Franchise Canada July/August 2025 by Franchise Canada

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JULY/AUGUST 2025

COVER STORY

Wondrous Winners The 2025 Franchisee of the Year award winners share the magical secrets to their success

FEATURES

Grand Prize Brands The winners of the CFA’s Awards of Excellence share what makes their systems spectacular

Partners in Life—and Business Franchisees who’ve gone into business with their loved ones prove families that franchise together succeed together

Brands on the Run Remote and mobile-based franchises make business ownership flexible, simple, and scalable

www.cfa.ca | www.FranchiseCanada.Online

Investing in the Golden Years These franchise systems are providing integral support to communities across Canada with their Senior Services

The Tools You Need to Nail Local Store Marketing Insights and tips to elevate your marketing strategy with a focus on local communities

Tradeshow Like a Pro Top tips for navigating a franchise tradeshow

SPECIAL FRANCHISE FOCUS

Special Focus: CFA Award Winners Find out which brands took home the gold in the Canadian Franchise Association's annual awards program

Franchise Canada is published by the Canadian Franchise Association www.cfa.ca | www.FranchiseCanada.Online

DEPARTMENTS

HOMEGROWN & LOCALLY OWNED 100% Canadian Franchise Systems

MULTI-GEN MAGIC The Front Seat to Customer Service In search of their ideal lifestyle, Driverseat franchisees Glenn and Dana Clark have built a business on kindness, collaboration, and customer satisfaction

LEADERSHIP PROFILE Building a Fur-midable Brand E-commerce pioneer Tanbir Grover unleashes new potential for Pet Valu’s digital operations

THE FIRST YEAR Franchise Foundations Real estate businesswoman Mia Carrier is working with Choice Hotels to offer a “suite” new stay for visitors in La Malbaie, Quebec

A DAY IN THE LIFE Slice of Life Abdujabbor Mehrubonsho shares a bustling day in the life of a Pizza Pizza franchisee

ICONIC BRAND The Equation for Success Kumon’s self-propelled, incremental learning method is a lesson in investing in students’ futures

GIVING BACK Rise and Shine Sunset Grill sets the standard for breakfast excellence and freshly-served philanthropy

SEASON 9 IS NOW AVAILABLE!

SHOW ME THE MONEY 4 Franchises for $250K-$500K

FRANCHISE TUTORIAL Tutorials 1 & 2 This issue: • What is a Franchise? • Intro to Franchise Fee Fundamentals

COLUMNS

8 PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE 10 CFA CODE OF ETHICS 12 INDUSTRY NEWS 88 ASK THE EXPERTS 97 MARKETPLACE 101 ADVERTISERS’ INDEX 102 FRANCHISE ROUNDUP

LISTEN & LEARN

Tune in to the Franchise Canada Chats Podcast! Available on Google Play, iTunes, SoundCloud, and Spotify

FranchiseCanadaChats.ca www.youtube.com/ @CanadianFranchiseAssociation

Franchise Canada

July | August 2025

CFA BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD CHAIR Ryan Picklyk*, A&W Food Services of Canada PRESIDENT & CEO Sherry McNeil*, CFE, Canadian Franchise Association 1ST VICE CHAIR Todd Wylie*, Master Mechanic PAST CHAIR David Druker*, The UPS Store Canada SECRETARY & GENERAL COUNSEL

PUBLISHER

Canadian Franchise Association (CFA)

Darrell Jarvis*, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP

EDITOR Joelle Kidd

TREASURER Lyn Little*, BDO Canada LLP

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

CHAIR, FRANCHISE SUPPORT SERVICES

Alyssa Thulmann

Paul daSilva*, RBC

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andrea Lee

CHAIR, LEGAL & LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

ADVERTISING SALES Stephanie Philbin

Andraya Frith*, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP DIRECTORS

Andrew Arminen, Metal Supermarkets Jon Domanko, Restaurant Brands International Chuck Farrell, Pizza Pizza Dixie Ho, Mr. Lube + Tires Arno Krug Jr., CEFA Early Learning Scott McCannell, Foodtastic Ken Otto**, Redberry Restaurants Nathan Oxford, Jani-King Canada John Prittie, Koala Insulation Angela Rollins**, Great Clips Fiona Styant, CFE, MOLLY MAID Canada Cailin White, Boston Pizza Thomas Wong, CFE, Kevito Group *Executive Committee member **Franchisee Representative

The CFA wishes to acknowledge and thank these National Sponsors for their support throughout the year. Find out more about these companies at www.cfa.ca/sponsorship

AD COORDINATOR Andrea Lee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Georgie Binks, Suzanne Bowness, David Chilton Saggers, Hannah Foulger, Roma Ihnatowycz, Gina Makkar, Alya Somar, Kym Wolfe FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION:

Stephanie Philbin sphilbin@cfa.ca

TO SUBSCRIBE TO Franchise Canada

visit www.FranchiseCanada.Online

We invite your comments, questions and suggestions. Please contact us at editor@cfa.ca or cfa.ca/ franchisecanada/franchise-questions.

© 2025, Canadian Franchise Association. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher. Publications Mail Agreement No. 41043018

LAW FIRMS:

SHOWCASED FRANCHISOR:

6 Canadian Franchise Association www.cfa.ca | www.FranchiseCanada.Online

Legal Disclaimer The opinions or viewpoints expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA). Where materials and content were prepared by persons and/or entities other than the CFA, the other persons and/or entities are solely responsible for their content. The information provided herein is intended only as general information that may or may not reflect the most current developments. The mention of particular companies or individuals does not represent an endorsement by the CFA. Information on legal matters should not be construed as legal advice. Although professionals may prepare these materials or be quoted in them, this information should not be used as a substitute for professional services. If legal or other professional advice is required, the services of a professional should be sought.

Invest in premium early education. Why CEFA? With over 25 years of experience, CEFA has built a trusted and resilient brand. Now, we’re expanding across Canada and beyond, offering you the opportunity to invest in a proven business model with a solid foundation.

