LEARN MORE ON PAGE 12-13
SEE OUR AD ON THE NEXT PAGE
FOR MORE INFO, VISIT WWW.MASTERMECHANIC.CA MAY | JUNE 2026
The Master Plan President of Master Mechanic and incoming Chair of the CFA Board of Directors Todd Wylie shares his approach to business—and what makes this powerhouse franchise run
FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE! Industry-Leading Reputation | 100% Canadian Owned | Comprehensive Training
50+ locations across Canada & Growing
Visit www.mastermechanic.ca/franchising
Start Your Franchising Journey with Master Mechanic! CONTACT: Jonathan Czerwinski jczerwinski@averinepartners.com 905-512-3121
TOP TIPS FROM FRANCHISE CONSULTANTS
ALL ABOUT FRANCHISE RESALES
FRANCHISE LAWYERS ACROSS CANADA MAY | JUNE 2026
A Canadian Franchise Association Publication / FranchiseCanada.Online
AN OPTION FOR EVERYBODY YOUR GUIDE TO FINDING YOUR FRANCHISE FIT
POWER YOUR FRANCHISE SEARCH WITH
Subscribe for FREE at FranchiseCanada.Online
Our bowls
MEAN BUSINESS JOIN A GROWING NETWORK OF 100+ LOCATIONS POWERED BY A PROVEN, SCALABLE MODEL AND SIMPLE OPERATIONS.
Become a franchisee, scan the QR code to learn more
JOIN CANADA’S LARGEST FROZEN FOOD RETAILER
Opportunities available across Canada!
CONTENTS FRANCHISE
CANADA
MAY/JUNE 2026
17
AN OPTION FOR EVERYBODY YOUR GUIDE TO FINDING YOUR FRANCHISE FIT
COVER STORY
17
Looking for a franchise? Discover
the best franchise business opportunities available now
Start a business for yourself with the support of a credible franchise system! With hundreds of franchise opportunities, LookforaFranchise.ca is the most comprehensive online directory of legitimate franchises available in Canada. We make searching for a franchise easy— you can find franchises by company name, location, investment, or industry. Begin your search now and realize the dream of running your own business.
Get Started Today!
• Information you can trust • Credible franchise opportunities • Narrow your search • Contact franchisors directly • Get the info you need
LookforaFranchise.ca
An Option for Everybody Your Guide to Finding Your Franchise Fit
18
A Franchise for Everyone Dozens of industries, a wide range of investment levels, and hundreds of opportunities—if you’re looking for a franchise, there’s one for you!
20
Model Behaviour: What Options Are There? A breakdown of the different franchise models and what they mean for franchisees
22
Top Tips from the Franchising Pros Franchise consultants and experts weigh in on mustknows for prospective franchisees
24
Protect Yourself and Your Investment Your guide to ethical franchising
26
June’s Franchising Festivities Promoting franchising in Canada and across the world with Franchise Awareness Month and World Franchise Day
29
Locations, Locations, Locations Behind the scenes of multi-unit franchising
33
The Front Line of Franchising How daily operations shape franchisees’ experiences and successes
37
Getting in on the Ground Floor: Fresh Franchises Two emerging franchise systems offering new and exciting opportunities for business ownership
41
Navigating the Legal Landscape Franchise Lawyers Across Canada
52
All About Franchise Resales What to know about becoming a franchisee through the purchase of an existing unit
4 Canadian Franchise Association
www.cfa.ca | www.FranchiseCanada.Online
Franchise Canada is published by the Canadian Franchise Association www.cfa.ca | www.FranchiseCanada.Online
DEPARTMENTS
54
HOMEGROWN & LOCALLY OWNED 100% Canadian Franchise Systems
57
MULTI-GEN MAGIC Families That Franchise Together Grow Together Aly and Shehzad Janmohamed are guiding their family-run franchising business across borders and to new heights
60
LEADERSHIP PROFILE Signing on to Success Catherine Monson, CEO of Propelled Brands and FASTSIGNS International, shows us that growth never ends
63
FIRST YEAR Franchise Formulas UCMAS Mental Math franchisee Puneet Dhadli embraces an education franchise offering a new twist on classic techniques
66
69
GIVING BACK Another Slice of Happiness Topper’s Pizza franchisees Pratik Shah and Robbie Patel are going above and beyond for their communities
72
SHOW ME THE MONEY 4 Franchises for $150K-$250K
SEASON 9 IS NOW AVAILABLE!
