’m a journalist writing articles. I research, interview, and fact check. I AM NOT A BLOGGER.
TORONTO RESTAURANTS is a restaurant news website that looks and feels like a modern magazine. IT IS NOT A BLOG.

Smart, Engaging Content

A veteran journalist and industry leader for +15 years, I focus on smart, engaging content and go beyond the usual
‘Best Of’ lists, salacious headlines, advertorials, and covering the same handful of establishments, restaurateurs and
chefs that the blah-gosphere is so intent on.

Because content still matters.
Because ‘Best Of’ lists are hack.
Because press releases are not articles, nor should they be.
Because there’s a glut of info and not enough time to read it all.
Because it’s not enough just to post a pic - there’s more to the story. And I deliver it straight to your screen.

INDUSTRY LEADER

INFLUENCE, not INFLUENCER.

My articles, including the iconic OPEN/CLOSED is the source of news for not only diners and industry, the source of news for other food outlets. Discover other ways I’m leading the charge.

Industry Advocate

This is not just a job. It’s my passion, my life. Now more than ever.

There has been an unprecedented amount of breaking news, especially concerning the hospitality industry, since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, I’ve been working around the clock to report on the news, creating Neighbourhood Food + Drink Guides and other resources both for the industry and public at large, doing deeper dives into the issues such as the recent patio relaunch, delivery apps, and investigation into a single misleading stat from TPH largely responsible for the closure of indoor dining, for starters. Simultaneously, I took my popular monthly series At The Pass weekly to support and promote chefs and the industry during this time, and launched two large initiatives: The #TAKEOUTTORONTO #DELIVERYTORONTO Project and Petition to Cap All Third-Party Delivery App Fees to try and help save restaurants now and in the days ahead. 

Inclusive

I believe wholeheartedly that everyone matters, no matter your background, economic situation, circumstances, heritage, or skin colour. That highlighting people and businesses outside of the downtown core and trendy top ‘best’ lists is key. That amplifying diverse, unique voices including Black, Indigenous, Asian, People of Colour, Queer, Trans, and Women is paramount. That supporting local reigns supreme.

Independent

TORONTO RESTAURANTS is an independent publisher of restaurant news, owned and operated by industry expert and journalist Stephanie Dickison. Unlike other media outlets, it is not run or influenced by corporations, advertisers, or other behemoths. Show your support for independent writing and outlets including this one.

A Clear DELINEATION Between Content + Ads

Advertorials and sponsored articles are not cool, nor are they good business. They’re not fooling anyone. That’s why ads and paid promotions are kept completely separate from content. I offer three clearly marked spaces to advertise and promote local businesses and products: TR Newsletter, iconic OPEN/CLOSED, and giveaways on Instagram.
That’s just one of the many reasons to work with TR.

Unique

TORONTO RESTAURANTS is the only woman-owned, founded and run company of its kind in the 6ix. I bring a unique range of skills and experience to the job as journalist, editor, and former restaurant critic, in addition to years spent working in the hospitality industry.

Lewk

Have you noticed how everyone’s site, newsletter and social looks the exact same? Ugh. That’s why my website, social, and newsletter stand out. They’re completely different than the rest - light, bright, modern and design-forward.
You get the look and feel of a glossy magazine without having to carry a thing.

A Way With Words

Your one-stop food(ie) destination has arrived. Expect in-depth features on restaurants and restaurateurs, hoteliers and bartenders and so much more. With profiles and interviews with top chefs + celebrities (Meghan Markle, Bill Pullman, Curtis Stone), full coverage of events across the GTA, and the must-read OPEN/CLOSED every Thursday,
you don’t want to miss a second of it. 

Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop

I create unique articles and content in addition to a weekly newsletter, social media and initiatives and events that support and advocate for everyone connected to the industry. I’ve worked hard to create an exciting, engaging, one-of-a-kind platform for a passionate, savvy, modern audience that’s always hungry for more.

Thanks for reading.

Stephanie Dickison, Owner/Founder
TORONTO RESTAURANTS

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