Franchise Canada January/February 2023 Supplement

Franchise with Canada’s Undisputed Fried Chicken Leader

70+ YEARS IN BUSINESS, approximately 27,000+ international restaurants in over 145 countries and territories, and more than $23 billion in yearly sales. KFC (a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc) is undoubtably the world’s largest, most iconic and most influential fried chicken brand and is steadfast in its drive for record growth. Opening a new restaurant every three hours globally in 2022 and achieving positive system sales growth secures KFC’s position as the fastest-growing chicken quick service restaurant (QSR) in the world. Here in Canada, KFC holds the crown as the country’s undisputed fried chicken leader, delivering the world-renowned 11 Herbs & Spices to Canadians for 65+ years through 630+ restaurants spanning across every single province and territory. The brand has clearly got a Finger Lickin’ good recipe for success.

KFC is not about novelty for novelty’s sake. KFC is an internationally recognized brand and the original fried chicken expert, with distinctive deep roots through its original founder, Colonel Harland Sanders. His Finger Lickin’ Good, Original Recipe for success is still at the core of the brand’s identity, which will

always be focused on serving handbreaded, 100 per cent Canadian farm-raised chicken, free of added hormones or steroids, with the same 11 herbs and spices that have defined the brand for generations. While holding true to its core, KFC continues to pioneer innovation and growth in parallel and strives to champion the future of food service while finding innovative ways to engage with all Canadians, everywhere, every way.

Digital is the way of the future, and the brand is prioritizing investments in high-tech, automationbacked smart kitchens, new order tracking systems, premium ordering kiosks, and a unique mix of access modes which support the brand’s innovative ambitions to lead the industry forward. Additional digital enhancements are also expected to the brand’s drive-thru service, its in-house and third-party delivery services, and its app-based ordering systems to ensure KFC is well positioned to continue serving Canadians through any circumstance. The brand also partnered with I-AM, a U.K.-based global design powerhouse sure to help leapfrog KFC into the future of restaurant design

through the development of a revolutionary, digitally focused, and omni-channel design prototype for new and existing locations.

Through its forward-thinking focus on restaurant expansion, restaurant design, digital capabilities, menu, and sustainability, plus a unique approach to franchisor-franchisee-community relationships, KFC has emerged as a premium, high-potential investment opportunity for the franchise community, and a preferrable choice for Canadian landlords, commercial developers, and real estate brokers.

If you’re looking for your next investment and are eager to own your own business, KFC Canada wants to hear from you. Ambitious hypergrowth plans in the Canadian market through 2026 include intensification and diversification of brand expansion strategies, which would see the introduction of new restaurant formats including flagship, urban-core, delivery/carry-out, and non-traditional models like gas stations, highway stops, airports, and campuses, all which present new and exciting high-potential investment opportunities for new partners of the brand. n

KFC is currently recruiting new franchisees in Quebec, British Columbia, Toronto, and all small-town markets nationwide. To join Colonel Sanders’ Canadian family today, visit KFC.CA/Franchise

FRANCHISING FINDS A WINNER WITH SCORE PIZZA

Unlimited toppings, stone-fired, and ready in minutes. It’s pizza, reinvented!

Pizza is Canada’s ultimate comfort food, but Score Pizza is redefining your typical pizza night. Score Pizza began in 2016 in Kingston, Ontario’s downtown, spending its first three years perfecting its systems and recipes before entering the franchising world. Score Pizza focuses on providing guests with a truly unique and customizable experience, allowing everyone to get exactly what they like. Choose from a selection of unlimited, fresh toppings, finish your thincrust pizza with one of our signature drizzles, and watch your pizza cook in our stone-fired oven and come out in just MINUTES! Pair your delicious pizza with an ice-cold beer, wine or choose from a selection of housemade beverages. At Score Pizza, there’s something for everyone!

Score Pizza is a Canadian-focused brand with special attention paid to allergies and alternative eating habits, from our house-made dough to gluten-free and vegan options, along with a delicious selection of stonefired sandwiches and build-yourown salads.

is a young and passionate team of industry leaders in the fast-casual and franchising sector.

