Top 20 Restaurant Franchises in Canada in 2026

The Future of Restaurant Franchising in Canada Is Strong

Canada’s restaurant franchise market continues to show resilience — even in a high-cost, high-competition operating environment. The overall Canadian foodservice industry is forecast to reach USD 135.2 billion (approximately CAD 180 billion) by the end of 2025, driven by immigration, demand for convenience, and digital-first dining habits. 

Consumers want speed, consistency, and digital-first experiences. Franchise brands that deliver those reliably — while keeping operations lean — are best positioned for growth.

Below, you’ll find 20 franchise brands that stand out for their strong Canadian footprint, unit economics, market momentum, and franchisee support. Whether you’re an existing restaurant owner looking to diversify or an investor entering franchising for the first time, these are the brands worth your attention.

‍

What’s Fueling Franchise Growth in Canada?

Three forces are reshaping the Canadian franchise landscape heading into 2026:

Operational Efficiency

Canadian operators face tight labor markets, rising wages, and increasingly high occupancy costs. 

Franchises succeeding today are the ones that emphasize:

• Smaller, more efficient footprints
• Simplified back-of-house operation systems
• Drive-thru optimization
• Smart scheduling and labor tools
  

Digital & Automation

Digital ordering continues to grow rapidly in Canada’s QSR market, particularly among smaller chains and independents. Digital ordering is expanding at double‑digit rates, with delivery alone surging 13% in 2025.

Successful franchises leverage: 

• Kiosks and mobile ordering
• Delivery integrations
• Loyalty programs
• AI-supported restaurant operations for forecasting and efficiency

Quality, Speed & Consistency

Consumers want fast and consistent food, but they’re no longer willing to trade quality for convenience. 

The chains winning today offer:

• Fresh ingredients
• Simple, well-executed menus
• Strong culinary standards

‍

Top 20 Restaurant Franchises in Canada in 2026

From Canadian staples to global brands with strong Canadian economics, these 20 franchises combine strong brand equity, reliability, and long-term growth potential.
‍

1. Tim Hortons
‍

‍

Tim Hortons remains Canada’s dominant quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand, with more than 4,000 locations nationwide. Once challenged by operational and menu complexity, the company has undergone a significant modernization. Including redesigned store formats, expanded drive-thru and digital menu board installations, and enhancements to mobile ordering. Its revamped loyalty program now plays a central role in driving repeat visits, leveraging personalized offers and a growing digital user base to deepen customer engagement.

‍
Franchise Benefits:

• Strong Brand Equity: With nearly 100% brand awareness and one of Canada’s highest QSR visit frequencies, Tim Hortons’ name alone drives customer traffic.
• Category Leadership: Dominates the breakfast and beverage segments, accounting for a leading share of Canadian morning traffic.
• Operational & Digital Support: The expansion of mobile apps, loyalty integration, and modernization of drive-thrus (part of a 10,000-unit North American digital rollout) has streamlined operations and improved service speed.
• Growth Outlook: Tim Hortons is focusing on steady growth in Canada through new store openings, digital initiatives, and expanding underserved dayparts, such as afternoon snacks and cold beverages. As part of RBI’s (Restaurant Brands International) five-year plan, the brand aims for 5%+ annual unit growth and 8%+ system-wide sales growth, while continuing to strengthen loyalty and digital engagement. 

‍

2. McDonald’s Canada
‍

‍

McDonald’s Canada continues to leverage its strong national presence, operating over 1,400 locations across the country. The brand is modernizing the restaurant experience with self-order kiosks, customizable menu options, café-style dining areas, and optimized drive-thru operations. These upgrades enhance convenience, streamline service, and provide a more engaging customer experience.
‍

Franchise Benefits: 

• Global & National Brand Strength: Benefit from the well‑known “Golden Arches” brand, coupled with a strong Canadian market presence.
• Proven Operational Systems: Franchisees receive comprehensive training and access to streamlined operations, supported by a global infrastructure.
• Modernisation Focus: The rollout of the “Restaurant Experience of the Future” includes self-order kiosks, Create Your Taste builds, and incremental investment (~CAD $200,000 per restaurant) to upgrade existing units.
• Growth Outlook: McDonald’s Canada is actively pursuing growth via both renovation of existing units and new restaurant openings. Plans include incremental investment of around CAD $200,000 per store to modernize guest experience, and expansion into underserved markets across Canada.

