How to survive and thrive in today's restaurant industry - Calgary - Canada's Entrepreneur

Ryan Blackwell is a Calgary chef and restaurateur known for concept-driven menus and polished, approachable cooking. Raised in Cochrane and trained at SAIT, Blackwell sharpened his craft in Vancouver’s restaurant scene, including a turn as chef de cuisine at the acclaimed Bin 941, before returning home to open Elbow Room in Britannia in 2017 with partner Josh Brennand. The restaurant earned quick acclaim, landing in Avenue’s "Calgary’s 25 Best Restaurants" and on OpenTable’s national "100 Best Restaurants for a Big Night Out." Since then, Blackwell has helped shape several Beltline concepts, founding Sensei Bar in 2021 and later leading the culinary program at Olea, an all-day café and bar inspired by Mediterranean coastal cooking. His current remit spans culinary director and partner roles across Olea and sister venues, where menus lean into handmade pastas, local market produce, and shareable plates that balance comfort and flair. His kitchens favour seasonality, clear flavours, and hospitable service, reflecting a belief that memorable dining should feel both special and easy to love. Stay Connected with #CanadasEntrepreneur! Join our growing community of entrepreneurs across Canada! Don't miss out on inspiring interviews, expert insights, and the latest business trends from the people shaping the future of our economy. 👉 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@CanadasEntrepreneur 🌐 Explore more on our website: https://canadasentrepreneur.com 💼 Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canadas-entrepreneur 📸 Follow behind-the-scenes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canadasentrepreneur 👍 Stay in the loop on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/canadasentrepreneur 🐦 Join the conversation on X: https://x.com/CanadasPreneur 💡 Want exclusive updates on the latest #entrepreneur podcasts and news? Make sure to subscribe and never miss a beat! Your support helps us continue bringing you the best stories from Canada’s top business leaders.