Calgary's Culinary Pulse: How Data Drives Dining Decisions and Urban Revival
Unpacking Calgary's Eating Habits
Understanding what and where Calgarians eat is crucial for our city's dynamic food service industry. Ipsos, a global leader in market research and polling, tracks these behaviors daily. Their "FIVE" syndicated consumption diary, launched in 2013, annually captures detailed data from 20,000 Canadians on eating and drinking habits, attitudes, and item choices both at home and away from home, offering dedicated expertise in the food and beverage sector.
Patios, Policy, and Economic Shifts
Calgary's dining landscape is constantly evolving. The City Council's 2021 decision to make the seasonal patio program permanent, waiving permit fees and moving patios to curb lanes, aimed to enhance urban vibrancy and support local businesses. While fees were waived, a March 2024 document hinted at future cost considerations. Economically, Alberta's restaurant sales grew 5.2% year-to-date in July 2025, buoyed by strong population growth and increased U.S. tourism, yet operators still navigate high costs and cautious spending.
Downtown's Culinary Transformation
The city's ambitious Downtown Revitalization Strategy is dramatically reshaping the customer base for restaurants. Converting underutilized office spaces into residential units and attracting institutions like the University of Calgary's School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape is creating a vibrant 24/7 community. This influx of new residents and students diversifies demand, moving beyond the traditional weekday office crowd and fostering a thriving environment, supported by insights from Ipsos' biweekly "Consumer Tracker" surveys.
Data-Driven Urban Planning
Insights into consumer habits are invaluable for urban planning. Calgary's "Greater Downtown Plan" and "Guidebook for Great Communities" aim to transform the core into a dynamic hub, emphasizing people-centered development and access to diverse eating and drinking options. This strategic alignment, informed by understanding consumer patterns, ensures that Calgary's urban development fosters livable neighborhoods and a robust, adaptable food service sector, contributing to why Ipsos is ranked the No. 1 Most Innovative Insights & Analytics Company globally for three consecutive years.