Score Pizza is looking for likeminded individuals who are embedded in their community and want to share the theatrical, build-your-own experience with pizza lovers across Canada. Score Pizza offers advanced operational systems, tailored training programs, community-driven marketing, and experienced site selection and construction. As Score Pizza continues its Canada-wide expansion, we’re looking for operators who are excited about the brand and are looking to bring something new to their area. We’re excited to guide our franchisee through a system that celebrates individuality, believes in a community-based approach, and truly loves our stonefired product. Score your own franchise today!” n To

Score Pizza currently has 15 units across Ontario and Nova Scotia, and is growing across Canada. Score Pizza is looking for multiunit and single-unit franchisees, who are interested in serving their community the best pizza and customer service experience around. What separates Score Pizza from other pizza brands is its unique ability to serve a high-quality product in under 10 minutes. Score Pizza has a dedicated management team, with a combined 60+ years in restaurant management and leadership. Alongside the experience

Score Pizza is a fast-casual, stone-fired pizza concept seeking Score Pizza is a fast-casual, stone-fired pizza concept seeking passionate, qualified franchisees who are looking to build a passionate, qualified franchisees who are looking to build a successful franchise business with a co successful franchise business with a co Canadian brand. Canadian brand.

Score Pizza is creating craveable experiences by providing stone-fired, thin crust pizzas with unlimited toppings for on price, ready in minutes! With an open kitchen and bar concept you can watch as your stone-fired creation is made before your eyes. Score Pizza also offers fired sandwiches, build your own salads and house made lemonades. Pair your meal with urite craft beer or wine for a quick take-out experience.

Steven Vanloffeld

WingsUp! is a quick service takeout and delivery restaurant concept specializing in chicken wings and other comfort food items. For over 30 years, we’ve served countless consumers across Southern Ontario, and kept them coming back for more with our stellar service and delicious food. Our efficient economic model allows us to be the fastest-growing chicken wing QSR franchise in Canada. With 100 per cent of our locations owned by franchise partners, we offer an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to be leaders in guest satisfaction.

The dedication to always fresh, never frozen Canadian chicken is at the heart of WingsUp!’s success. The focus is, and always has been, on taste and quality, from their batter mix and blend of spices, to 18 sauce and seasoning flavours, right down to the finishing touches.

“Our model has always been a small footprint takeout and delivery concept,” says Darren Czarnogorski, President of WingsUp!. “We firmly believed that in both high and low business cycles, there will always be a demand for high-quality takeout and delivery comfort food. By offering a truly fresh and satisfying comfort food experience, we stand out from other restaurants in the take -

out and delivery space, and have carved out a very loyal following.”

WingsUp! evolved with consumer trends while remaining true to its vision of freshness, quality, and convenience. E-Commerce evolved the business and made huge changes to how it operates since its inception— most notably how customers place their orders. “As the market evolved, we noticed that less and less people interacted with us over the phone or in person,” says Czarnogorski. “With the new technology giants like Netflix and Amazon proving that people want to place orders online and consume them at their home, we understand that our customers are no different,” he adds, citing that 65 per cent of all orders currently come from online channels. “We expect that to grow to 90 per cent in the next few years.”

With 30 locations throughout Ontario, and seven new locations in various stages of development, WingsUp! is growing fast. “Last year, we opened 12 new locations in

Ontario and the good news is that we still have some prime territories available here, as well as our upcoming expansion into Alberta,” says Czarnogorski.

Franchisees are drawn to the concept because of the company’s dedication to fresh high-quality comfort food, small footprint locations, great online presence, and a profitable unit economic model. Everything starts with the training system. This is one of the most important aspects of the model, says Czarnogorski. “Training is the foundation of our business and sets the stage for the location’s performance.”

From day one, the team works together with its Franchise Partners to set them up for success. This includes regular guidance on local marketing, as well as ongoing operational support. Czarnogorski says the opening of every new store is exciting. “We love joining a new community, and the opportunity to connect with the people in a new area. We want people to feel at home at our locations. We find that our guests become very excited about our concept opening in their neighbourhood, and we’re always seeing locals pop in to see how we’re coming along during construction. Highquality comfort food is something everyone is passionate about.”