‍‍

3. A&W Canada‍
‍

‍

A&W Canada remains a strong national player, with about 1,084 restaurants operating as of October 2025. The company continues to lean into its reputation for quality — offering premium ingredients and differentiated menu options — while driving growth through franchise expansion. A strategic redesign of its operating system is being rolled out to improve guest experience and operational efficiency. Meanwhile, the launch of A&W Rewards this year marks a push into the digital loyalty space to deepen customer engagement.
‍

Franchise Benefits: 

• Strong Brand & Market Presence: Over 1,060 restaurants and counting across Canada; awarded for franchise excellence by the Canadian Franchise Association.
• Proven Support System: Franchisees receive turnkey development assistance, marketing support, operations training, and favourable financing relationships.
• Investment Transparency & Flexibility: Initial equity requirement is about 35% of total investment (approx. CAD $400,000–$700,000), depending on format.
• Growth & Innovation Roadmap: While the brand is forecasting 1,085 to 1,100 restaurants by the end of 2025, the brand's growth expansion focuses on new store formats and coffee/pastry outlets primarily in Ontario and Quebec. 

‍‍

4. Pizza Pizza
‍

‍

Pizza Pizza is a long‑standing Canadian quick-service pizza chain with 694 restaurants in its core royalty pool as of 2025. Known for its strong franchising model, Pizza Pizza provides extensive support to its operators and benefits from a stable royalty‑pool infrastructure. The company intends to continue expanding its traditional store network by 2–3%, while also investing in renovation to improve the guest experience.
‍

Franchise Benefits: 

• Established National Brand: With a long history and strong recognition, Pizza Pizza offers franchisees the advantage of a trusted name. The company was recently honoured with the Canadian Franchise Association “Franchisees’ Choice” designation for franchisee satisfaction.
• Comprehensive Training & Support: Franchisees benefit from an 8‑10 week training course covering kitchen operations, management, and staff training; and the franchisor handles supply chain logistics and regional operational support.
• Strong Growth & Marketing Support: The brand actively invests in marketing, sports partnerships (e.g., major arena and team tie‑ins), and offers high‑visibility site selection for take‑out/delivery formats. 
• Growth Outlook: Pizza Pizza is aggressively targeting growth, particularly in under‑penetrated regions of Western Canada (adding 25+ locations recently in that region) and prioritizing delivery/takeout formats. 

‍‍

5. Boston Pizza
‍

‍

Boston Pizza is Canada’s largest full‑service casual‑dining brand, with over 360 locations nationwide. The brand combines a family‑friendly dining experience with a lively sports‑bar atmosphere, robust take‑out and delivery options, and seasonal patio service. Its broad menu, multi‑day‑part appeal, and strong brand recognition make it a top choice for franchise investors seeking stable revenue and operational support.
‍

Franchise Benefits: 

• Strong Canadian Brand & Proven Track Record: Ranked #1 in Canadian casual dining; awarded “Best Managed Company” for 30 consecutive years.
• Franchisee Support & Low-Cost Advantages: Comprehensive training, award-winning marketing programs, food-cost efficiencies, and no royalties on alcohol sales.
• Multi‑Revenue Streams: Franchisees benefit from multiple dayparts (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and sports-bar evening traffic) and diverse service channels (dine-in, take-out, delivery, catering), enhancing average unit sales and reducing dependency on a single revenue source.
• Growth Outlook: Boston Pizza is expanding via smaller-format prototypes (~4,100 sq ft) for underserved markets, while maintaining strong same-store performance and pursuing new opportunities in Ontario, Eastern Canada, and non-traditional venues like hotels.

