While some have thrived throughout the pandemic, it’s been a long and difficult two years for many franchise businesses in Canada, and the food industry is no exception. Drive-thru generally helped quick service restaurants fare better, for example, than many of those offering in-person dining. Recent numbers released by Statistics Canada, however, signal that the long-awaited return to normalcy might finally be here. This past March saw Canadian restaurant sales surpass pre-pandemic levels, with a 4.9 per cent increase over March 2019. The $6.8 billion in sales also represents a 35 per cent increase over March 2021, and a 62.9 per cent increase over March 2020.
This welcome return to restaurants brings a new challenge for food franchises, on top of the inflation and staffing issues facing all businesses: how do they adjust their offering for in-restaurant diners, while also continuing to serve the customers who have come to rely on delivery? This Food Issue highlights the strength and resiliency of the Canadian food service industry as it forges forward and embraces these new challenges. Take the four established Canadian food service brands featured in our “Canada Strong Franchises” cover story, for example. A&W, Mary Brown’s, Recipe Unlimited, and Tim Hortons have found success through strong customer connections, and on page 25, we share how they maintained these connections during the pandemic, and how they plan to continue to do so going forward (spoiler alert: strong relationships and support for franchisees play a key role).
There are certain food categories that always hit the mark with Canadians, and pizza and coffee/baked goods are at the top of the list. On page 37, we highlight how three proven pizza brands are continuing to get this beloved food item to Canadians to satisfy their cravings, and on page 63, we take you on a tour of coffee and baked goods franchises that are helping Canadians get their caffeine fix, alongside tasty treats. However, Canadians are also open to trying new things, as evidenced by the success of the brands featured on page 55, which are bringing global tastes to restaurants across the country, including flavours from Mexico, Greece, Japan, and the Middle East.
Beyond featuring the available opportunities, we also want to share inspiring success stories from the franchisees who bring these brands to life in their communities. On page 82, we introduce you to Orangetheory Fitness franchisees Stephen Wilk and Dave Cannon, who had to pivot around pandemic restrictions right as they opened their doors, and now run a thriving location, through engagement with the local community. You’ll also hear from young Fuzz Wax Bar franchisee Alexia Pilla, who owns three locations in Toronto, thanks to a strong multi-unit franchise model (page 73). On page 79, Aisle 24 master franchisees Jessika Venne and Daniel Lambert
offer a glimpse into operating the unique cashier-less grocery business, while also working to develop franchises in the Quebec market.
It’s important to remember that franchising is so much more than just food businesses. While there are many
strong food service brands, you can also find franchises in all other industries, from automotive and cleaning services to salons and home improvement. As you look to pinpoint the right opportunity, we have the resources to help, starting with the article on page 31. Here we outline the pros and cons of emerging and established franchise brands: do you want to partner with a brand that’s still mapping out its path, or do you prefer to go the with a tried-and-tested system?
You can also visit LookforaFranchise.ca to explore franchise opportunities across a wide range of industries and investment levels, and head to FranchiseCanada.Online for more resources, including podcasts, video content, articles, and more. Don’t forget to follow the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok for the latest updates in franchising.
Through the appetizing opportunities, success stories, and expert advice provided in this Franchise Canada Food Issue, we hope we’ve given you plenty of food for thought as you consider your franchising future and look to make your business ownership dreams come true.
Sherry McNeil
President & CEO, Canadian Franchise Association