Take a trip around the world with franchises inspired by international cuisines—grab your passports for a globe-trotting tour from India to Japan to Greece
By Stefanie Ucci
Take one look at your average mall food court, and you’ll immediately notice the wide range of cultures represented. From sushi to Italian staples, and from Middle Eastern fare to European pastries, almost every country (or at least continent) seems to be represented in one form or another—and if not at your local food court, then a quick scan of your favourite food delivery app will likely reveal a world of wonderful flavours.
International food brands, or those that take foodie inspiration from other countries, are rapidly becoming the go-tos for many Canadians’ to-go meal choices. Cuisines like Vietnamese have skyrocketed in popularity, due to its affordable price point and fresh ingredients. And the quick service restaurant brands included in this article are in sectors that are similarly booming. According to Smartscrapers, a restaurant data analysis firm, as of August 2024, there were 2,771 Indian restaurants, 820 Greek restaurants, and 2,813 Japanese restaurants in Canada—who knows where we’ll see these segments go in the future!
Here, we explore three brands that are pushing the boundaries of what quick service restaurants can offer: creatively elevated takes on cuisine from cultures around the world. Khaao piyo aish karo, meshiagare, and kali orexi! Or, in plain ol’ English, dig in!
CHASKA
Authentic Indian cuisine gets a modern twist in a fun and friendly atmosphere at CHASKA. Established by owner Naveen Seth, the name “CHASKA” literally translates from Hindi to “obsession”—with Indian dishes, that is—which is exactly what inspired him to open the doors to his business more than 10 years ago.
CHASKA is rooted in the promise to always provide premium-quality ingredients delivered using the authentic flavours of India, all presented in a modern and vibrant setting. “Our commitment to quality and authenticity sets us apart, providing a unique dining experience that resonates with a wide audience,” says Seth.
Based in North America, CHASKA is in an exceptional position to bring the richness of Indian cuisine to the mainstream population in Canada. But Seth knows that it’s also important to design a menu that appeals to a broad audience, including those unfamiliar with Indian food.
Franchises can be found in communities across Ontario that host a diverse mix of residents, and the brand aims to attract both Indian and non-Indian customers by offering universally recognized dishes like samosas and butter chicken as well as fusion items. Guests can also choose from build-your-own kathi or naan roll, customizable Chaska Creations, street food favourites, all-day breakfast, poutines, Indian-style pizza, and more. “By keeping our menu simple and easy to understand, we ensure that our offerings are accessible to everyone, regardless of their familiarity with Indian cuisine,” notes Seth.
With eight franchise locations, including a handful just about to open their doors to the public, CHASKA offers franchisees the opportunity to join a brand that truly has an ‘obsession’ with deliciously unique Indian cuisine. Franchisees should have a strong business background, attention to quality, and a commitment to customer service, says Seth. Ideal candidates are those who can manage operational costs, promote their brand locally, and have a vision for growth in their community.
“Success in the food business requires more than just a passion for cooking,” says Seth, adding that a unique advantage of CHASKA is that no chefs or cooks are required to be on staff. All food is delivered fully cooked from the brand’s central facility, so by following the standard recipe cards, anyone can be trained to assemble the dishes, thus simplifying the operational process for franchisees.
On top of this support, CHASKA also provides a comprehensive four-week training program, as well as ongoing marketing support, menu updates, and new product introductions. The business is continuously inspired by Seth’s passion for unique, modern Indian cuisine and his decades of experience in the food industry.
Menbow Ramen
Ramen lovers unite for a delight from Menbow Ramen! Offering quick, authentic, and easily accessible Japanese ramen to Canadians, Menbow restaurants specialize in using a traditional ramen recipe that comes straight from Japan. All dishes are made by Japanese chefs at the brand’s central kitchen.
Guests can choose from both tonkotsu (pork bone) and tori (chicken bone) broth, as well as a vegetarian soup base, which sets Menbow apart in its menu offerings. “We don’t use concentrated soup bases; instead, we use fresh bones to create our not-from-concentrate soup at our central kitchen and deliver it to each location. So, you’ll experience the true bone-soup taste,” says founder Bob Fang.
So, why is ramen such a powerful franchise investment in the Canadian market? “As a first-generation immigrant to Canada, I truly feel that we are lacking many international foods,” explains Fang. “Japanese ramen is booming all over Asia, Europe, and the U.S. I believe there is a huge market for ramen in Canada.”
Those interested in investing in Menbow Ramen should ideally have business experience and food industry expertise—both are assets to the success of the franchise. But Fang notes that two to three weeks of training can make it possible for anyone to become a Menbow franchisee, even without these specific requirements.
Both prospective and existing franchisees recognize that it’s having the power of an established brand behind you that makes franchising a truly exceptional choice for business ownership. As Fang notes, he would have been able to save a great amount of time and money if he had a mentor or a company helping him out during his first five years in the industry. Fortunately, the Menbow Ramen brand is now up and running and ready to welcome new franchisees to the team. “I suggest that any prospective franchisee ask if [they] are really ready to be a business owner and if [they] truly want to be a restaurateur,” says Fang. And above all, a love for ramen would help, too!
REBEL GREEK
What do you get when you combine traditional Mediterranean food with zingy comfort dishes from around the world? A delightful meal from REBEL GREEK!
Familiarity meets rebellion meets Mediterranean feasts at this franchise. It’s best described as “familiar, but not what you expect,” according to owner George Constantinou. “We take authentic Greek and put a twist on it. We’re very different, and there’s nobody doing what we’re doing.”
Guests can choose from options including classic Greek offerings like gyros that are elevated beyond their traditional form with jerk or Buffalo chicken, for example, and loaded Greek poutine. It’s a menu that definitely attracts a younger crowd of venturesome students and teens, but also sees a lot of families come through the door.
Constantinou is also stretching the brand’s offering outside of its restaurant doors with a slow and steady rollout of its products into grocery stores. These include its secret sauce, salad dressing, seasoning blend, and take-home jerk chicken gyro kits.
By staying true to its Greek roots, the cuisine remains traditional and original, but it’s also clean and simple, explains Constantinou. “There’s no additives and no preservatives. Everything is made from a four-ingredient base, made from scratch. That’s the simplicity and beauty of Greek food.”
Constantinou, who co-owns the business with his wife Angeline, notes that prospective franchisees should have a daring side when considering investing in REBEL GREEK. They are rebels, after all! “We absolutely went against the grain and did our own thing with the brand, and it’s succeeded so far. So, we’re looking for somebody who doesn’t want to follow a cookie-cutter concept,” he says.
Experience is always appreciated, and it goes a long way, but it’s not necessary to join REBEL GREEK. Some food and managerial experience would be great, adds Constantinou, but anyone with the proper passion and interest in the brand can be trained to succeed. They’ll receive support and knowledge from Constantinou, who brings previous franchising experience, having spent a decade as a quick service restaurant owner.
“One of our selling features is that we’re creating a franchise-friendly model with lower online royalty fees, so that franchisees can make money,” says Constantinou. Ultimately, he advises that prospective franchisees ask the necessary, educated questions before joining a franchise system. Do your due diligence and ask the proper questions, and you can be well on your way to franchise success.