‍

6. Harvey’s
‍

‍

​Harvey’s is a quintessential Canadian burger chain, operating around 293 locations across the country. The brand is built on its signature flame‑grilled burgers, “your way”, with a generous garnish bar that lets each customer personalize their meal. Harvey’s invests in standardized training, centralized supply chains, and technology upgrades like POS and kitchen display systems. Ongoing improvements in kitchen workflows and store layouts help ensure faster, more consistent service, allowing Harvey’s to maintain high quality and a strong local identity across its network
‍

Franchise Benefits: 

• Canadian‑First Quality and Customisation: Franchisees tap into a brand known for using 100 % Canadian beef, chicken, potatoes, and dairy, and a “your burger, your way” model that differentiates in the burger market.
• Brand Strength & Marketing Momentum: Dedicated national partnerships, such as being the Official Hamburger of the NHL in Canada, boost brand visibility and traffic.
• Conversion & Growth Friendly Model: Harvey’s offers conversion opportunities for existing restaurants and a variety of footprint formats (drive‑thru, freestanding, non‑traditional), enabling franchisees to align with diverse real‑estate scenarios.
• Growth Outlook: Harvey’s targets opening around 500 additional locations across Canada over the next 5–10 years, with strategic emphasis on under‑penetrated markets (e.g., Quebec, Western Canada), modernised formats, and expanded drive‑thru presence. 

‍

7. KFC Canada
‍

‍

KFC Canada, part of the global KFC network, is a long‑established fried‑chicken QSR brand in Canada with over 600 restaurants and representation in all provinces and territories. To stay competitive, KFC Canada invests in operational excellence through restaurant refreshes, digital ordering and kitchen optimization systems, and streamlined workflows that improve speed and consistency. The chain also emphasizes sustainability, with a commitment to 100% home-compostable packaging by 2025. These efforts enable KFC Canada to deliver high-quality service, innovate locally, and remain agile in Canada’s fast-paced QSR landscape.
‍

Franchise Benefits: 

• Iconic Global & Canadian Brand with Strong Customer Loyalty: With operations in 150+ countries and a 65‑year presence in Canada, franchisees benefit from both global recognition and local relevance.
• Tailored Real Estate & Format Flexibility: The chain is rolling out smaller‑footprint formats (1,000–2,000 sq ft) and non‑traditional units (gas stations, highway stops, airports) to adapt to high‑traffic, compact sites — helping reduce build‑out cost and accelerate development.
• Strong Operational Support & Supply Chain Leverage: Franchisees receive support for site selection, construction/design, training, supply chain integration, and marketing. This centralized support aids new investors in achieving faster ramp‑up and operational efficiency.
• Growth Outlook: KFC Canada is pursuing a diversified and accelerated expansion strategy, including the rollout of smaller‑format and non‑traditional sites, capitalizing on digital‑ordering growth, and targeting under‑penetrated markets across Canada to drive net‑restaurant growth above the brand’s historical average. 

‍‍

8. Subway Canada
‍

‍

Subway Canada is part of a global quick‑service sandwich brand, with approximately 2,900‑3,100 locations nationwide. Known for its fresh, customizable submarine sandwiches, Subway offers franchisees a flexible footprint — from traditional storefronts to non‑traditional formats like airports and college campuses — making it a popular entry in the QSR franchise space.
‍

Franchise Benefits: 

• Global Brand Reach & Canadian Presence: With over 37,000 restaurants worldwide and near‑universal brand awareness in Canada, franchisees gain strong visibility and customer familiarity. 
• Lower‑Cost Entry & Flexible Formats: Initial investment ranges from about CAD $150,000–$328,700, with a franchise fee around CAD $15,000; the model supports small‑footprint and non‑traditional sites, reducing overhead and enabling quicker ramp‑up.
• Scalable Multi‑Unit Opportunity: Corporate encourages multi‑unit, area‑developer formats and provides training, site‑selection support, and operational systems, enabling franchisees to grow portfolios rather than just a single location.
• Growth Outlook: Subway Canada is executing a growth plan centred on expanding into underserved markets and increasing non‑traditional formats, including airports, travel stops, and campuses, while modernizing existing restaurants and leveraging digital ordering to drive higher sales per unit. 