- Multi-location Franchise Partner, BC

Established Presence: 40+ schools operating. 20+ under development.

Established Model: $2.3M+ average annual unit volume (AUV).

Growing Market: reaching $9.1B in Canada by 2026.

Strong System Growth 100M system-wide sales projected

Becoming a CEFA Franchise Partner was the best decision I've made. The support has been outstanding —my school is thriving, and I'm proud to be part of a brand making a lasting impact.

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PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

AND THE AWARD GOES TO …

he annual CFA Awards gala, which takes place at the Canadian Franchise Association’s National Convention each year, has been called “the Oscars of franchising.” Sure, there are statues and prestigious awards—and our franchising community can certainly pull out some red carpet-worthy looks. But the real highlight of the evening is that CFA Award winners are truly chosen by their industry peers and franchisees of their systems. Franchisee feedback on CFA member systems is collected through an extensive third-party survey, the results of which provide the basis for nominations for the Franchisees’ Choice Designees and Awards of Excellence. This process is what makes these awards the ultimate indicators of franchisee satisfaction—which in turn is a key indicator of a franchise system’s health and success! This issue of Franchise Canada is chock full of brands who’ve received these prestigious designations, making this issue not only a celebration but an invaluable resource for those who are on their journey to franchise ownership. Readers looking to invest in a franchise brand with a high standard of excellence should turn to our Special Franchise Focus section, which outlines all the 2025 CFA Awards winners (page 33). You’ll also find plenty of inspiration from the success stories of other franchisees. This issue’s cover feature (page 18) profiles the winners of the CFA Awards for Franchisee of the Year. Nominated by their franchisors, these inspiring entrepreneurs have done their system proud through their dedication, business acumen, and community engagement. For more inspiring franchisee stories, follow Abdujabbor Mehrubonsho through a Day in the Life owning a Pizza Pizza franchise (page 75), and learn how Glenn Clark makes his Driverseat franchise run (page 69). We also look at the different forms that franchise business ownership can take. Turn to page 53 for a round up of three unique franchise opportunities that operate as remote or mobile businesses. And on page 49, we hear from franchisees who’ve made franchising a family affair by going into business with a loved one. As always, our network of experts are eager to help you on your franchising journey. In our Ask A Legal Expert column, you’ll find out what you need to know about the necessary disclosures that come with buying

a franchise resale (page 88). Constant Contact marketing expert Amanda Parker shares which responsibilities fall to the franchisee and to the franchisor when it comes to advertising and marketing (page 90). If you want to dig deeper into the ins and outs of local store marketing, turn to page 62, where franchise expert Shawn Saraga lays out the tips and tricks you need to showcase your business to your local community. Franchisees are local business owners who give back to their communities, and it was a Sunset Grill franchisee who pioneered the brand’s annual Pancake Tuesday fundraiser. Learn more about this initiative in our Giving Back feature (page 84). Surely all this excellence in franchising will have whetted your appetite for finding your own business opportunity! As you research franchise opportunities, tradeshows (like the Franchise Canada Show coming to Toronto this fall) are a helpful place to start. To help you navigate your trade show experience with ease, check out our list of handy tips on page 62. Of course, there are plenty of other resources available for you to find your perfect franchise fit, including the Franchise Canada directory and the CFA’s online resource, LookforaFranchise.ca. While you research, don’t forget to Look for the Logo: our CFA Member logo tells you which brands have joined the CFA community and signed on to our Code of Ethics (page 10), meaning—like all the brands you’ll find in this issue’s pages—they are a qualified brand committed to excellence in franchising and to the importance of the franchisee-franchisor relationship. As every successful franchise professional knows, it’s not all about the glitz and glam of awards night— success in business ownership comes through hard work, day-to-day adherence to a proven system, and the implementation of innovative strategies. And that payoff is more than worth it.

Sherry McNeil, CFE President & CEO, Canadian Franchise Association

8 Canadian Franchise Association www.cfa.ca | www.FranchiseCanada.Online

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CODE OF ETHICS

he Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) is dedicated to encouraging and promoting excellence in franchising in Canada. Each member of the Association agrees to abide by the CFA Code of Ethics and to further the Association’s goals of encouraging and promoting ethical franchising in Canada. Each member of the Association agrees to comply with the spirit of this Code of Ethics in its general course of conduct and in carrying out its general policies, standards, and practices. The following are considered by the Association to be important elements of ethical franchising practices: 1. Franchise system and franchise support services members should fully comply with Federal and Provincial laws, and with the policies of the Canadian Franchise Association. 2. A franchisor should provide prospective franchisees with full and accurate written disclosure of all material facts and information pertaining to the matters required to be disclosed in advance to prospective franchisees about the franchise system a reasonable time [at least fourteen (14) days] prior to the franchisee executing any binding agreement relating to the award of the franchise. 3. A ll matters material to the franchise relationship should be contained in one or more written agreements, which should clearly set forth the terms of the relationship and the respective rights and obligations of the parties. 4. A franchisor should select and accept only those franchisees who, upon reasonable investigation, appear to possess the basic skills, education, personal qualities, and financial resources adequate to perform and fulfil the needs and requirements of the franchise. Franchise systems and franchise support services members of the Association should not discriminate based on race, colour, religion, national origin, disability, age, gender, or any other factors prohibited by law. 5. A franchisor should provide reasonable guidance, training, support, and supervision over the business activities of franchisees for the purposes of safeguarding the public interest and the ethical image of franchising, and of maintaining the integrity of the franchise system for the benefit of all parties having an interest in it. 6. Fairness should characterize all dealings between a franchisor and its franchisees. Where reasonably appropriate under the circumstances, a franchisor should give notice to its franchisees of any contractual

default and grant the franchisee reasonable opportunity to remedy the default. 7. A franchisor and its franchisees should make reasonable efforts to resolve complaints, grievances, and disputes with each other through fair and reasonable direct communication, and where reasonably appropriate under the circumstances, mediation or other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. 8. A franchisor and a franchise support services member should encourage prospective franchisees to seek legal, financial, and business advice prior to signing the franchise agreement. 9. A franchisor should encourage prospective franchisees to contact existing franchisees to gain a better understanding of the requirements and benefits of the franchise. 10. A franchisor should encourage open dialogue with franchisees through franchise advisory councils and other communication mechanisms. A franchisor should not prohibit a franchisee from forming, joining, or participating in any franchisee association, or penalize a franchisee who does so. 11. A franchise support services member in providing products or services to a franchisor or franchisee should encourage the franchises to comply with the spirit of this Code of Ethics. A franchise support services member should not offer or provide products or services if legislative or professional qualification is required to do so unless the franchise support services member has such qualification.