Take a Slice of These Two Franchising Opportunities

Become a part of a proven brand with a heritage of quality and success! Mamma’s Pizza has been serving the Greater Toronto Area since 1957, and is ready to expand its reign over the rest of Ontario and Canada. The brand stands the test of time because of its elite blend of tradition and technology. Combining cutting-edge space planning with design to be operationally efficient, leads to rolling out the red carpet for delicious slices and pies, made with the finest, fresh ingredients according to Mamma Lidia Danesi’s traditional recipes.

aged to support local initiatives in their communities.

Joining the Mamma’s Pizza franchise gives you access to internal recipes, procedures, training, a central customer help line, brand marketing, and the ongoing support of a dedicated and professional team that’s ready whenever you are.

Although takeout is the main vehicle for growth, sit-down restaurant options between 1,000 and 1,500 sq ft. provide flexible options for franchisees and clientele.

With plans to expand across Ontario, this is a prime opportunity for professionals in the restaurant space to fulfill their leadership potential. No experience? No problem! Mamma’s Pizza has a comprehensive training program for all franchisees that covers all aspects of managing a store.

locations throughout the GTA, and across Canada. Pizza Depot also features enticing, unique specials that push tastes forward like butter chicken, veggie deluxe, or tandoori chicken pizza, loaded fries, and its wings, with over 50 flavours to choose from.

Prospective franchisees can know that they’re supported by their franchise partners through all development phases, from the moment they sign on. The training process for Pizza Depot covers store operations, accounting for small businesses, customer service skills, sales, and marketing support, through the pre-opening and after the location opens, and the innovative store design keeps locations looking new and aesthetically pleasing.

Those recipes are the same now as they were when Mamma could be seen making pizzas from a window in Toronto. Fresh dough is made daily, and is topped with fresh, homemade sauces and gourmet toppings, including specialty cheeses like goat, feta, and gorgonzola. The range of pastas, bowls, salads, and sandwiches rounds out their offerings.

Becoming a Mamma’s Pizza franchisee means being a proud supporter of national charity drives like Easter Seals, helping children with disabilities improve their quality of life. Franchisees are also encour-

Pizza Depot has been building a community around its delicious pizza and wings for over 20 years. This quick service operation uses strict guidelines for preparation, so every outgoing order has consistent quality throughout its wide franchise landscape. The in-store atmosphere is ideal for customers who wish to interact with team members at their chosen location face to face, while a robust network of stores means takeout and delivery are widely available, and creates opportunities for franchisee connections in communities all over Canada.

Franchising with Mamma’s Pizza or Pizza Depot means excellent potential for entrepreneurship and growth. Pizza Depot is a recognizable brand with over 40

Don’t have a location in mind? Pizza Depot has a site selection and development team scouting new locations, negotiating leases, and enlisting construction teams to finish the store’s interior and exterior to the Pizza Depot style.

Community is at the heart of the company, with Pizza Depot encouraging franchisees to participate in local charity events and seek out opportunities for giving back. Pizza Depot actively sponsors various sporting, cultural, and entertainment events. Connecting with the public is an essential element of Pizza Depot’s community culture.

For prospective franchisees with a passion for food, a drive toward entrepreneurship, and the desire to open their own restaurant, Mamma’s Pizza and Pizza Depot have opportunities for you. n

Steven Vanloffeld

Quick Service Restaurants: Fast and Fresh Franchising

The quick service restaurant (QSR) sector is reacting to the next wave of consumer desires, providing a range of options for prospective franchisees

Quick service restaurants (QSR), known generally as fast food, have undergone a lot of changes lately. That’s because they’re constantly updating their products and programs in response to consumer preferences and tastes. For example, as more brands and customers realize it’s possible to serve nutritious food with speed, the image of a tray full of fried fare is becoming a side choice, rather than an entire menu.

In Canada, the quick service industry is expected to grow to $56.9 billion by 2027, with Restaurants Canada predicting that sales at quick service restaurants will increase 14 per cent through 2023, and food service sales expected to grow to a record $86.3 billion, accounting for post-COVID demand.

