Tim Hortons, Harvey’s, and Swiss Chalet are famous Canadian restaurants, basically woven into our national identity. But aside from these household names, there’s a surprising list of homegrown chains that people often mistake for American or international brands — sometimes even locals don’t realize they’re proudly Canadian. 

With Canadians showing a renewed appetite for shopping and eating local, now’s the perfect time to shine a spotlight on these under-the-radar favorites. Whether serving comfort food like classic poutine and smoked meat or global flavors like miso ramen and lamb shawarma, these brands have built loyal followings across the country, and, in some cases, around the world.

Let’s dig into 15 restaurant brands that are proudly, and maybe even surprisingly, Canadian.

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Top 15 Canadian-Owned Restaurants

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1. Kinton Ramen

Kinton Ramen may serve authentic Japanese ramen, but make no mistake — it’s a true Canadian original. Born in Toronto in 2012 and proudly operated by the Kinka Family, this homegrown gem has been spreading ramen joy one bowl of happiness at a time.

With over 40 locations across Canada (in five provinces) and one location in New York state, Kinton Ramen brings comfort to many through a fusion of Canadian spirit and Japanese soul food.

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2. Boston Pizza

Because of its name —and its 40+ locations in the United States and Mexico — Boston Pizza is often mistaken for an American chain. However, it’s firmly rooted in Canada. Its history dates back to 1964 when Gus Agioritis opened the first store in Edmonton, Alberta.

Together with Jim Treliving, Gus grew Boston Pizza to what it is today — a favorite pizza place for families and sports enthusiasts. During playoffs, expect its 365+ locations in Canada to be packed with sports fans enjoying pizza and beer while catching the action on huge high-definition screens.

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3. Freshii

Since it was established in 2005, Freshii has become synonymous with eating well and living healthy. Because its owner, Matthew Corrin, got the inspiration for the fast-casual chain from New York’s local delis, Freshii gives off an American feel. However, it’s truly Canadian at heart.

From a small restaurant in Toronto, Freshii now has around 500 locations across 17 countries. Its menu is expansive, serving fresh new dishes every 90 days aside from its usual bowls, soups, and burritos. 

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4. Mary Brown’s Chicken

1969 was the year when two savvy businessmen from Newfoundland took a giant leap for fried chicken. Taking on the offer of a proud husband to taste his wife’s homestyle chicken, they knew they struck fried gold. Mary Brown had, without a doubt, a winning recipe for juicy, non-greasy fried chicken. The two entrepreneurs bought the recipe, named the joint after Mary, and kicked off what would become a true Canadian classic.

Now, there are almost 300 Mary Brown’s Chicken locations coast-to-coast, serving the famous chicken and potatoes combo. Aside from being 100% Canadian-owned and operated, this chain also sources chicken and potatoes only from local Canadian farmers.

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5. Second Cup Coffee Co.

What started as a small kiosk in Toronto in 1975 is now one of the largest Canadian specialty coffee retailers. Second Cup Coffee Co. brews fresh coffee every day in about 200 locations across the country. Its cafes also serve a menu of food choices made fresh and delivered daily by local bakeries and food suppliers.

Coffee lovers worldwide can enjoy the Second Cup experience in global franchises in the UK, Egypt, France, and other countries.

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6. Montana’s

Montana’s has been serving Canucks its irresistible smoked pork ribs since 1995. Despite its name, Montana’s is 100% Canadian. It opened its first store in Oakville, Ontario.  

Today, it has around 94 locations across Canada, operated by Recipe Unlimited Corporation. It’s one of the best places to get juicy burgers and perfectly seasoned steaks.

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7. Earls Kitchen + Bar

Earls Kitchen + Bar is a Canadian premium casual dining chain that originated in 1982 in Edmonton, Alberta. It was founded by Leroy Earl "Bus" Fuller and his son, Stanley Earl Fuller, who aimed to create a relaxed burger and beer joint. Over the years, Earls has evolved into a sophisticated restaurant group known for its globally inspired menu and upscale, yet approachable, atmosphere. 

Earls has come a long way since its humble beginnings, now serving up globally inspired dishes at over 70 locations across Canada and the U.S. With a team of around 7,000 people, the restaurant continues to strike a balance between innovation and approachability — whether it’s through creative cocktails, locally sourced ingredients, or crowd-pleasing staples. Earls prioritizes sustainability, offering options like cage-free chicken and Ocean Wise seafood, and curating a strong team culture.

In 2022, Earls took a big step in shaping the Canadian dining scene by acquiring full ownership of Cactus Club Cafe, bringing two major names under one roof. Despite its growth and cross-border presence, Earls remains proudly Canadian at its core. 

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8. New York Fries

Don’t be confused — despite its name, New York Fries is proudly Canadian. It was founded in Ontario in the 1980s. 

New York Fries has 120+ locations in Canada where people can get their hands on fully loaded premium dogs, nacho fries, and poutine. Their famous skin-on fries come with a tasty lineup of dips — old-school classics like cheese sauce and sour cream, plus bold new flavors like chipotle aioli and spicy queso. Outside Canada, they have almost 30 stores in various countries like the US, Saudi Arabia, and India.

