Watching and wondering when and if Kawhi Leonard would leave the Raptors after winning an NBA Championship in 2019 was something of a citywide activity. People tried a lot of gimmicks, but the most popular was Ka’Wine & Dine. And, long story, short, it’s back.
With Kawhi Leonard returning to the Raptors this season, the fun and kooky Toronto tradition known is making a comeback. The campaign was launched by Raptors Republic in 2019, shortly after Leonard’s legendary Game 7 buzzer-beater against Philadelphia helped send the Raptors to the NBA Finals.
The idea was that Toronto restaurants would offer Leonard free food for life if he stayed with the Raptors. Hundreds of restaurants jumped aboard, proudly displaying Ka’Wine & Dine badges in their windows. And because this is Toronto, the offers quickly got a little out of hand. Along with free meals came promises of free rides, teeth whitening, a $3-million condo and, of course, his own plane.
“When we launched Ka’Wine & Dine in 2019, it was a love letter not only from Toronto, but Raptors fans around the world, to a player who helped give this city its very first NBA Championship,” says Raptors Republic producer and on-air host Esfandiar Baraheni.
According to organisers, one of the businesses to get involved is Aloha Day Spa, showing how the movement is already extending beyond restaurants.
Restaurants that want to participate can download the updated Ka’Wine & Dine badge and put it in their windows, then share the love on Instagram by tagging @kawineanddine.