LOOK FOR EXCELLENCE As you investigate the many franchise opportunities available to you, you will see a special logo featured in franchise literature, on franchising websites, and in franchise tradeshow booths. This logo identifies franchise systems and franchise support service suppliers as members of the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA). You should be on the lookout for this symbol when researching franchise systems or assembling a team of franchise support professionals to assist in your search. CFA encourages and promotes excellence in franchising in Canada and members of the Association voluntarily agree to follow the CFA’s Code of Ethics in pursuit of these goals. Start your search for your franchise dream with a CFA member. For more on our members, visit LookforaFranchise.ca today.

10 Canadian Franchise Association www.cfa.ca | www.FranchiseCanada.Online

LOOK FOR

THE LOGO The Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) is dedicated to encouraging and promoting ethical franchising in Canada and requires all members to follow a strict Code of Ethics. By choosing a CFA member franchise, you can rest assured that you’re choosing a qualified brand committed to excellence in franchising. CFA member brands believe in the importance of the franchisee-franchisor relationship as the ultimate marker of franchising success! As you research franchise opportunities online, at tradeshows, and in the Franchise Canada directory ... Look for the Logo! The CFA member logo tells you that a brand is a part of the CFA community, has signed on to the Code of Ethics, and meets a high standard of excellence.

Interested in learning more? View the full Code of Ethics on page 10!

INDUSTRY NEWS

Your source for what’s happening in Canadian franchising

Franchise Canada E-News wins Best Editorial Newsletter in 2025 National Magazine Awards: B2B Each year, the National Magazine Awards: B2B highlights outstanding editorial work by business-tobusiness publications across Canada. This year, Franchise Canada was nominated for two awards: Best Podcast for the Franchise Canada Chats Podcast and Best Editorial Newsletter for Franchise Canada E-News. An awards luncheon was hosted by Michelle Warren on June 5 at St. Paul’s Bloor Street, Toronto, to announce the winners. Four CFA employees attended the event where Franchise Canada won gold for the Best Editorial Newsletter with Franchise Canada E-News. The National Magazine Awards: B2B commented, “The CFA’s newsletter deserves its gold recognition as it features engaging content with diverse topics that cater to a broad audience, enhancing relevance to and engagement with its many subscribers. It also welcomes feedback from the community, creating a clear sense of belonging for its readership.” Franchise Canada E-News is a free newsletter sent directly to

subscriber’s inboxes twice a month to help aspiring entrepreneurs stay up-to-date on important franchising information such as: • E xciting franchising opportunities • Information about upcoming franchising events • Inspiring franchisee success stories • Franchise Canada TV learning videos • Franchise Canada Chats Podcast episodes • Industry news • A nd more! Those interested in the world of franchising can join the more than 34,200 current subscribers by going to FranchiseCanada.Online and signing up for the Franchise Canada E-Newsletter. Laser Clinics brings the science of feeling good to Vaughan Mills On May 22, Laser Clinics opened the doors to its eighth clinic in Canada at Vaughan Mills shopping centre in Vaughan, Ontario, just north of Toronto. The popular shopping destination serves over 13.5 million patrons annually. The new clinic features seven private treatment

12 Canadian Franchise Association www.cfa.ca | www.FranchiseCanada.Online

rooms with the latest industry leading equipment and technology, offering advanced beauty treatments and cosmeceutical skincare products to help clients look and feel their best. “Our Vaughan Mills location is expertly built with modern and welcoming features,” says Toby Milton, managing director of Laser Clinics Canada. “The mall attracts millions of shoppers annually, and we are excited to be in one of the largest shopping malls in the GTA introducing our services to more people who want to feel confident inside and out. Laser Clinics specializes in personalized skincare treatments, cosmetic injectables, and laser hair removal—all carefully delivered with industry leading, medical-grade equipment and well-trained professionals. Laser Clinics Group’s Medical Advisory Committee, comprised of leading dermatologists and medical doctors, approves the devices, protocols, and services that are provided at each clinic. Treatments are performed by experienced, certified medical aestheticians and registered nurses to ensure that safety and efficacy remains top priority. “We’re thrilled to welcome Laser Clinics to Vaughan Mills,” says Joanne Ross, vice president, retail property management, Ontario. “Their commitment to innovation, safety, and helping people feel their best aligns perfectly with the dynamic mix of retail and service offerings we provide our visitors. We look forward to seeing them thrive in this exciting new chapter at one of Canada’s top shopping destinations. Laser Clinics entered the Canadian market February 4, 2022 with the opening of its first clinic at Hillcrest Mall in Richmond Hill, Ontario. Laser Clinics Canada has recently