‍‍

9. Domino’s Pizza Canada
‍

‍

Domino’s Pizza Canada operates over 630 locations nationwide, leveraging one of the world’s most recognized pizza brands. The chain excels in delivery and digital ordering, with a robust app, online ordering platform, and real-time tracking that streamline operations and enhance customer convenience. Domino’s also invests in kitchen efficiency, store layout optimization, and process standardization, ensuring consistent quality and faster service across its network. Combined with targeted menu innovations and promotional offerings, these operational strengths allow Domino’s Canada to maintain its competitive edge in the fast-moving Canadian QSR landscape.
‍

Franchise Benefits: 

• Proven operational model & delivery‑first system: Franchisees gain access to a highly refined global platform including a best‑in‑class online/mobile ordering system and efficient delivery infrastructure, helping to boost operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Digital capability and marketing support: The brand provides strong marketing support (national campaigns, digital tools) and technology infrastructure that reduces the burden on franchisees and elevates brand performance. 
• Relatively moderate investment entry and flexible format options: While the initial franchise fee is around CAD $25,000; total investment in Canada is broadly in the CAD $250,000–$500,000 range (depending on format) with ongoing royalties of ~5.5% of gross sales and an advertising fund of ~4%.
• Growth Outlook: Domino’s is doubling down on digital delivery expansion and underserved markets in Canada, including a strategic partnership with DoorDash to broaden delivery reach and capitalize on new customer channels, which positions franchisees to benefit from incremental sales growth.  

‍

10. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
‍

‍

Popeyes Canada has rapidly scaled its footprint, with over 350 Canadian restaurants. The brand is known for bold Louisiana-style flavors across fried chicken, tenders, seafood, and seasoned sides, appealing strongly to Canadian consumers. On the operations side, Popeyes Canada emphasizes modern QSR formats, streamlined kitchen workflows, and digital ordering systems to ensure fast, consistent service. Strategic location expansion and menu innovation further reinforce the brand’s growth, allowing Popeyes to maintain high-quality offerings while scaling efficiently across Canada.
‍

Franchise Benefits: 

• Distinctive Brand & Menu Appeal: Franchisees benefit from a widely‑recognized global chicken QSR brand that differentiates via flavor and taps into the high‑growth premium chicken market in Canada.
• Proven Growth & Format Flexibility: With aggressive expansion underway, the structure supports both freestanding drive‑thru formats and smaller footprints, with guidance on site selection and build‑out. 
• Strong Support Systems: Franchisees access a global supply‑chain, comprehensive operations training, marketing campaigns, and construction innovations that reduce build‑time and cost. 
• Growth Outlook: Popeyes Canada is positioned for significant expansion across Canada, particularly in under‑penetrated regions (Western Canada, Atlantic Canada), while leaning into digital ordering, delivery, and streamlined store formats to capture increasing demand for chicken QSR. 

‍

11. Freshii
‍

‍

Freshii is a Toronto-founded fast-casual brand that offers highly customizable salads, bowls, wraps, soups, and smoothies. The chain emphasizes accessible, fresh nutrition, positioning itself to meet the growing demand for healthy convenience among consumers. According to recent data, there are 256 Freshii restaurants in Canada, across 9 provinces and territories, with dense coverage in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta. Freshii leverages its health-led concept through a constantly evolving menu, eco-conscious practices like compostable packaging, and a streamlined operational model that accelerates build-out and keeps operating costs lean.
‍

Franchise Benefits: 

• Strong Wellness-Oriented Positioning: Franchisees tap into the growing “better‑for‑you” consumer trend with a brand built around fresh ingredients and convenience. 
• Lower Footprint & Streamlined Operations: The model supports smaller formats (~900‑1,200 sq ft) and non‑exhaust build requirements, which can reduce build‑out complexity and cost. 
• Comprehensive Franchisee Support: Includes training, national digital/marketing programs, technology integration (mobile ordering, loyalty), and global supply‑chain leverage. 
• Growth Outlook: Now part of Foodtastic Inc.’s portfolio, Freshii is poised for growth through new unit roll‑outs, repositioning of under‑performing sites, deeper health‑food market penetration, and a push toward multi‑unit franchisees and international expansion.

‍‍

12. MUCHO Burrito
‍

‍

MUCHO Burrito is a Canadian‑founded fast‑casual Mexican‑inspired brand (est. 2006) with more than 145 locations coast to coast. Known for its “Modern Mexicana” philosophy, fresh ingredients, fire‑roasted techniques, and bold flavor, the brand appeals to diners looking for something more premium than typical QSR. Operationally, MUCHO differentiates itself by striking a balance between quality and speed. Its open layout provides ingredient visibility, and its staff are trained to deliver both efficiency and theatre in meal preparation. 
‍

Franchise Benefits: 

• Fresh, Innovative Menu: Plant-based and fire‑roasted options keep the menu exciting and attract repeat customers. 
• Strong Franchise Support: Franchisees receive guidance on site selection, build-out, training, marketing, and supply-chain discounts. 
• Moderate Investment: Initial investment ranges CAD $425,000–$845,500, depending on location size and format.
• Growth Outlook: MUCHO Burrito is planning rapid expansion across Canada and into the U.S., using its premium Mexican positioning, new menu innovations, and flexible development model to grow in both traditional and non‑traditional locations. 

