Sunset Grill sets the standard for breakfast excellence and freshly-served philanthropy
By Gina Makkar
The Sunset Grill story began in 1985 when founder and CEO Angelo Christou opened the first location in a Toronto neighbourhood known as The Beaches. The restaurant’s simple philosophy—“Fresh is Tastiest”—quickly caught on. Before long, the place was packed with loyal customers lining up for breakfast.
Forty years later, Sunset Grill continues to thrive. Their commitment to fresh ingredients and great service has remained constant, proof that when you have a winning recipe, you don’t change it. “Everything is made fresh and prepared fresh daily, and I think that’s something that sets us apart,” says Vanessa Divers, director, marketing and communications. “We’re 100 per cent Canadian-owned and operated. Served by Canadians for Canadians. That’s the Sunset core brand.”
With 101 locations in three provinces, the brand has made a name for itself, but still has plenty of room to grow out west and throughout Ontario. “We’re looking to serve new markets and different provinces to become a true Canadian brand, stretching from coast to coast,” says Divers.
Making the world a batter place
Sunset Grill’s community spirit is woven into the fabric of its everyday operations. The annual Pancake Tuesday fundraiser is a hallmark event that began in 2009. Bruce Melhuish, former owner of the Blue Mountain, Ontario location, partnered with the Canadian Cancer Society to create a simple but powerful initiative: serve guests a stack of pancakes for just $1 per pancake, with 100 per cent of the proceeds being donated to the charity.
What started as a single-store effort has grown into a nationwide tradition, uniting Sunset Grill locations across Canada in a shared mission to give back—one pancake at a time.
“This year marks 15 years of celebrating the fundraiser, and this year we raised over $35,000,” says Divers. Over the years, the initiative has collected more than $250,000 for cancer research. “It’s great to hear from people who come in and support the event. They share their stories about how cancer has touched their lives and how fundraisers like the one that we do with Pancake Tuesday are so important in helping Canadians and their families and those living with cancer.”
Sunset Grill actively promotes its Pancake Tuesday initiative through a blend of traditional and modern marketing channels. In-store displays and signage garner the attention of regular customers, while social media campaigns engage a wider online audience. The brand also partners with local influencers to spread the word and build excitement within their communities. Additionally, Sunset Grill reaches out to local media outlets to secure press coverage, like live news segments.
The multi-channel approach ensures that Pancake Tuesday remains a highly anticipated and well-supported community event. “It’s really our franchise partners and their team members that are our brand ambassadors,” Divers says. “At the end of the day, they’re the ones who have the connections with their guests, and they’re the ones who use word of mouth or social media channels to get things out to the local community. It’s a team effort getting the word out.”
The brand’s social impact doesn’t end there. Franchise partners support a host of local initiatives, from sponsoring sports teams to local charity events and school fundraisers. “We also have some franchise operators that have partnered with local schools to provide free pancake breakfasts for children throughout the year. A lot of franchise partners are giving back on a daily basis, whether it be offering a free meal or a free coffee to someone who comes in. They are just so committed and embedded in the local communities,” shares Divers.
Sunset Grill has blossomed from its humble roots to become a leading breakfast franchise, and part of its success comes from recognizing the communities that helped them to grow. “We had to work really hard, and it’s important to give back where we can. I believe that personally, and I know we live and breathe that as a brand. We’re always trying to do what we can to support the people who have supported us over the years and kept their businesses afloat,” Divers adds.
Stacking success
Recently, Sunset Grill was awarded the Canadian Franchise Association’s Outstanding Corporate Citizen Award for 2025. The award is given to a franchisee who shows ongoing support for a community or social group, and winners are chosen based on their impact in the community. “We were so excited,” says Divers. “We wouldn’t be able to do it without our incredible franchise partners, our teams, our office staff, and everyone who has contributed to the Sunset Grill brand over the years. It speaks to our ongoing commitment to taking care of not only our guests but our community at large.”
So, who are the successful people behind the brand? When it comes to choosing franchisees, personality is key, especially in a breakfast environment where building relationships with guests is paramount. Not a ‘set it and forget it’ model, Sunset Grill looks for owner-operators who are hands-on and fully involved in every aspect of the business, from sales and marketing to kitchen operations and customer service. “We’re looking for well-rounded candidates to join our brand,” says Divers. “Our most successful operators are the ones who are present and who have built those personal relationships with the people coming through their door.”
Many franchisees started out as customers who loved the food and the experience. Over time, they decided to take the leap into business themselves, wanting to bring the same warmth and quality to their own communities. This organic growth has played a big part in Sunset Grill’s success, especially at the start.
For those with an enterprising spirit looking to invest, Sunset offers many benefits. “We’ve done all the heavy lifting for you,” says Divers. Every aspect of the business is thoughtfully planned out, from the restaurant design to the ingredients and materials used. They also handle purchasing negotiations to secure better prices on core products, helping franchisees save money. In a growing breakfast market with rising competition, Sunset Grill stands out as a reliable, trusted brand. Customers always know what to expect, making it a solid choice for franchisees.
Divers’ advice for franchise success? Be ready to commit. “You can’t walk into it and hope everything is going to work out. It requires a lot of hard work, but it’s very rewarding. At the end of the day, you can live a great life that has a great work-life balance and make connections in your community—but you have to have your heart in it.”
Learn more about franchising with Sunset Grill