INDUSTRY NEWS introduced a number of new treatments including Melanopro Peel System by Dermalogica Pro., a comprehensive skin care program that visibly reduces hyperpigmentation and reveals fresh, brighter skin. “We are committed to helping our clients feel their version of good,” continues Milton. “This desire motivates us every day as we explore new treatments and clinic locations. And we’re happy to say there’s much more to come.” Canadian locations feature the same treatments and products that have proven successful in other markets including the U.K., New Zealand, and Australia, where the company was founded in 2008. In 2024, Laser Clinics delivered 4.2 million treatments globally. With seven clinics in the Greater Toronto Area, one in Ottawa and more on the way, Laser Clinics Canada continues to seek franchisees who wish to join in this exciting growth journey. Second Cup celebrates the opening of its 179th location in Canada Second Cup Café, Canada’s premier specialty coffee retailer, celebrated the official opening of its 179th location in Canada, at the Kipling GO Transit Bus Terminal in Etobicoke, Ontario—a major transit hub connecting Toronto to Mississauga and other regions of the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area. “The Kipling GO Transit Bus Terminal Second Cup kiosk is a perfect example of how we’re evolving to meet the needs of modern commuters—combining convenience, quality, and a fresh new design to deliver an elevated coffee experience on the go,” says Cendrine Lavigne, marketing director of Second Cup. “We’re excited to serve great coffee and be a part of the daily routines of thousands of people passing through Kipling GO Transit Bus Terminal each day.”

The new location is owned and operated by seasoned Second Cup franchisees Kartik Behl, Gemma Behl, and Harry Sidhu. Together, they manage a portfolio of nine Second Cup cafés in the Greater Toronto Area.

This new, more than 500 squarefoot kiosk brings the premium coffee experience to one of the city’s busiest commuter corridors. Located at the most western stop for the TTC subway on the Bloor Line, and as a final stop for the MiWay bus system (Mississauga Transit), the café in the station is nestled amid a bustling community of condominiums, office towers, and quick-service restaurants (QSRs), making it a convenient stop for busy commuters and local residents alike. To mark the occasion, Second Cup hosted a celebratory grand opening event on June 5. All customers received a special discount, and complimentary product coupons were distributed throughout the day.

WingsUp! expands west with first Alberta location WingsUp!, one of Canada’s fastestgrowing QSR franchises, has officially opened its first Alberta location in Calgary, marking a major step in the company’s westward expansion. With 36 successful locations across Ontario, WingsUp! is now building momentum nationally. The Calgary launch is the first in a series of new franchise openings planned for western Canada, with Vancouver and Surrey, British Colombia locations scheduled to open by the end of summer. WingsUp! is known for its smallfootprint stores, in-house delivery, and a menu that centers around 100% real, fresh, never-frozen chicken wings. Signature flavours such as Medium BBQ, Jamaican Hot, Honey Garlic Parmesan, and Texas

Franchise Canada July | August 2025

INDUSTRY NEWS

Tequila offer a bold and consistent product experience. “Calgary represents an important milestone for us,” says Darren Czarnogorski, president of WingsUp! “It’s a vibrant city with an appetite for quality food and entrepreneurship. We’re excited to offer our proven franchise model to aspiring business owners in the west.” The WingsUp! franchise opportunity includes a turnkey franchise model, low startup costs, full training and marketing support, in-house delivery capabilities, and catering.

Kevito Group names Trinh Tham chief executive officer to lead innovation and guest experience across Chatime and Bake Code Kevito Group, owner and master franchisee of Chatime and Bake Code in Canada, announced the appointment of Trinh Tham as chief executive officer for Chatime and Bake Code, effective immediately on June 18. Company co-founders Kenton Chan and Thomas Wong will continue to lead new business development and strategic growth initiatives, advancing their vision of introducing innovative culinary experiences to the Canadian market. Recognized as industry pioneers, Chan and Wong brought Chatime to Canada in 2011, launching the country’s first global bubble tea chain. Under their leadership, Chatime has expanded to over 100 locations nationwide, becoming one of

Canada’s largest and fastest-growing bubble tea franchises. With more than 25 years of senior leadership experience at iconic Canadian brands including Tim Hortons, Loblaws, Sobeys, and Harry Rosen, Tham has earned a reputation for building high‐performance teams and delivering breakthrough consumer experiences. Her appointment signals Kevito Group’s commitment to accelerating menu innovation, strengthening its national franchise system, and elevating the customer journey across all touchpoints. “Trinh is a results-driven leader with a clear vision for the future of Chatime and Bake Code,” said Kenton Chan. “Her deep experience in brand building, operational excellence, and digital transformation—combined with an unwavering focus on innovation and franchisee success—makes her the right person to lead us into

Transform Lives & Build a Rewarding Career as an Oxford Learning Franchisee Make a difference to students, their families, the community— and your career—as an Oxford Learning franchisee. Founded on the science of cognitive learning, the Oxford Learning franchise system offers key differentiators not found in any other supplemental education system.

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14 Canadian Franchise Association www.cfa.ca | www.FranchiseCanada.Online

INDUSTRY NEWS

this next phase of growth. We’re excited for what’s ahead.” Under Tham’s leadership, Kevito Group will continue its categorydefining product innovation programs, responsible for fan favourites such as Chatime’s Brown Sugar Pearl Crema Milk Tea and Bake Code’s Molten Salted Egg Croissant, to bring even more seasonal beverages and

globally inspired flavours to market at an accelerated pace. Tham will also lead efforts to enhance support for franchise partners, focusing on training, marketing tools, and operational guidance that align with Kevito Group’s standards and growth ambitions. Recognizing that today’s guests crave both convenience and connection, Kevito Group plans to evolve its customer engagement strategy by improving service consistency, enhancing its newly re-launched loyalty program to deliver more value back to customers, and refining store design and branding to reflect its Asian roots and relevance to Canadian communities. “Chatime has helped expand Asian food culture through bubble tea in Canada, and I believe we’re just getting started,” said Trinh Tham, CEO, Chatime and Bake Code.

“There’s an exciting opportunity to continue redefining what modern Asian beverage and food experiences can look like. I’m thrilled to work alongside our passionate team and entrepreneurial franchise partners to create memorable, modern experiences that reflect the richness of our brand and the communities we serve.”