‍

13. Mary Brown’s Chicken Canada
‍

‍

Mary Brown’s Chicken is Canada’s largest home‑grown quick‑service chicken brand, founded in 1969 and now operating 290‑plus locations across the country. The brand stands out for its “hand‑cut & hand‑breaded” chicken and taters made in‑store from Canadian‑sourced ingredients. Operationally, Mary Brown’s combines its Canadian sourcing strategy with proprietary cooking systems that seal in flavor and ensure consistency across its growing network.

‍
Franchise Benefits: 

• Distinct Canadian Brand & Menu Differentiation: Franchisees gain a national brand that emphasises Canadian‑grown chicken and potatoes, which resonates with local consumers and drives loyalty.
• Turn‑key Growth Model with Proven Support: From site selection through to ongoing operations, training, supply chain, and marketing support are built‑in — helping newcomers ramp up faster and more reliably.
• Flexible Formats with Strong Upside: Stand‑alone units with drive‑thrus, food‑court model, and grocery‐anchor sites allow franchisees to tailor the investment size and site type to their market and budget.
• Growth Outlook: Mary Brown’s is gearing for significant expansion in Canada and globally, as the brand is actively pursuing under‑penetrated Canadian territories (especially Western Canada & Maritimes) and launching new formats (including locations inside Walmart).

‍

14. Booster Juice
‍

‍

Booster Juice is Canada’s original smoothie and juice bar, founded in 1999 and now operating over 450 locations nationwide. It has carved out a strong niche catering to health- and convenience-minded consumers, offering a powerful entry point for franchisees seeking a smaller-footprint, high-growth concept. Operationally, Booster Juice excels by combining a compact, flexible store footprint (spaces as small as 150 sq ft) with efficient workflows and strong digital capabilities. Their system has consistently delivered double-digit year-over-year growth over the last decade, outperforming average QSR growth. 
‍

Franchise Benefits: 

• Strong Brand Recognition: Booster Juice boasts more Canadian units than all its direct competitors combined and enjoys high brand visibility across age groups 15‑35. 
• Smaller Investment & Versatile Formats: With turnkey store costs ranging from approximately CAD $399,000–$455,000, and flexible formats (mall kiosks, food courts, strip plazas, airports), ideal for lower build‑out and quicker break‑even.
• Built‑In Franchise Support: From site selection through store launch, training, marketing programs, and a central supply‑chain, Booster Juice provides end‑to‑end support.
• Growth Outlook: Booster Juice is on track to open 40 new stores in 2026, continuing the steady expansion trend. 

‍

15. Bento Sushi
‍

‍

Bento Sushi, now rebranded as Bento Brave, is Canada’s largest and most recognized quick‑service sushi company, founded in Toronto in 1996. The brand operates over 950 locations across grocery stores, food courts, universities, hospitals, airports, and other non-traditional venues. Bento serves more than 34 million sushi portions annually, underscoring its scale and popularity. Bento leverages centralized production and scale to drive consistency, efficiency, and rapid expansion, while its recent rebrand reinforces its modern, vibrant, and accessible sushi proposition.
‍

Franchise Benefits: 

• Highly Scalable and Flexible Formats: Bento operates in mall food courts, groceries, airports, and kiosks (as small as 250 sq ft) — enabling lower build‑out costs and easier site approval.
• Support & Proven Systems: Franchisees receive comprehensive training, a fully developed operations platform, assistance with development, and ongoing corporate support.
• Growth Outlook: The brand is actively rebranding and is entering a new phase under its “Bento Brave” rebrand, and plans to expand aggressively across Canada and the U.S., leveraging its versatile formats and retail‑partner network in grocery stores, universities, and airports.

