As Canada grows, so does its restaurant industry. This goes for standalone businesses but also (if not especially) franchises. Across the country, established and emerging brands work hard to master their craft, win over new customers, and introduce themselves to new markets.
In this article, we’re looking at a few of the fastest-growing restaurant brands in the Great White North, what makes them successful, and how you can find the right franchise opportunity for you.
Searching for the right opportunity? Explore for sale franchise restaurants in Ontario.
Fastest Growing Restaurant Brands in Canada
When most people think of franchises, they think of quick service restaurants (QSR) – and for good reason. A lot of Canada’s best franchise brands revolve around fast casual dining.
Here are a few Canadian restaurant franchises that are flourishing. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect opportunity to buy a franchise, you’ll want to take note.
Mary Brown’s Chicken
As Canada’s largest fried chicken QSR franchise, Mary Brown’s evolved from an East Coast staple to a nationwide powerhouse of more than 260 restaurants. Offering an extensive training and operational support program, it’s easy to see why Mary Brown’s franchisor-friendly model has helped propel the brand forward in recent years.
Edo Japan
Edo Japan has been serving Teppan-style Japanese food for nearly 50 years. However, the brand’s growth has skyrocketed to 200 locations in recent years after making a splash in new markets throughout Ontario and Eastern Canada. They offer great training programs and have a strong track record of supporting franchisees.
Pizza Pizza
An iconic Canadian brand, Pizza Pizza continues to grow and explore new markets. With 800+ restaurants across the country, a truly robust support network, and an endless amount of loyal customers, it’s not hard to see why Pizza Pizza is one of the most in-demand franchise brands in the country.
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Up and Coming Restaurants in Canada
These companies may not yet be on the list of Canada’s fastest-growing brands, but their future is certainly bright. If you’re on the hunt for a great franchise opportunity, these names should be on your radar.
Shelby’s Legendary Shawarma
Starting from a humble food truck in Lambeth, Ontario, Shelby’s Legendary Shawarma has steadily evolved into one of the best up-and-coming franchises in Canada – winning the support of hungry customers and industry veterans.
Welcoming new franchisees, Shleby’s is looking to partner with experienced players in the QSR industry who value brand integrity, operational efficiency, and providing a five-star customer experience.
Tahini’s
Another Southern Ontario success story, Tahini’s has grown from a hidden gem in London to a Canada-wide chain (with international expansion on the horizon). Tahini’s is passionate about serving up healthy, high-quality foods from the Middle East, combining authentic ingredients with customer-first service.
Built for growth, Tahini’s ideal franchisees are motivated, investment-ready, and understand the value of being a community pillar.
Which Franchise is Most Profitable in Canada?
Does brand profitability matter to an individual franchisee? Yes and no.
Here’s the thing – nothing is guaranteed in the restaurant industry. Franchisees, just like independent business owners, need to work hard, navigate adversity, and operate effectively in order to be financially successful. You may have a ton of support, but you’ll play the primary role in your own success.
Some brands boast higher revenues than others, but that doesn’t necessarily reflect your profit potential as a businessperson. That’s why it’s imperative to choose the right franchisor for you.
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How to Choose the Right Franchise
If you take one thing away from this article, it should be this: Canada is home to a wide range of top-ranked, fast-growing franchise brands. However, buying or launching a successful franchise business is about more than just the numbers. You’ll want to work with a brand that meshes with your business background and plans for the future.
Let’s say you’ve found a franchise opportunity that aligns with your goals. That’s great! But you’ll still want to do your due diligence. Begin by independently researching the brand: visit a location, explore their website, and seek out reviews and testimonials. If possible, engage with current franchisees to gain valuable insights into the realities of working with the brand.
Next, schedule a time to speak with the franchisor either on the phone or in person. You can learn a lot online, but there’s no substitute for human interaction. Ask about brand values, what kind of support and resources they offer, and what their royalties/fee structure looks like.
Start Your Franchise Journey
If you’re looking to buy a franchise in Canada, the best place to start is with a restaurant real estate agent, like us – Carve Real Estate. As industry-specialized experts, we know the best franchises in Canada inside and out.
In addition to identifying high-quality opportunities that match your goals, we’ll also guide you through the buying process from start to finish. This includes essential steps like acquiring financial and legal support, to navigating the key policies to disclosures surrounding the transaction.
Looking to buy a franchise? As experts in Canadian restaurant real estate, we’re here to help. Send us an email at ryan@carverealestate.com or give us a ring at 416-618-0054 to get started.