Franchise Canada July | August 2025

ADVERTORIAL

A VISION AND PROMISE FOR MARY BROWN’S CHICKEN Proudly Canadian. Proudly Made From Scratch.

or over 55 years, Mary Brown’s Chicken has won hearts— and appetites—across Canada with its golden, crispy, handcrafted fried chicken. What began in 1969 as a small shop in St. John’s, Newfoundland, has grown into a beloved national brand with nearly 300 locations across the country—and now expanding internationally. “At Mary Brown’s, tradition matters. Some things never change— like the original recipe that made our chicken famous,” says Jocelyn Attwood, Senior Director of Franchising for MBI Brands, which owns Mary Brown’s Chicken and Fat Bastard Burrito. “Our food is handcrafted in-store using Canadian Grade A chicken—marinated, breaded, and cooked in small batches. The result is freshness and flavour you can taste in every bite.”

“Despite our global footprint, we’re still deeply rooted in our origins,” says Dylan Powell, Vice President of International Development. “Our Newfoundland beginnings continue to inspire our hospitality, our values, and the care we bring to every guest experience. This spirit has powered our growth—at home and abroad.” Even the brand’s legendary Taters start as whole Canadian potatoes, cut and cooked daily in every store. “That’s our Made From Scratch promise—and we stand by it. Over the years, our proprietary cooking process and signature recipes have remained the same,” Attwood adds. Today, Mary Brown’s is found not only across most Canadian provinces, but also in Mexico, the United Kingdom, India, and, most recently, Pakistan.

Built on Quality. Rooted in Community. In today’s political and cultural climate, being a Canadian brand means more than ever. For Mary Brown’s, it represents trust, integrity, and a commitment to the communities it serves. “Being proudly Canadian really means everything to us,” says Stephen Coulter, Creative Director. “It’s about being real, dependable, and community-focused. One reason we

ADVERTORIAL

keep growing is to amplify our positive impact across the country.” That impact is seen in national partnerships and local initiatives led by franchisees—ranging from youth sports sponsorships to food bank support and even disaster relief. Where and when it’s needed, Mary Brown’s shows up to give back. Resilient Through Change: The Power of Franchising “These are challenging times for everyone—especially in the food industry,” Attwood notes. With rising food and labour costs, fluctuating interest rates, and general economic uncertainty, today’s restaurant landscape is complex. But these challenges also spotlight one of Mary Brown’s greatest strengths: the power and resilience of its franchise model. “When you’re backed by a trusted

brand with decades of experience, you’re not facing these headwinds alone,” says Attwood. “Our franchisees benefit from comprehensive training, operational support, and the collective strength of a national network, anchored by our Global Support Centre in Markham, Ontario.” It’s this sense of unity—paired with a celebrated product, loyal guests, and values that centre on community—that allows Mary Brown’s franchisees to thrive, even in tough times. Ready to Grow With Mary Brown’s Chicken? If you’re passionate about great food, community engagement, and building something meaningful grounded in Canadian values, consider joining Mary Brown’s Chicken. One of Canada’s fastest-growing franchise networks, the brand has

experienced nearly 200% growth since 2007. Mary Brown’s isn’t simply looking for investors—it’s looking for partners. The brand seeks individuals who understand that longterm success is built on hard work, community involvement, and a commitment to quality. Whether experienced operators or first-time entrepreneurs, franchisees who align with Mary Brown’s values— and embrace its Made From Scratch promise—are well-positioned to thrive. With the backing of a trusted Canadian brand and comprehensive support, those who bring passion and purpose to the table often find success can follow. The company continues to prioritize growth in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia.

For more information, visit marybrowns.com/franchising

Crave Delicious. Crave Canadian.

WONDROUS WINNERS THE 2025 FRANCHISEE OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS SHARE THE MAGICAL SECRETS TO THEIR SUCCESS BY ALYSSA THULMANN AND JOELLE KIDD

18 Canadian Franchise Association www.cfa.ca | www.FranchiseCanada.Online

COVER STORY

here’s a kind of alchemy that occurs, when the right entrepreneur is paired with the perfect franchise system, that turns passion into gold. This past April in Niagara Falls, the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) celebrated this magic by recognizing eight franchisees who have found success and fulfillment by pursuing their dreams of business ownership through the power of franchising. The Franchisee of the Year award celebrates the accomplishments of exceptional franchisees who have achieved a high level of business performance, engaged in meaningful community service, and been pillars of their franchise brand. Read on to learn more about the 2025 Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners in traditional (brick-and-mortar) and non-traditional (remote/mobile business) categories, and what makes them the shining stars of their franchise communities.

Franchise Canada July | August 2025

COVER STORY GOLD – TRADITIONAL FRANCHISE

Sara Lisk, COBS Bread London, Ontario

hen Sara Lisk received the email congratulating her on being a finalist for the Franchisee of the Year award, she was just about to join a call with her franchisor, COBS Bread. She had never heard of the award, but when she joined the call and shared the news, everyone clapped in celebration. One month later, she was on stage at the CFA National Convention in Niagara Falls accepting the Gold award. “It was an incredibly special moment for me to be there with so many of the people from COBS head office who had supported me on my franchising journey,” Lisk says. Lisk’s relationship with COBS began ten years ago when a family friend introduced her to the bakery and its bread-lined walls. After her first visit to a COBS Bread bakery in Vancouver, she was hooked, and worked at the Kerrisdale location while studying at the University of British Colombia. She began as a sales associate, developed into sales manager, and won a national sales award during her first few years with COBS. “At that point I was like, ‘I think I’m good at this. I think I found something that I love doing and that I’m actually seeing success with,’” recounts Lisk. She thought: “This is a company I can see myself growing a career with.” At first she considered going into franchise compliance, but then she asked herself, “What if I, like, owned a bakery?” With a laugh, Lisk adds, “Which is a pretty bold statement from a 23-year-old.” In this case, bold was gold. The COBS Bread team supported her desire to open her own location and she moved back to Ontario, where she got the chance to see what goes into a new bakery’s opening in Waterdown. “Learning what a fresh bakery is like to open: the struggles, the training, the wins, the innovative marketing. I really learned so much from that experience,” says Lisk. She then brought that knowledge with her to London, Ontario. Her first COBS franchise opened in northwest London in November 2019. April 2024 welcomed Lisk’s second location in the south part of the city. “We decided to open Easter weekend,” she says, “which is famously one of the busiest times of the year, but I was up for a challenge.” Lisk’s husband now works for her COBS business as well, and with the success of the first two franchises, they’re planning to open three more, making Lisk the brand’s first franchisee to operate five locations in Canada. “For me, COBS is that thing that allows me to make a difference in the world,” says Lisk. “Every customer