But quick service restaurants provide more than just fast and easy meals; they’re a wide economic supplier, as well. Eighty per cent of respondents to a Restaurants Canada survey said they see fast food restaurants as a vital source of employment and an important source of first jobs.

Furthermore, new quick service formats promise franchisees plenty of options in this sector. Ghost or cloud kitchens, for example, allow multiple brands to operate under one roof with one employee, allowing consumers a range of choices while keeping rental and labour costs low for franchisees. Concepts like these

are expected to hold a 50 per cent share of worldwide drive-thru and takeout foodservice markets worldwide by 2030, according to Statista.

Paired with the pandemic-related increase in takeout apps like SkipTheDishes and Uber Eats, the quick service model is realizing new developments for success in a tech-forward future. But Canadian restauranteurs are becoming wary of third-party apps. In a survey of Canadian restaurant operators, 73 per cent responded that over the next five years, third-party delivery will continue to grow at double-digit rates, with a majority highlighting that they benefit from wider customer reach and easier ordering process. However, nearly three-quarters of operators rated experiences with third-party apps “poor” or “very poor” on account of high commission fees, according to MenuMag.

Quick service restaurants are also adapting to wellness culture. Beyond zero-sugar or glutenfree offerings, many takeout joints now offer alternative milks, plant-based meats, and even reduced salt options for health-conscious consumers.

Read on to learn more about the new developments in quick service and why prospective franchisees should consider investing in the QSR industry!

OPA! of Greece’s Next Generation

FOR 25 YEARS, OPA! OF GREECE, has been serving authentic Greek food across Canada. Founded in Calgary, Alberta in 1998, OPA! is celebrating their milestone 25th anniversary this year and continues to stay true to the philosophy that they built the business on—serving fresh, authentic dishes prepared with simple, nutritious ingredients. With a contagious energy for food and family, OPA! is now Canada’s largest and fastest-growing Greek food franchise, with more than 100 locations nationwide from British Columbia to Ontario, and multiple new locations slated to open in the next year.

OPA!’s franchise model is built around setting franchisees up for success, offering support, training, and guidance for owners, along with the established marketing and reputation

of the OPA! brand. The systems, knowledge, and tools needed to succeed are available to all aspiring franchisees with the drive and dedication to build their business. With a shared passion for preparing and sharing good food, OPA! franchisees play an important, hands-on role in the business at a local level, with many franchisees becoming multi-unit owners as they see the brand flourish under their care.

OPA! is always looking for new ways to innovate and offer additional value to customers and franchisees. New this year, OPA! fans can now place orders for takeout or delivery via OPA!’s new dedicated app. The app features a new loyalty program, that provides users with special

rewards and discounts, while encouraging repeat customers. The introduction of the OPA! app is indicative of the eatery’s desire to remain at the forefront of innovation, maximize convenience for consumers, and turn customers into fans through a positive brand experience.

OPA! remains excited to continue to pursue opportunities for further growth together with new franchise partners and other key stakeholders.

For more information, please visit https://opasouvlaki.ca/franchise/

A supersized sector

From April 2021 to March 2022, the food service industry at large saw pandemic shutdowns at a rate of 150 to 300 permanent closures per month:

Despite this: quick service restaurants in Canada experienced

8.2%

market growth in 2022 (Ibis World)

Canada’s quick service market is expected to reach $56.9 billion

by 2027 (ResearchandMarkets.com)

In 2020, the average Canadian got

6.3% of their daily food intake from quick service restaurants (BC FoodWeb)

Value-focused food service

But the economic outlook has consumers tightening their belts: 32 per cent of poll respondents say they’ll visit quick service restaurants “a lot less often” due to the increased cost of living. (Restaurants Canada)

Food prices have grown the most of all home goods through 2022’s major inflationary period.

Still, quick service restaurants’ sales are projected to increase about 13 per cent through 2023. (Restaurants Canada)

And forecasted to grow to $43.3 billion by 2026. (Restaurants Canada)

Food service sales overall are expected to grow to a record $86.3 billion, accounting for post-pandemic consumer demand. (2022 State of Online Ordering Report)

Consumers are focused on ‘ value’ more than ever, putting off luxury purchases and choosing less expensive brands. (Food Business News)

Serving it up sustainably

There’s also a small but growing drive for healthy and ethically produced foods: 29 per cent of respondents to a Restaurants Canada poll reported that healthy options are important.