‍

16. St. Louis Bar & Grill
‍

‍

St. Louis Bar & Grill is a 100% Canadian‑owned casual dining brand known for its signature wings, garlic dill sauce, and sports‑bar vibe. The brand operates approximatel 82 locations across Canada. Operationally, St. Louis emphasizes consistent food quality, efficient kitchen workflows, and engaging in-restaurant experiences, combining classic comfort food with a vibrant sports-centric environment. The chain continues to modernize select locations and integrate technology to enhance ordering, delivery, and guest engagement, maintaining relevance in a competitive casual dining landscape.
‍

Franchise Benefits: 

• Strong Local Appeal: As a home‑grown chain, franchisees benefit from a familiar brand identity and loyal customer base seeking wings, pizza, and a friendly neighbourhood atmosphere. 
• Proven Revenue Mix & Operational Advantage: The brand leverages an industry‑leading food-to-beverage ratio (~56:44) and strong draught beer sales per square foot (especially in Ontario), which contributes to higher average tickets and margin‑supporting operations. 
• Support & Emerging Growth Model: Franchisees get full training, supply-chain access, and brand refresh support. The “second-generation restaurant” strategy (converting existing sites) reduces build-out costs and improves returns.
• Growth Outlook: St. Louis Bar & Grill is expanding coast‑to‑coast, targeting underserved provinces like Atlantic Canada and Western Canada. With its refreshed brand design and strategic growth model, the chain is positioned for accelerated expansion through 2026 and beyond.

‍

17. Five Guys Canada
‍

‍

Five Guys Canada is part of the globally recognized burger chain, founded in 1986, with approximately 71 locations in Canada as of February 2025. The brand is celebrated for its simple, high-quality menu, including hand-formed burgers and fresh-cut fries cooked in peanut oil, and for delivering a premium customer experience. Operationally, Five Guys emphasizes consistency, freshness, and speed, with streamlined kitchen workflows and open layouts that allow guests to see their food being prepared, thereby reinforcing trust and brand loyalty.
‍

Franchise Benefits: 

• Premium Brand & Product Differentiation: Franchisees leverage a brand renowned for fresh, never-frozen beef, simple menus, and high customer loyalty, which reduces marketing risk and drives repeat business. 
• Proven Operational Model: Comprehensive training, standardized processes, and centralized support help franchisees operate efficiently, shorten ramp-up time, and maintain consistent quality. 
• Predictable Unit Economics: Streamlined menu and defined store formats lower operational complexity, simplify staffing, and make sales more predictable.
• Growth Outlook: Five Guys Canada continues to grow selectively in high-potential locations and through multi-unit operators, with opportunities to enhance existing units with drive-thru, digital ordering, and delivery channels, maximizing revenue per location.

‍

18. Tahini’s
‍

‍

Tahini’s is a rapidly growing Canadian quick-service chain specializing in bold Mediterranean fusion cuisine, founded in 2012. As of mid-2025, the brand operates over 60 locations across Canada, with ambitious growth plans to reach 100 units by the end of the year. Known for its inventive shawarma bowls, fusion sandwiches (like the Korean BBQ and Jamaican Jerk Shawarma), and fresh ingredients, Tahini’s appeals to flavor-seeking, health-conscious diners. Operationally, the company emphasizes efficient store formats, strong franchise development, and a scalable expansion model, having recently opened new locations in Ontario (e.g., Queen & Spadina, Toronto) and the Vancouver area.
‍

Franchise Benefits: 

• Distinctive menu: Tahini’s combines Mediterranean fusion with bold flavors (Korean BBQ Shawarma, Jamaican Jerk Shawarma) that set it apart from other QSRs and appeal to health-conscious and adventurous eaters.
• Flexible Format & Real‑Estate Options: With locations opening in diverse settings (downtown Toronto, suburban plazas, and Western Canada), the brand supports multiple formats, making it easier for franchisees to find suitable sites across markets.
• Operating Support: Tahini’s emphasizes modern branding (nearly 2 billion social‑media views), comprehensive franchisee training, and system support — enabling quicker ramp‑up for new operators.
• Growth Outlook: Tahini’s is targeting aggressive expansion in Canada and internationally, focusing on underserved Canadian regions (e.g., Western Canada and Atlantic provinces), while also entering the U.S. market. This growth strategy positions franchisees to benefit from early entry in new markets and share in scaling advantages.