that walks in that door, we’re brightening their day … we make them feel special and valued. Then at the end of the day we’re donating our unsold product to several different organizations within the community. Lisk’s COBS locations also do a lot of work with the Alzheimer Society, including an annual Doughnation Day campaign to raise money for the organization. “But how do we take it one step further?” Lisk asks. The Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners has a three-hour recreation program called The Social which offers cognitive, physical, and social activities for those living with Alzheimer’s. Lisk has committed to running baking classes for The Social for one week each year, making scones and sandwiches, and teaching the guests about bread. “Honestly, it’s the highlight of my year,” Lisk shares. Ronen Vilenski, director of operations (Eastern Canada) for COBS Bread shares that Lisk is committed to giving back to her community. “Sara has a growth mindset in every sense of the word. From building and developing her team into leaders, to her commitment to her customers and community. She is involved in many different charities and is a brand ambassador in her community.” For Lisk, it’s the culture and people that are important: “People are your greatest asset; they should be your number one priority. Our goal and our mission is to make sure that all our employees feel valued, supported, and appreciated.” She recommends that all franchisees invest in and respect their employees. “Put your people first … That’s where I think I’ve seen so much of my success from, it’s because I’ve had those key people, I’ve invested in them and supported them in building their careers.”

Learn more at LookforaFranchise.ca

20 Canadian Franchise Association www.cfa.ca | www.FranchiseCanada.Online

COVER STORY GOLD – NON-TRADITIONAL FRANCHISE

Greg O’Brien, Hickory Dickory Decks Halifax, Nova Scotia

hen Greg O’Brien finally hit the button that said “Send me more information,” a Hickory Dickory Decks (HDD) franchise became more than just an interest of Greg’s—it became a reality. Within 24 hours he was on the phone with the CEO, Tom Jacques, talking about the franchise and sharing their stories. O’Brien graduated from university in the early 1990s and went directly into business for himself in the food industry. Back then, some of his friends opened franchises and he saw how they were able to grow and scale in these solid, proven systems. Despite his success as a young entrepreneur, he saw the value of the franchise model. In the decades that followed, he’d owned numerous independent businesses, as well as having successful careers in the recruitment and medical technology fields. By the time he was in his 50s and looking for a new career path, O’Brien remembered his friends’ experiences with franchising. “When I decided that I wanted to get back into business for myself, being at the age that I’m at … I really wanted to find something that would give me an opportunity to get started [quickly] and maybe accelerate the growth,” O’Brien says. Carpentry was a passion of his, and the HDD franchise spoke to him: “It was a slam dunk for me. I honestly didn’t look at anything else after [Jacques and I] had a conversation.” Jacques shares a similar sentiment to O’Brien when it comes the beginning of their professional relationship. “We met over the phone and instantly made a connection. Greg is well spoken and confident and, you can tell from first speaking to him, a man of honesty and integrity,” Jacques says. “I liked him instantly.” From that first phone call sprung a meeting, with Jacques himself picking up O’Brien from Pearson International Airport to show him around the head office, showroom, and the Deck Yard down the road. Afterwards, O’Brien returned home with the franchise agreement and franchise disclosure document in-hand. Shortly after the 15-day waiting period, O’Brien officially became part of the HDD family, shares Jacques. He opened his first franchise in Halifax in the fall of 2022. “It’s funny because this is technically considered a seasonal business,” says O’Brien, “but we never stop. We have never put our hammers down.” It’s through this hard work that O’Brien has grown into an award-winning franchisee, in his third year of operation. He’s since purchased a second area in the South Shore and, according

to Jacques, has helped grow the HDD group in Nova Scotia from two to five franchises. The success with HDD has snowballed into new opportunities for O’Brien; he, Jacques, and Kevin Lake, an executive with HDD, are starting a spinoff handiwork franchise, Handy Bee. Additionally, O’Brien has started a seamless gutter business, Atlantic Premier Gutters, with a family member. “If you can provide excellent service at a fair price, there’s really no limit to what opportunities are out there,” O’Brien says. When O’Brien found out he’d been nominated for the CFA’s Franchisee of the Year award, he shares, “I was just blown away. Then to win was even crazier after that … It’s been good to share that with my team and clients. You know, validates our hard work and really emphasizes that we’re doing the right things.” For O’Brien, satisfaction comes from supporting his community. “When I looked at the award there was a reference to community, and I think community is critical,” he shares. His franchise sponsors numerous sports teams and recently sponsored an event for six classes of children between the ages of five and seven to visit the local Discovery Centre’s dinosaur exhibit. O’Brien emphasizes, “I think each franchisee—especially as you grow your business and you get to a certain level of success—I think you owe it to your community to give something back, so it’s something that I really love to do.”

