The CFA Franchise Spotlight '25

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The CFA Franchise Spotlight ’25 A showcase of outstanding Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) franchise brands

Join Us in Celebrating All Franchising Has to Offer!

Within these pages, you’ll find a selection of Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) member brands from a variety of sectors—restaurants, cleaning services, senior care, early childhood education, and more—that are eager to welcome their latest franchisees into the fold. They’ve provided you with a glimpse into their systems, along with how and where to reach out to get the exploration process started.

Plus, you’ll also find a number of franchisee profiles, highlighting business owners just like you who chose to go into business for themselves with the backing of a proven franchise brand.

Their stories illustrate the steadfast support that franchise systems can provide a small business owner, as well as the personal satisfaction that comes from being your own boss.

Dive in, explore these opportunities, and who knows—perhaps within this booklet you’ll find your own perfect franchise fit!

CFA BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD CHAIR Ryan Picklyk*,

A&W Food Services of Canada

CHAIR, FRANCHISE SUPPORT SERVICES

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

CHAIR, LEGAL & LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

*Executive Committee member **Franchisee Representative

PRESIDENT & CEO Sherry McNeil*,

Canadian Franchise Association PUBLISHER Canadian Franchise

Association (CFA)

SENIOR EDITOR Joelle Kidd CONTENT PRODUCER Alyssa Thulmann GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andrea Lee ADVERTISING SALES Lou Gervasi FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION:

Lou Gervasi at lgervasi@cfa.ca

DIRECTORS

1ST VICE CHAIR Todd Wylie*,

Master Mechanic

PAST CHAIR David Druker*,

The UPS Store Canada

SECRETARY & GENERAL COUNSEL

Darrell Jarvis*, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP TREASURER Lyn Little*,

BDO Canada LLP

Paul daSilva*, RBC

Andraya Frith*, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP © 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.

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

A NOTE TO READERS

The advertorial content in this brochure has been provided by the franchise systems and franchise support service providers named. While the CFA has requested that such systems and providers submit information that is up-todate and correct, the CFA makes no guarantee, endorsement, representation, or warranty of any kind regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of any of the information submitted and the CFA disclaims any obligation to do so.

The CFA encourages readers to conduct their own due diligence regarding such systems and providers (including obtaining and reviewing a disclosure document for each system of interest) and to consult with franchise lawyers, accountants, and financial advisors of their own choosing before entering into any agreement with or paying any deposit/retainer to any system or provider listed herein.

Thank you to the following National Sponsors for their continued support throughout the year.

LAW FIRMS:

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SHOWCASED FRANCHISOR:

THE CFA FRANCHISE SPOTLIGHT ’25

CEFA EARLY LEARNING CEFA Early Learning Expands to 50 Locations Across Canada ounded more than 25 years ago, CEFA Early Learning stands at the forefront of early childhood education, combining academic rigor, creativity, mindfulness, nutrition, and play to cultivate holistic growth. This premium approach underscores the importance of nurturing each child’s potential from multiple perspectives — cognitive, social, emotional, and physical.

Central to CEFA’s methodology is its curiosity-driven philosophy, emphasizing brain development rather than traditional, teacher-led instruction. Through CEFA’s proprietary Teacher Training, educators become facilitators, guiding children’s exploration and fostering independence. By weaving together core academics with creative arts, physical movement, and mindfulness,

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CEFA inspires critical thinking, self-confidence, and a lasting love of learning.

Beyond its robust curriculum, CEFA sets itself apart through comprehensive support for franchise partners.

Ongoing measurement of educational outcomes, periodic visits to each school, and direct hands-on assistance ensure consistent quality across the system. Specialized training programs and best-practice sharing empower franchisees to implement CEFA’s curriculum effectively while upholding high standards of safety and care.

A commitment to sustainability and community engagement further elevates CEFA’s reputation. Purposefully designed school environments incorporate ecofriendly elements, and active partnerships with local organizations help CEFA schools become integral neighborhood hubs.

With a proven business model and unwavering dedication to excellence, CEFA continues expanding across North America and internationally. By championing innovative practices, continuous franchisee support, and a child-focused approach, CEFA Early Learning is building a lasting legacy in premium early education.

For franchise information contact franchise.cefa.ca.

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

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THE CFA FRANCHISE SPOTLIGHT ’25

CHILI’S®

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elcome to Chili’s®! As the flagship brand of Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), we’ve been a leader in casual dining since opening our first restaurant in Dallas, Texas, in 1975. Today, we own, operate, and franchise more than 1,600 restaurants across 31 countries.

