New Year’s Eve has come and gone, which means that thousands of Canadians nationwide are flocking to their local gyms looking to fulfill their resolutions. While gyms across the country do indeed see an uptick in membership throughout the late winter months, staying active is not just another flimsy New Year’s resolution for most Canadians. As a country, we are an active bunch year-round! According to Stats Canada, more than 16.2 million Canadians aged 12 and over reported participating in at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity per week. When it comes to making healthy food choices, Canadians are becoming more-and-more conscious of what they put in their bodies. This all adds up to what is a multi-billion dollar industry with endless franchising opportunities.
Staying active and eating right takes commitment. The March/April 2019 issue of Franchise Canada is all about the unique franchise concepts that help people make that commitment. From fitness centers to quick service restaurants offering healthy and nutritious food options, this issue is your guide to all the franchise industry’s Health, Fitness, and Wellness sector has to offer.
But first, in our cover story, we take an in-depth look at the evolution of an iconic Canadian brand. We feature the story of Second Cup’s growth from the 1970s to today, leading up to their recent announcement that they’ll work with National Access Cannabis Corp to develop a network of NAC-branded and operated recreational cannabis stores.
Throughout the rest of the issue, we look at how the franchise industry has caught on to health trends with a comprehensive offering of opportunities within the Health, Fitness, and Nutrition categories. If you’re ready to get started in franchising, with a keen interest in this thriving sector, than this is a must-read issue. In this issue, we profile three unique QSR concepts that are dedicated to serving delicious food built by wholesome ingredients. Then, we hear from a quartet of juice and frozen yogurt franchises for Canadians on the go, while taking a look at fitness centers across Canada.
In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, Franchise Canada recognizes the female members of the Canadian franchising community as we showcase 100 per cent female owned and operated franchise systems, along with three female franchisees making their mark in typically male franchise markets. And as always, Franchise Canada tells the stories of the great people that make the franchise model work, including Cotie Drinkwater, a millennial franchisee with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK , and Jody Anderlich, a first year franchisee with Lice Squad.com.
Whether you’re focusing on the Health, Fitness, and Nutrition space, or one of the many other established and emerging franchise categories, we hope that you use the tools, information, and franchisee insights in this issue to help you make your fresh franchising start a reality this spring.