Learn more at LookforaFranchise.ca

Franchise Canada July | August 2025

COVER STORY SILVER – TRADITIONAL FRANCHISE

Sophia Stiperski and Jean-Sébastien Carré, OrangeTheory Fitness Montreal, Quebec

hen their franchisor, OrangeTheory Fitness, called with “big news,” franchisees and married couple Sophia Stiperski and Jean-Sébastien Carré had no idea they were about to be surprised with a Franchisee of the Year nomination. “It was a very nice surprise!” says Stiperski. “We felt …” “Honoured!” Carré supplies. “We were up against a lot of people, not just in the OrangeTheory community.” (Which is already a big community, as the brand boasts more than 100 locations in Canada.) While the recognition might have been a surprise, success is not—the couple has been working hard for it since opening their first OrangeTheory Fitness location eight years ago. “We spend a lot of time in the studios— we go there every day,” notes Stiperski. “We are very close to our staff, our members. It’s not something that we bought just to make money and retire one day. We’re very hands-on.” When they opened their first location, the couple worked 60 or 70 hour weeks, Carré estimates; Stiperski guesses they took a total of two days off over the first two years. Even eight years later, Stiperski still manages the entire team of trainers at all three locations, and the couple spends time in each location every week. They’re always on call to help their staff. These franchisees come by this dedication honestly. The couple met while working in Las Vegas, Stiperski with Cirque du Soleil and Carré on stage with Céline Dion’s Vegas residency. Their backgrounds as performers, while perhaps not the typical entrepreneurial path, instilled them with a sense that “the show must go on,” Carré says. “It’s our drive,” adds Stiperski. “We both come from a background where you have to give 100 per cent, 150 per cent, every night on stage. Even if you’re sick, you’re tired, there are no excuses—you have to go on and perform.” In business, she says, that translates to always looking forward to the next milestone of success. “We have this drive of wanting to be the best, to be different, to bring something that other people don’t bring. [We’re always asking,] ‘How can we be better?’” Today, Stiperski and Carré own three locations, and are actively looking for real estate to open their fourth. “The biggest thing is the community we build,” says Stiperski. “I love this business because it’s a people business.” Everyone from staff to members know one another

by name at the couple’s studios, and many members come early to classes just to chat. “Yes, it’s fitness, but it’s about changing lives, it’s about making people feel better,” says Stiperski. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing a customer turn their life around, she says— physically and mentally. They have even seen multiple couples meet in their studios who are now married. The secret to success, they say, is loving what you do—being passionate about your product or service— as well as learning to delegate and surrounding yourself with a good team. “It’s hard work—it’s very stressful, and there are nights that we don’t sleep,” she says of running the business. “But in the end, you see these things and you think, I do make a change. It matters, what we do.” “We love the brand, we love the people that started it,” Stiperski adds. “And I think that now, looking at where we are today? We definitely made the right choice.”

22 Canadian Franchise Association www.cfa.ca | www.FranchiseCanada.Online

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COVER STORY SILVER – NON-TRADITIONAL FRANCHISE

Robert Daigle, InXpress Halifax, Nova Scotia

hen Robert Daigle first bought his InXpress franchise in 2020, he thought he was buying himself a side hustle. “I stumbled upon it, believe it or not, and then called them up. I really liked the idea—I liked the business model,” he says. At first, he ran the business in the evenings after coming home from his corporate job as a sales VP, working with clients in B.C. and Alberta to take advantage of the time difference from his home in Halifax, Nova Scotia. But soon, the lure of the freedom and independence the franchise offered became enough that he quit his job and began working on his InXpress franchise full time. InXpress is a shipping logistics company that offers a streamlined small parcel service for both individuals and small e-commerce businesses in addition to services for larger, more complex freight and cargo shipping. Daigle says he was drawn to the business because it offered him the chance to work on what he loves—sales and building long-term client relationships—with back-end support that takes care of the administrative tasks he doesn’t care for, like invoicing and collections. “The growth in my business is in larger-scale projects, [and] that lends itself to my background, things that I like to do,” he says. “Other franchisees focus on other areas of the business that they like to do—it gives you the opportunity to find the niche that makes sense, and grow that niche. You can operate as a one-man show, as an independent salesperson, or … build your own miniempire within the empire.” On the heels of a year with strong sales growth, Daigle has begun building a team with hopes of having five account managers and customer support employees in the next year and a half. “I’m focusing less on working in the business and more on, ‘How can I take this to the next level?’” he says. With InXpress’s cloud-based platforms, the business can be run from anywhere. For Daigle, it means working from home, getting to spend more time with his wife, his 19-year-old daughter, and his 15-year-old son. “I want to build something for me and my family that my kids might like, that I could hand down.” Unlike having a job, owning your own business means a lot more soul-searching about the reasons you’re choosing to work in a chosen career, Daigle notes. “You really do have to get up every morning and go, ‘Why do I want to do this?’”

That’s why he says its important for potential franchisees to know what they want and plan ahead. “The first thing is, know thyself. What gets you going? What do you think you’re good at? … Look for a franchise that plays to your strengths. And think five or 10 years ahead. Have a timeframe. Will it give me the lifestyle that I want if I put the effort in?” Since turning his side hustle into a full-fledged business, Daigle has grown his InXpress franchise into a highperforming operation with plans to expand. “For my age, I’m probably working harder than I expected to be working,” he says with a laugh. “The vision is in the next couple of years to build, to scale to the point where I’m working on—and less in—the business.” But it’s all worth it for the autonomy and freedom that comes with working for himself. “[You have to] look five years out and say, ‘Is that the kind of organization that I could develop into something that would make me happy?’” He's certainly found that with InXpress.

