TORONTO — Stella Artois has launched its Stella Artois Dine-Thru, a unique pop-up restaurant with a menu curated by Canadian chef and social-media sensation, Laurent Dagenais. Until August 15, the Stella Artois Dine-Thru will be operating at 550 Yonge Street in Toronto from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., with one-hour seating available to consumers.
Canadians aged 18 to 34 are eating fast-food meals at least twice a week, specifically because they’re in a rush and too busy to cook and 30 per cent are eating these on-the-go meals alone. With these insights top-of-mind, Stella Artois wants to encourage Torontonians to consider not relying so heavily on fast food, but rather slow down and start savouring mealtime together.
The menu, handcrafted by Dagenais, takes inspiration from classic fast-food menu items, but with an elevated twist, emphasizing Stella Artois’ contrasting vision of the drive-thru experience. To flip the script on fast-food culture even further, in lieu of payment, guests can simply exchange any standard fast-food coupon for a meal items of their choice and a complimentary Stella Artois.
Menu items include The Ultimate Fried Calamari Burger, Laurent’s Double-Fried Parm Frites, Nostaglic Deep-Fried Mac ‘N’ Cheese Balls, You Have Had a Pogo, but Have You Had a Merguez Pogo and The Most Decadent Confit Poutine.
“Statistics reflect that in recent years, the pace of modern life has caused many to prioritize speed and convenience at mealtime,” says Mike Bascom, senior Marketing director, Stella Artois Canada. “As a result, people often lose valuable time spent over a meal together. The Stella Artois Dine-Thru is intended to remind people to slow down and savour – not just quality food, but quality time with loved ones too. In addition, Laurent’s culinary creativity and unique style makes him an ideal partner to re-invent a fast-food inspired menu with an elevated twist for guests to enjoy, perfectly paired with a Stella.”
“I’m always looking for fun, new and expressive ways to play in the kitchen, and the concept of elevating fast-food dishes to promote savouring the meal experience really spoke to me,” says Dagenais. “My passion for creating innovative meals that people can enjoy together and using the platform I’ve developed on social media to connect with audiences – consumers, other chefs and now brands – has been an incredible ride. This partnership with Stella Artois is one that I’m so excited to bring to life, especially in Toronto, as it’s a city I have yet to explore.”
Reservations are limited and required to book a spot at the Stella Artois Dine-Thru.