‍

19. Blaze Pizza
‍

‍

Blaze Pizza is a fast‑casual pizza brand known for its made‑to‑order, artisanal pizzas cooked in a blazing fire‑deck oven in approximately 180 seconds. The US chain now has a global presence, and in Canada, it operates about 15 restaurants across five provinces. Despite its modest footprint in Canada, Blaze leverages a strong international brand and a premium positioning with fresh dough (made in-house), customizable toppings, and high-quality ingredients. Operationally, it emphasizes speed and transparency where guests customize their pizzas as “Pizzasmiths, build them in an open kitchen, and then fire them in a high-temperature oven for fast turnaround. The brand also underscores sustainability in its design, using eco‑friendly materials and packaging in many Canadian locations
‍

Franchise Benefits: 

• Quality & Customization That Stands Out: Franchisees benefit from a brand that prioritizes fresh dough, high‑quality ingredients (no artificial colors/flavors), and customization, elements that differentiate from typical pizza chains.
• Strong System Support & Multi‑Unit Growth Friendly: The franchise model emphasizes multi‑unit operators, with training, site selection, and real‑estate support built in.
• Flexible Format & International Availability: Canada is listed as an available market, meaning growth opportunities exist for operators who can access the territories. 
• Growth Outlook: Blaze Pizza aims for rapid expansion, leveraging its digital operations, strong support systems, and global growth momentum to grow its Canadian footprint in the years ahead. 

‍

20. Chopped Leaf
‍

‍

Chopped Leaf is a Canadian fast‑casual chain specializing in customizable salads, wraps, bowls, and soups. It operates over 118 locations across Canada and the US, following a major brand refresh. The brand’s “feel‑good after you eat” philosophy is reinforced by its new interior design, lowered counters (so guests can watch food prep), and a warm, welcoming vibe. Operationally, Chopped Leaf prioritizes streamlined food preparation, consistent quality, and transparency, all while scaling efficiently through Innovative Food Brands’ support network. 
‍

Franchise Benefits: 

• Flexible, lower‑cost formats: The brand supports small‑footprint locations (mall kiosks, in‑line plazas) and non‑traditional sites, enabling reduced build‑out risk and faster ramp‑up. 
• Ease of operations & franchise support: With a streamlined operational model, full support in development, marketing, training, and IT, even owners without prior restaurant experience can get up to speed. 
• Multiple revenue streams: Franchisees can leverage dine‑in, take‑out, delivery, catering, and grab‑&‑go channels, helping diversify income sources and reduce dependency on one traffic type.
• Growth Outlook: Chopped Leaf aims to double its store count over the next several years, driven by national expansion, format flexibility, and strong growth in underserved markets across Canada.

‍

The Road Ahead for Restaurant Franchises in Canada

Canada’s restaurant franchise sector is on track for steady growth, with the overall Canadian foodservice market forecast to reach USD $135 billion (approximately CAD $180 billion) by the mid‑2020s and USD $300 billion by 2030 — driven by immigration, convenience demand, and digital‑driven dining habits. Despite rising costs and competitive pressures, franchise brands that focus on digital ordering, streamlined operations, and consistent quality are well‑positioned to gain share and profitability in this evolving landscape.

The 20 brands highlighted in this report represent both established Canadian icons and emerging growth challengers. Their success reflects a common formula: strong unit economics, forward-thinking leadership, and franchise systems that prioritize technology, training, and profitability.

Key Takeaways for Franchisees and Investors

• Brand & Performance: Recognition builds trust, but sustainable success comes from strong unit economics and consistent operations.
• Expansion Potential: Franchises with flexible formats and a digital-first approach are best positioned to grow in new and underserved markets.
• Operational Efficiency: Automation, scheduling, payroll, and reporting tools are becoming essential for managing costs and improving margins.
• Support & Adaptability: Top-performing systems invest in franchisee support, menu innovation, and remodel programs to stay competitive.
  
  

As the industry evolves, operators who leverage integrated workforce and operations platforms like Push gain a measurable edge, simplifying labor management, payroll, and compliance while unlocking data-driven insights for smarter decision-making. Schedule a free demo with Push to learn how automation and business intelligence can power profitability, efficiency, and long-term success across your franchise network.

‍