16 per cent look for locally grown products, while 7 per cent seek out organic food.

Eating habits have also changed, post-pandemic, as customers demand healthier, nutritious options go hand in hand with convenience.

From diet culture to wellness: Alternative milks, plantbased meat, and reduced salt options everywhere, even zero-sugar soft drinks

Functional beverages: using CBD or adaptogens in a drink

QSR giants like Restaurant Brands International (Burger King, Tim Hortons) have implemented sustainable practices, switching to biodegradable plastic for kid’s meal toys by 2025 in Canadian Burger King locations.

RBI is also committing to eliminating deforestation from all their brand’s supply chains by 2030. (MenuMag)

FRESH IS TASTIEST™ is our philosophy at Sunset Grill. Our guests are loyal to our brand and love our food because we use the freshest ingredients, we cook-to-order, and source local products whenever possible. We provide a warm and friendly community atmosphere in our Californiainspired open kitchen restaurants.

For years, our owner-operators have enjoyed a healthy work-life balance with our oneshift-operation model. High profit margins (up to 20 per cent on net sales) lead to excellent returns and building of a saleable asset.

We set you up for success with our award-winning formula. Specialization in the marketplace, streamlined

operations, comprehensive training, ongoing professional guidance, exclusive territory, and low staff turnover are just a few of the benefits you’ll enjoy when you become a part of the Sunset Grill family of franchises.

The numbers speak for themselves—we’ve enjoyed consecutive years of same-store sales growth and are committed to continuing this trend with the introduction of delivery services and other technological innovations that will increase revenue and streamline the ordering process for our guests.

With 100 locations across Canada and growing, join the breakfast revolution today and let us find you a home at Sunset Grill. ■

Visit us: www.sunsetgrill.ca

Email us: franchising@sunsetgrill.ca

Call us: 905-286-5833

Sunset Grill. “A business that works for you.”

Delivery decisions

New concepts, like ghost or cloud kitchens, will become increasingly popular, providing several brands under one roof, and operating with a reduced footprint.

Delivery services are experimenting with the concept as well. SkipTheDishes rolled out Skip Express Lane this year, promising 25-minute deliveries of food, as well as household and grocery items. Skip Express Lane has launched in four provinces since starting in July 2021.

Food delivery services will

continued growth in this sector: Services like Grubhub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats mean that almost any restaurant can deliver.

73%

of respondents agreed that over the next five years, thirdparty delivery will continue to grow at double-digit rates.

When selecting somewhere to order delivery or takeout: (2022 State of Online Ordering Report)

27% of respondents turn to a logistics platform like DoorDash;

However, 74% of operators rated third-party delivery “poor” or “very poor” for high commission fees. (MenuMag) 21%

go to a restaurant’s website or app;

17% of consumers search for restaurants using a search engine;

13% go to a preferred restaurant directly.

play a vital role in the

with a recipe for success

for a communal feeling of success and achievement. With the Support Office’s help, franchisees and their staff have a leadership team ready to provide guidance and coaching through collaborative processes.

INGREDIENTS,

roots, and a Puro Promise, Pizza Nova is one of Ontario’s leading pizza franchises, with over 150 locations and concession stands. Great quality, consistent goodness, and a strong company culture makes a recipe for success.

Customers are the number one priority at all Pizza Nova locations. Offering a tailored customer experi -

ence allows for all customers to feel they’re part of the Pizza Nova family. Serving pizza and smiles throughout the province, the goal is to ensure customers feel valued.

Fostering a culture of family and togetherness, Pizza Nova franchisees are supported and valued in all that they do. Training is an integral part of the franchisee experience

Community involvement is a strong focus of the company. Giving back is important, and many members of the Pizza Nova family embody generosity through their work. Pizza Nova is a proud supporter of many charities, and franchisees give back to local organizations, staff, and clients. Having strong community ties gives purpose to franchisees, and it has become an essential element of the Pizza Nova business and culture.

Visit us: w ww.pizzanova.com

FRESH

Italian