Chili’s® is loved worldwide for our Big Mouth Burgers®, sizzling fajitas, hand-battered Chicken Crispers®, and signature hand-shaken margaritas—all served with Southwest-American style. We take our food seriously— but not ourselves—because dining out should feel like a celebration even if there is nothing to celebrate. Our purpose is to create a unique experience like no place else. By combining a fun atmosphere, delicious food, and a strong focus on hospitality, we set ourselves apart from other casual dining competitors bringing a distinctive

offering to our guests.

Now, Chili’s® has its sights set on spreading our culture of making people feel special outside of Alberta to additional markets in Canada. With its multicultural population, well-established dining-out culture, and openness to American brands, Canada offers a strong market for casual dining growth. We’re seeking experienced franchise partners who share our passion for hospitality and want to bring this iconic brand to more communities. Together, we’ll build on 50 years of proven success to make Chili’s® a leading casual dining destination in Canada.

For more information, visit www.brinker.com/franchise.

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THE CFA FRANCHISE SPOTLIGHT ’25

Chetan Jajadiya Franchisee Chopped Leaf

Chopped Leaf: Satisfy Your Craving for Success Chopped Leaf is a proudly Canadian restaurant franchise specializing in fresh, betterfor-you meals that are 100% crave-worthy.

With a proven business model, ongoing support and no restaurant experience required, franchisees can capitalize on the ever-growing demand for nutritious dining choices. Since celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2024, Chopped Leaf has grown to 123 locations across Canada and the U.S., with more restaurants committed to open.

Proudly rooted in quality and convenience, Chopped Leaf focuses on wholesome ingredients and community connections. Guests can eat-in, takeout, or order freshly prepared catering for any occasion.

In Nova Scotia, franchisee Chetan is proving just how impactful the Chopped Leaf model can be. By making every guest feel welcome and building strong local relationships, he has earned his Dartmouth location an impressive 4.9-star

rating on Google. Catering has also become a major growth driver, with Chetan personally introducing the brand to local offices and ensuring every experience exceeds expectations.

Beyond operations, he embraces creative marketing. From personal outreach to innovative promotions, his hands-on, community-first approach reflects the spirit of the brand and its mission to connect with people through food.

Chetan’s success highlights the strength of the Chopped Leaf franchise model: straightforward operations, multiple revenue streams, opportunities for multi-unit growth, and the chance to become a valued part of your community.

For entrepreneurs looking to join a growing brand that combines fresh food with strong support, Chopped Leaf is a franchise that delivers on every level.  Learn more at choppedleaf.ca/franchise-opportunities

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THE CFA FRANCHISE SPOTLIGHT ’25

dients have steadily increased, and many quick service restaurants have started to prioritize taste and quality above all to meet those demands.

FATBURGER Grilling up a successful burger Almost everyone loves a good burger. In fact, burgers are one of the most frequently consumed food items. About three out of 10 people say they have consumed more burgers in the last year, according to a survey. More than ever, consumers are ordering burgers at least once a month, be it at a restaurant or at home. Here’s a look at what makes a burger so ubiquitous and well-loved.

Better, higher-quality burgers Nothing beats a delicious and juicy burger. Whether it’s fresh patties, premium ingredients, or types of cheese and condiments, consumers are expecting better taste, higher quality, and a variety of ingredients in their burgers. In recent years, consumer interests in burger trends such as better beef/protein grades and fresh local ingrefb25_CFA_6.5x4.625.pdf 1 2024-09-23 2:01:53 PM

Making it right Clearly, consumers like their classic burgers done the traditional way with the usual fixings. They value the craft of preparation in addition to the taste and quality of the sandwich. They are drawn to restaurants like the iconic Fatburger, which does just that—hand-pressing their fresh, never-frozen Alberta beef patties, individually cooking them on the grill to seal in the flavours while keeping its juiciness using a basting lid and crafting it just the way their customers want it since 1952.

Customization Consumers also love having a burger made-to-order and customized with ingredients they want. Many are willing to pay more if they can have the ability to modify their preferences. When dining out, many customers turn to fast casual better-burger chains like Fatburger, expecting not only a wide variety of topping options but also feeling like they are getting something they would make at home.

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THE CFA FRANCHISE SPOTLIGHT ’25

Growing the heart of home care HeartNest Care began with a simple belief: that home care should feel personal, thoughtful, and rooted in trust. It was shaped by real experiences — supporting aging parents, navigating complex care needs, and searching for help that felt human.

CARE THAT LIFTS THE HEART

That’s the heart behind everything we do. It’s what guides our caregivers, defines our relationships with families, and sets the tone for every visit.

Bring heart to more homes Help expand a model of home care built on dignity, connection, and presence.