Learn more at LookforaFranchise.ca

Franchise Canada July | August 2025

COVER STORY BRONZE – TRADITIONAL FRANCHISE

Frank Goldschleger, Mad Science Group Toronto, Ontario

hen Frank Goldschleger received the email telling him he was nominated for the CFA’s Franchisee of the Year award, he nearly deleted it, thinking it was spam. In actuality, his franchise system, Mad Science, meant the nomination to be a surprise. “When the shock wore off and I realized it was real, I was touched,” Goldschleger says. “It’s nice to be honoured, to be recognized.” This sentiment aligns with Goldschleger’s humble attitude toward his longstanding Mad Science business. He was the brand’s first franchisee when he bought his Toronto-based location in 1994. “I’ve been working in and on my business for over 30 years—you start to lose track of the fact that owning a franchise, that’s an impressive accomplishment,” he says. “There’s not a lot of businesses that last that long, or succeed over that many years.” Montreal-born Goldschleger had just finished his MBA and moved to Toronto when he heard about the Mad Science opportunity from a friend visiting from Montreal, where the brand was founded. “My [MBA] colleagues were all going into these high-paying finance jobs or working for big packaged-goods companies, and that never spoke to me. I thought there was something wrong with me,” says Goldschleger. But the idea of starting a Mad Science in Toronto excited him. “I’d never really worked for anyone—I was always doing something on my own, an entrepreneur at heart. I quickly realized that owning a franchise was a faster way to business ownership.” When he bought the business in his 20s, Goldschleger says he first viewed franchising as a five-year plan. “I thought, five years then I’ll get a real job, you know?” he laughs. Instead, it’s been three decades—and in that time, he says he’s learned to move from working in his business to working on his business, from going out to run birthday parties and do science presentations to hiring and managing a team. “I realized I could have not only a good five years, but a good career, a good lifestyle.” Mad Science runs birthday parties, after- and beforeschool care, day camps, and other educational presentations for kids that centre around scientific experiments. Goldschleger’s team includes eight full-time staff and 35 to 55 presenters and part-time instructors who work with them throughout the year. “We’re offering fun science for kids—we’re launching rockets, making fun slime with the kids. We’re doing really cool stuff,” he says. For Goldschleger, it feels good to introduce science to kids: “You feel like you’re making the world a better place.”

But his success is also a testament to the culture he’s created within his team. “I have four key people, including myself, and we have over 70 years of Mad Science experience [between us]. They like what they do, they obviously must like working for me, and they’ve been with me through thick and thin, 15 to 20 years.” It’s important to surround yourself with smart, capable people when hiring, Goldschleger says, but it’s just as important to step back and cede control. “Everyone in here knows more than me, which is great. I’ve surrounded myself with great people who are really smart and intelligent. But to do that I’ve really had to step back and say, ‘Okay, here’s my baby, take care of my baby.’ And they’ve done a great job.” Goldschleger says at this stage in his business, he’s focused on increasing equity—by updating and improving systems, introducing new tools, and staying on top of technology—and thinking about eventual succession plans. Nonetheless, he’s still going strong. “Mad Science has a really strong leadership team at the head office in Montreal, so I’m really energized,” he adds. “I believe as soon as you find an industry or a franchisor that speaks to you, you’ll know it right away … I think you really have to choose something you really believe in, where you can look at yourself in the mirror and feel good about yourself.”

Learn more at LookforaFranchise.ca

24 Canadian Franchise Association www.cfa.ca | www.FranchiseCanada.Online

COVER STORY BRONZE – NON-TRADITIONAL FRANCHISE

Dejan and Olga Radulovic, JDI Cleaning Waterloo, Ontario

hen Dejan and Olga Radulovic found out they were nominated for Franchisee of the Year, they were surprised and grateful. But when they won … “I was totally blown away,” Olga says. “Shocked,” adds Dejan. “Yeah, totally shocked,” elaborates Olga. “It’s great to be nominated, but actually winning—I felt like I was at the Oscars. It was a great feeling.” The Radulovics have a long history with JDI Cleaning, a janitorial services franchise that performs commercial cleaning. Dejan’s mom and his uncles owned a JDI franchise together, the first in the region, exposing Dejan and Olga directly to the business and its impact. “It felt like a natural fit for us and we knew the level of support and community JDI offers,” Olga explains. “It’s not just about running a business, it’s about continuing a legacy and being part of something that’s been successful and trusted for years.” The couple opened their local JDI franchise in 2011, and in 2015, had the opportunity to purchase a larger region and become regional directors. Their southern Ontario territory covers Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Brantford, and surrounding towns. In running their service-based business, the Radulovics focus on the relationships and the people. “One philosophy we always carry with us is to treat people right. Whether it’s our clients, or our franchise owners or anyone that we work with, we believe that if you lead with honesty, do your best work, and take pride in what you do, good things will follow,” the Radulovics say. “At the end of the day, it’s about building trust and doing the kind of work we can all feel proud of.” They’re also involved with the local community, sponsoring Team Howard Curling and the 15U Elite Girls Volleyball Team. Olga adds, “we also participate in local events like community cleanups, barbeques … giving back to the community is important to us and we love being part of events that bring people together and make a positive impact.” “Whenever anything’s going on in the community or around the schools, or anything like that, we always try to get involved,” says the couple. When their kids’ school first opened, they made donations for the school to buy playground equipment and were given an award by the school in gratitude. “They called our kids to get the award and [the kids] were so proud. Because the kids were proud, the kids that knew our kids were proud. It was very cute.”

For the Radulovics, being part of JDI means being part of a team. Their favourite aspect of being franchisees with the brand is the support and sense of community they feel: “We never feel like we’re doing this alone, there’s always someone there to guide us, to answer questions, and to cheer us on.” It’s not just the community and the energy that solidifies Dejan and Olga’s appreciation for JDI, though. They believe in the work they’re doing. “It’s also great to be part of a brand that values quality and integrity, which makes it easier to take pride in the work we do every day,” Olga says. For those considering franchising as a career path for themselves, the Radulovics advise to “stay committed, to be patient, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but if you put in the work, you stay organized, and you really care about your customers and your team, it really pays off.” With all their experience and success as JDI regional directors they add, “lean into the support system that’s available; there’s a lot to learn and you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.” As Dejan and Olga continue their work they plan to keep growing their territory, supporting their local franchisees and helping new owners just beginning their journey with JDI. “We’re focused on building strong relationships, making sure everyone has the tools they need to succeed, and maintaining the quality and care that JDI is known for. So, we’re excited to keep growing both as a team and as a business.”

Learn more at LookforaFranchise.ca

Franchise Canada July | August 2025