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9. Triple O’s (by White Spot)

Its menu of burgers, fries, and milkshakes makes Triple O’s seem like an American diner. But make no mistake, Triple O’s is a premium quick service restaurant founded in Canada.

Nat Bailey first served quick lunches on his 1918 Model T in 1928. Today, what he began as a traveling lunch counter in Vancouver has 70 stores in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario. Triple O’s has also started global expansion with several locations in Asia.

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10. California Sandwiches

Founded in the 1960s, California Sandwiches’ history is an inspiration to families growing their small businesses while keeping their values intact.

From the heart of Little Italy in Toronto, the Bertucci-Papa family began selling veal sandwiches to augment the income from their struggling grocery store. When the sandwiches became a hit among locals, the family turned the grocery into a sandwich shop. Now it serves a wide menu of homemade sandwiches in 14 locations across Ontario and Montreal.

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11. Osmow’s Shawarma

This Mediterranean quick-service restaurant chain is proudly Canadian. Sam Osmow, an Egyptian-Canadian entrepreneur, first shared the exciting flavors of shawarma with locals in Mississauga in 2001. From a small shop in Streetsville, Osmow’s Shawarma now has almost 200 locations in Canada and started its global expansion with its first US outlet in Miami, Florida. Today, it also serves American customers in a handful of branches in New York, Virginia, and Michigan.

Aside from its delicious shawarma, Osmow’s also offers pita wraps, salads, falafel, appetizers, and shawarma poutine.

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12. Booster Juice

While many people assume Booster Juice is American, it proudly hails from Alberta. Dale Wishewan, born and raised in Waskatenau, grew the brand from a small bar in Sherwood Park in 1999 to 450 locations across Canada. With its trademark registered in the US, the EU, UAE, and dozens of other countries worldwide, we’re likely to see this Canadian brand bringing its deliciously healthy drinks to consumers across the globe.

Aside from its wide selection of juice and smoothies, Booster Juice also offers food like wraps, paninis, quesadillas, and grab-n-go snacks.

To learn more about their expansion and operations, check out an interview we conducted with one of their franchise owners! 

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13. Pizza Pizza

Pizza is most commonly associated with Italy or the US. But Pizza Pizza is proudly Canadian through and through. Founded in 1967 by Michael Overs, it served its first pizza pan in Toronto. It now has 750+ locations across Canada, including more than 85 branches of its subsidiary, Pizza 73. They serve a delicious variety of pizzas, from classic cheese to unique specialty pies, and sides (wings, breads, and plant-based bites). 

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14. The Keg

True Canucks know without a doubt that The Keg is 100% Canadian. Though its warm wood interiors and sizzling prime rib might lead some Americans to believe it’s homegrown, The Keg proudly carries its Canadian heritage into every location. Founded in North Vancouver in 1971 by Canadian entrepreneur and former Olympic equestrian George Tidball, The Keg quickly established itself as more than just a steakhouse. It became a staple of Canadian dining culture. Later, under the leadership of fellow Canadian David Aisenstat, the brand underwent a bold transformation, growing into a chain of nearly 100 upscale steakhouses across Canada and the U.S.

Known for its perfectly aged steaks, classic cocktails, and welcoming atmosphere, The Keg has become a go-to destination for everything from intimate date nights to birthday blowouts. It’s a place where the service is polished, the ambiance is inviting, and the meals are memorable. Whether you're sharing a bottle of wine, digging into a tender filet mignon, or toasting to good times with friends, The Keg continues to deliver a premium dining experience — with unmistakably Canadian character.

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15. Moxies

Since its founding in Calgary in 1986, Moxies has evolved from a humble deli and diner into a prominent restaurant chain with 58 locations across Canada and the United States. Over the years, it has built a strong reputation for offering a refined yet approachable dining experience, where guests can enjoy high-quality food in a stylish, laid-back atmosphere. Moxies' globally inspired menu reflects a passion for bold flavors and culinary creativity, featuring everything from gourmet entrees crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients to vibrant salads, shareable appetizers, and indulgent desserts. Complementing the menu is an impressive selection of handcrafted cocktails, wines, and local brews, making Moxies a go-to spot for everything from casual lunches to celebratory dinners and late-night gatherings. With its contemporary décor, attentive service, and ever-evolving menu, Moxies continues to be a favorite among diners looking for an elevated experience without the formality.

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Push Local, Love Canadian

From cozy sit-down spots to crave-worthy fast casual favorites, these Canadian-born restaurants are serving up more than just great food — they’re dishing out a whole lot of national pride. You’ve probably grabbed a bite at some of these places without even realizing they started right here at home. Whether it’s a laid-back burger joint turned national name or a sleek spot shaking up the cocktail scene, these brands reflect the creativity and flavor that make Canada’s food culture so dynamic. So next time you eat out, consider going local — you won’t just be enjoying a great meal, you’ll be helping homegrown businesses thrive while keeping Canada's culinary spirit alive.

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