Our franchise opportunity is for people who lead with empathy, care deeply, and want to make a genuine difference in their communities.

1.REACH OUT 2. EXPLORE THE FIT 3. BRING IT TO LIFE

Now that it’s working, we’re ready to grow. But not too fast. And not everywhere. Only with the right people who feel called to create something impactful in their community.

The right partners feel this work deeply Some people are drawn to this work for reasons they can’t fully explain. It’s a quiet calling to serve, connect, and uplift.

You might be one of them.

Maybe you’ve worked in healthcare, nonprofits, or volunteer roles and often wished things could be done differently — with more consistency, more dignity, and more space for real human connection.

Suite 206E, Heritage Square, 8500 Macleod Trail, SE, Calgary, AB T2H 2N1

+1 866 270 3610

HeartCare@HeartNestcare.ca

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THE CFA FRANCHISE SPOTLIGHT ’25

MODERN CLEANING

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ometimes, opportunity doesn’t just knock—it rolls out a red carpet and invites you in. For those envisioning their own cleaning enterprise, MODERN presents a chance to align with a trusted leader and write your own chapter of success.

As a proud subsidiary of GDI Integrated Facility Services, MODERN stands as an innovator in Canada’s commercial cleaning sector. Over the past 25 years, MODERN has fostered a vibrant community of franchisees, collectively responsible for the immaculate upkeep of over 70 million square feet across 4,500 locations—every single night. Such a feat speaks not only to the relentless commitment, but also to the strength of our franchise system and cutting-edge technology.

Our specialty? Crafting tailored, full-spectrum cleaning solutions powered by expertise, dependability, and a

passion for the finer details. We fuse advanced processes with innovative tools, all underpinned by a promise of unwavering customer satisfaction.

If you’re a forward-thinking entrepreneur, a dynamic investor, or a business owner with ambitions to diversify, MODERN’s Territory Franchise program is your springboard. We offer exclusive territories, robust support, and a stellar reputation that opens doors.

With our turnkey model, you’ll be equipped with everything needed to flourish in today’s competitive commercial cleaning arena—ongoing mentorship, proprietary technology that inspires client confidence, and a brand that’s recognized and respected nationwide.

Join a league of entrepreneurial trailblazers who put customers first. With MODERN, your business is more than just a service—it’s a legacy built on excellence, innovation, and the collective wisdom of a winning team.

For franchise information, visit franchise.moderncleaningservices.ca.

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THE CFA FRANCHISE SPOTLIGHT ’25

While there have been many changes in 40-plus years of operations, one thing has remained constant: the mission to help students build stronger, lasting learning skills. This steadfast mission, at the core of every Oxford Learning location, helps franchisees become successful business owners in their communities.

OXFORD LEARNING Over Four Decades of Helping Canadian Students Succeed In 1984, Oxford Learning began with the idea that there was a better way to help students learn. Since opening the first location in London, Ontario, hundreds of thousands of Canadian students have gone on to build stronger learning skills, leading to better grades. Four decades later, Oxford Learning has over 140 locations and is expanding rapidly across Canada.

Using a cognitive learning model for all programs, Oxford Learning helps students develop stronger learning pathways, ensuring they think and learn more effectively, grow their confidence, and improve their marks.

Unlike traditional tutoring, a cognitive approach leads to lasting educational changes. This shift in the approach to after-school tutoring makes Oxford Learning stand out from other supplemental education options.

A Legacy of Franchising Success Oxford Learning works closely with franchisees to ensure their success. During onboarding, new franchisees receive extensive training and other ongoing support systems, including success coaches, regular webinars, email newsletters, a proprietary online business management website, and an Annual Franchise General Meeting. A Franchise Advisory Council also consults on all franchise-related decision-making.

There’s never been a better time to join the Oxford Learning franchise system and become a franchisee.

Our franchisees are change-makers, leading the way to a brighter future for Canadian students, the industry, and for themselves!

Join us! Invest in your future with Oxford Learning today, and claim your future as we expand across Canada, reach new milestones, and shape the future of Canadian student learning.

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.

Why Choose Oxford Learning?

Our unique, proprietary system and proven methods are the foundation of our franchisees’ success!

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Trusted Canadian brand with over 40 years of success

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Comprehensive start-up support and ongoing training

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Scalable models for growth

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Impactful, purpose-driven business helping students unlock their potential

Change students’ lives—and your own—as an Oxford Learning Franchisee.

