The Peak Weekend Reader

Good morning. On my first day at The Peak, the founders Brett and Taylor took me out to lunch. We went to Mandy’s, the haute-salad chain with countless devoted fans. The visit reminded me of a bygone time, when we unironically self-identified with brands like Equinox and Glossier.

To me, the interesting thing about Mandy’s (which now has 15 locations and plans to open up to 40 more) is its ability to defy a bleak restaurant landscape, where quick-service spots have been some of the hardest hit by reduced consumer spending. We did not want to publish another profile of its founders or a retelling of its lore, but rather a look at the ingredient math of fancy salad, and the consumer mindset that makes us happily (or begrudgingly, depending on who you ask) fork over our dollars in exchange for mixed greens bathed in honey mustard vinaigrette. I hope you enjoy it.

We’re also bringing you a revamped Weekend Reader, with new sections along with the essential explainers of the headlines you need to know. As for what’s coming up? A deep dive into Vancouver’s sauna and cold-plunge boom (is it a bubble? Stay tuned!) and a reminder that your non-compete clause is probably illegal, but your employer is hoping you don’t know it.

Happy reading,

Liz Guber, VP of Content

🦛 The Toronto Zoo now has its very own Moo Deng. Kindia, the zoo’s 20-year-old pygmy hippo, welcomed a yet-unnamed baby girl last week. Calf survival rates for the species are unfortunately quite challenging, but the baby is doing well as of writing. She’s in our thoughts, and if she goes on display, we will be in the ensuing massive lines to see her.

🪞 Astronomers are livid about giant space mirrors. Spacetech start-up Reflect Orbital plans to start launching satellites this year that can transform into mirrors and supply sunlight on demand. This James Bond villain business model has alarmed some astronomers who warn that the ensuing light pollution could kill astronomy and wreak havoc on sleep patterns.

🎹 The world’s slowest composition changes its tune. For 25 years, an organ in the German town of Halberstadt has been playing the same piece of music. Composed by avant-garde icon John Cage, it’s played very slowly, with this performance scheduled to end in 2640. This week, a rare chord change occurred, signalling about the 4% completion mark.

🤝 Alberta is creating new jobs… but not where you might think. According to a new RBC Economics report, Alberta has added the most jobs in Canada this year. However, the good ol’ energy sector hasn’t driven this growth. Instead, it’s been health care and social assistance — a natural result of the province’s Alberta is Calling-fuelled population influx.

Canada and the U.S. talk tit-for-tat trade deal. The two are reportedly negotiating a deal for the U.S. to reduce its sectoral tariffs in exchange for Canada tweaking some trade rules, sources told the Globe and Mail. The U.S. apparently has a list of around 10 priority issues, including bringing U.S. booze back to liquor store shelves; ending provincial procurement restrictions; and revamping the dairy tariff quota system. Aligning tariffs on China and advancing critical minerals cooperation could be future discussion topics. (Globe and Mail)

Canadian unemployment drops to two-year low. The labour market added 75,000 jobs in July, according to new Statistics Canada data, a gain of 0.4% from the month prior. The surge greatly exceeded expectations and helped bring unemployment to its lowest level in two years. Ontario made up the bulk of the increase, adding 52,000 new jobs. (CBC News)

Resignation sparks yet another byelection. Larry Brock, the Conservative MP for Brantford—Brant South—Six Nations, announced he will step down next month, making him the seventh MP to exit Pierre Poilievre’s caucus. His departure will trigger an eighth upcoming federal byelection, three of which are scheduled for later this month. (The Canadian Press) 

📡 What else is on our radar:

Tariffs, inflation, and a sluggish job market: not exactly the ingredients for a thriving upmarket salad chain. And yet, Mandy’s is expanding fast, with a loyal customer base that will happily pay up. Here's how Mandy's Salads turned romaine tossed in garlicky dressing and topped with chicken into an “accessible luxury” made for our times.

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