The Great Canadian Breakfast Debate (Win!)

From buttery Maritime lobster to Prairie pierogies and West Coast smoked salmon, breakfast looks a little different depending on where you call home. To celebrate Canada’s diverse culinary landscape, Denny’s Canada recently launched its TransCanada Table experience, inviting diners across the country to sample and vote for the nation’s favourite regional slam. The results? A few surprises, a little hometown heartbreak, and plenty of proof that sharing a meal is still one of the best ways to bring people together. We caught up with Ronald Cecillon, President & COO of Denny’s Canada, to talk about Canadian food pride, the power of breakfast, and what this coast-to-coast taste test reveals about who we are. —Noa Nichol

The Maritime Slam emerged as Canada’s favourite breakfast—what do you think this result says about Canadians’ relationship with regional food traditions and comfort foods?

It really speaks to how open Canadians are to celebrating each other’s traditions through food. While there’s strong regional pride across the country, there’s also a real curiosity and appreciation for flavours beyond our own backyards. Interestingly, based on conversations around the table, the Maritime Slam wasn’t typically a dish diners thought they would order. But once they experienced the buttery lobster and creamy hollandaise, it quickly became a favourite — it was a clear hit. Its national win shows that comfort food has a way of transcending geography. It’s less about where you’re from and more about the shared experience of sitting down and enjoying something that feels both familiar and special. That shared meal experience is exactly what we hoped to spark with The TransCanada Table.

Calgary diners shocked everyone by overwhelmingly voting for the Maritime Slam over their own Prairie-inspired dish. Were there any other voting results that genuinely surprised you?

That was definitely a standout moment, it’s a great example of Canadians embracing something new, even when regional pride is on the line. What stood out most was how the Maritime Slam sparked curiosity and conversation across the country. While it was especially celebrated in Halifax, diners nationwide leaned in with interest, and once they experienced the buttery lobster and creamy hollandaise, it quickly won them over. More than anything, it wasn’t just about the final result but the conversations and friendly debates these dishes inspired in real time. That sense of connection was the real highlight.

Denny’s has served Canadians coast-to-coast for decades. How important was it to create a menu that celebrates the unique flavours and identities of different regions across the country?

It was incredibly important. As Canada’s modern diner, we see firsthand how food reflects local identity and culture. With the Great Canadian Slams, Denny’s set out to take your tastebuds on a culinary coast-to-coast road trip, bringing regional flavours directly to your local diner and community. Each dish was designed to feel authentic to its region while still being approachable and shareable, from West Coast salmon to Prairie pierogies, Central peameal bacon, and Maritime lobster. It’s a reflection of who we are as a brand: rooted in comfort, while creating experiences that feel inclusive and distinctly Canadian.

The TransCanada Table connected diners in multiple cities at the same time. What inspired the idea, and what did it reveal about Canadians’ desire for shared experiences and real-world connection?

The idea came from recognizing a shift we’re all feeling. Canadians are more connected digitally than ever, yet many are craving real, in-person moments of connection. Our survey reinforced that 87% of Canadians agree that sharing a meal is one of the best ways to connect with others, while 80% feel genuine, in-person connections are becoming harder to find. We also found that 3 in 4 Canadians agree that “third places” like diners are important for building connections outside of home and work. The TransCanada Table was our response to that, transforming five diners into one shared table across the country. What it revealed is that connection doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s as simple as sitting down together, even if that table stretches from Vancouver to Halifax.

Your survey found that 85% of British Columbians believe sharing a meal is one of the best ways to connect with others. Why do you think a simple meal still holds so much power in an increasingly digital world?

There’s something inherently human about sharing a meal. It creates a natural pause in our day where we can be present with one another, without distractions. In a world that’s increasingly fast and transactional, those moments are becoming more valuable. When it comes to real-world meeting places, a good meal makes quality time even more satisfying. And our survey shows that 60% of Canadians identified diners, restaurants, and cafés as places they turn to for meaningful, in-person connection outside of home and work. Diners have always played that role; they’re spaces where people can gather, enjoy, and have real conversations. That’s why we believe the diner continues to matter, and why experiences like The TransCanada Table resonate so strongly.

If you had to play food matchmaker, which Great Canadian Slam best represents the spirit of Canada today—and why?

It’s hard to choose just one, but I’d say the Central Slam really captures something meaningful about Canada right now. Featuring classic peameal bacon, it highlights a regional staple that feels both nostalgic and distinctly Canadian. It blends tradition with a sense of warmth and familiarity, qualities that resonate across the country. More broadly, it reflects a Canadian spirit rooted in comfort, connection, and a shared appreciation for dishes that bring people together.

From lobster and smoked salmon to pierogies and peameal bacon, these dishes sparked some passionate opinions. What do you think makes food such a powerful expression of regional pride and identity?

Food is deeply personal. It’s tied to our memories, our communities, and where we come from. Each of these ingredients tells a story about a region’s history and culture, which is why people feel so strongly about them. Food is also one of the easiest ways to share those stories with others. That’s what made this experience so special, it wasn’t just about what was on the plate but the conversations and connections that came with it.

Win! A $100 Denny’s Canada Gift Card!

One lucky Canadian winner will receive a $100 Denny’s Canada! To enter, follow @dennyscanada and @vitadailymedia on Instagram and follow the entry rules on our corresponding post. Contest opens June 9, 2026 and closes June 16, 2026. Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadailymedia. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding. Full contest rules/regulations here.