Get started today.

franchise.oxfordlearning.com 1.888.559.2212

Proudly Canadian since 1984

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

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THE CFA FRANCHISE SPOTLIGHT ’25

STAGECOACH Tosha Doiron: A Masterclass in Franchise Growth In the dynamic world of Canadian franchising, some names become synonymous with success. Tosha Doiron, the esteemed franchisee behind Stagecoach Performing Arts Mississauga and Oakville, is one of them. A multiaward-winning owner and a true pillar in her community, Tosha has built an exceptional business by nurturing young talent and instilling “Creative Courage for Life.”

Since becoming a Stagecoach franchisee in 2012, Tosha has showcased her unique blend of artistic passion and business acumen. Her dedication to providing a high-quality performing arts education has earned her not only critical acclaim but also the loyalty of hundreds of families across the Mississauga and Oakville regions. Her latest achievement, the recent purchase of the Mississauga North territory, is a testament to her proven track record of expansion.

“Franchisees like Tosha are the very heart of the Stagecoach brand,” says Kristi Wenaus, Stagecoach Performing Arts Canada’s CEO. “Her passion, commitment to excellence and business savvy serve as an incredible inspiration to our entire network, especially for those just starting out. Tosha has become a mentor to our new franchisees, sharing her journey and demonstrating what’s possible when you combine a passion for arts education with our proven business model.”

Tosha is a shining example of how a hands-on, passionate franchisee can drive remarkable growth and create a lasting legacy. Her new venture signals a bright future, promising to bring the joy of performing arts to even more students and families in her community.

For franchise information, visit stagecoachfranchise.com/canada.

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THE CFA FRANCHISE SPOTLIGHT ’25

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Sohail Iqbal

Multi-unit owner, Ontario

ohail Iqbal always wanted to own his own business. But first, his career path took him into the corporate world. Coming from an IT background, Iqbal worked for 17 years in financial institutions and both public and private sector roles.

When he decided to look into franchising, he first looked at the foodservice industry, but long hours, high overhead, and financial risk didn’t align with his goals. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic that he discovered The UPS Store—a stable, essential business that matched both his short- and long-term goals.

Iqbal didn’t necessarily expect to become a multi-unit owner. In fact, when he bought his first store in Burlington, Ont., he was still working in IT. With a strong team and family support, he was able to balance both careers. But once he saw the success of that store, he quit IT to focus fully on expansion, and grew into a multi-centre operator with five stores from Markham to Waterdown.

Franchising with The UPS Store has many benefits, according to Iqbal. The franchisor provides strong training, operational support, and brand recognition. It allows you to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself—which makes growth and expansion much more achievable.

For Iqbal, his favourite part of being a franchise owner has been watching his team grow. While he started with three employees, today he has 16, across five stores. Seeing his team’s growth and success alongside the business has been the most rewarding part for this entrepreneur.

For now, Iqbal’s focus is on optimizing operations and making each location stronger. But long-term, his goal is to expand further and to mentor new franchisees, especially those from diverse backgrounds, to help them succeed.  For more information, visit theupsstore.ca/franchising.

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THE CFA FRANCHISE SPOTLIGHT ’25

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Hareesh Bommakanti WingsUp!, Vancouver, BC

or Hareesh Bommakanti, a WingsUp! franchisee in Vancouver, BC, the best way to promote his business has been committing to quality first. WingsUp! wings are fresh, never frozen—and that instantly sets the brand apart. On top of that, choosing the right location and actively engaging with the community through social media, local events, and word of mouth helped get the word out.

When Bommakanti opened his location, running strong opening promotions—like offering the first 100 customers a pound of free wings—created buzz and got people talking.

Opening day and the weeks after were a test for Bommakanti, learning to coordinate schedules, manage supply orders, and handle the rush. He also had to learn quickly how to trust his staff: training staff properly, giving them responsibility, and stepping back when needed helped them function like a team under Bommakanti’s leadership.

At WingsUp, motivation starts with creating a family-like environment. Bommakanti makes sure the team feels appreciated after a busy shift, whether by sharing a meal together or just saying a genuine thank-you. He also involves his staff in store-level decisions, like testing new sauce flavors or helping with promotions, so they feel part of the brand’s growth. When they know their work matters, they show up with energy and pride.

For Bommakanti, business ownership is about sharpening his leadership skills—being more patient, more strategic, and more supportive of his staff.

He’d love to open more WingsUp! locations in B.C. down the line, he shares, but only if he can keep the same quality and customer-first culture. Growth should never come at the cost of the fresh, flavorful experience people associate with WingsUp!  For more information, visit wingsupfranchise.com.

CONTACT US

• 38 locations, with more on the way • 65% of orders made online • Turnkey Operation. Small Footprint

FRANCHISE@WINGSUP.COM

(289) 834-2027

• No previous experience necessary

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