76
FRANCHISE TUTORIAL Tutorials 11 & 12 This issue: • Intro to Inventory • Intro to Approved Suppliers
COLUMNS
6 PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE 10 CFA CODE OF ETHICS 17 INDUSTRY NEWS 73 ASK THE EXPERTS 79 ADVERTISERS’ INDEX 80 FRANCHISE ROUNDUP
ICONIC BRAND Franchise Royalty As Jani-King Canada celebrates 40 years of franchising, the system continues to look towards the future
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
May | June 2026
5
PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE
I
A FRANCHISE FOR EVERYONE
f you’re a Franchise Canada reader, it’s likely that you are actively looking to start your own franchise business—in fact, 60% of respondents to our Franchise Canada 2026 Reader Survey say they’re currently searching for the right franchise investment to make their business dreams a reality! There is certainly no lack of choice when it comes to franchise opportunities. The CFA’s Franchise Forecast report (produced in partnership with the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis) identified more than 1,100 brands actively franchising in Canada by December 2025, in more than 60 different industry categories. That’s a lot to choose from! If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, never fear: Franchise Canada is here to help. This issue, we’ll help you Find Your Franchise Fit. On page 18, explore the many different sectors available for future franchisees and learn how to determine which one will be right for you. Top tips from industry consultants (page 22) will also help you along your journey. On page 20, you’ll find a deep dive into the different models of franchising, to see which one fits your lifestyle, interests, and business goals. Sometimes the best way to learn is by example. That’s why, this issue, you’ll find success stories from franchisees who have found their niche in a variety of different industries. You’ll learn about owner/operators (page 33), multi-unit owners (page 29), and emerging brands (page 37) that have plenty of wisdom to share with anyone contemplating a franchise investment. When going into business, it’s important to engage expert help. In this issue, we’ve rounded up franchise lawyers across Canada (page 41) who can aid in the legal matters of buying a business. In our Ask the Experts section, franchise consultant Shawn Saraga shares important tips for validating a franchise opportunity through your most valuable tool: talking to current and past franchisees (page 73). As always, Franchise Canada brings inspiring stories from all across the franchise industry. From a fatherson team with Yum! Brands overseeing more than 400
restaurant locations (page 57) to the Ontario-based Topper’s Pizza franchisees feeding their communities (page 69), you’ll find stories of business owners who are just like you. We also share the journey of CEO Catherine Monson, who grew signage company FASTSIGNS (and now their parent company Propelled Brands) to a multi-national superstar brand (page 60). And this issue’s Iconic Brand feature shares how custodial service brand Jani-King Canada is sweeping away the competition (page 66). As you ready yourself to make the leap of investing in your own franchised business, make sure to look out for the new CFA Guidebook, Franchising 101, coming soon to your inbox. This free digital resource will help you answer every question you might have about buying a franchise, including an in-depth checklist to take you through the process from A to Z. Make sure you sign up for Franchise Canada E-News to get this and other great resources delivered bi-weekly. As always, our online directory, LookforaFranchise.ca is the go-to resource to find the perfect franchise opportunity. You can search by industry type or investment level, and contact brands directly to find out more. Look for the CFA member logo to make sure your chosen franchise investment has signed on to the CFA Code of Ethics (and for more tips on finding ethical franchise opportunities, turn to page 24!) As the trends, insights, and inspirational stories in this issue highlight, there’s a franchise for everyone—all you need to do is find the one for you! We wish you all the best as you work towards making your business dreams come true.
Sherry McNeil, CFE President & CEO, Canadian Franchise Association
6 Canadian Franchise Association www.cfa.ca | www.FranchiseCanada.Online
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.
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.
Proven Success:
Established Presence:
95% average enrollment across all schools.
50+ schools operating. 20+ under development.
Meaningful Impact:
Growing Market:
6,000+ students graduated.
reaching $24.1B in Canada by 2030.
- Multi-location Franchise Partner, BC
Strong System Growth 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 1998
2005
BC
2010
2015
AB
2020
2025
ON
How we support you? From selecting prime locations to comprehensive training and ongoing marketing assistance, we equip you with everything you need to thrive.
Visit franchise.cefa.ca to learn more.
Scan to learn how to
Own a CEFA Canada’s #1 Early Childhood Education franchise* *EF100(CA) 2026 (Elite Franchise 100 - Canada’s Ranking)
CFA BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD CHAIR Todd Wylie*, Master Mechanic PRESIDENT & CEO Sherry McNeil*, CFE, Canadian Franchise Association 1ST VICE CHAIR Nathan Oxford, Jani-King Canada PAST CHAIR Ryan Picklyk*, CFE, A&W Food Services of Canada SECRETARY & GENERAL COUNSEL
PUBLISHER
Canadian Franchise Association (CFA)
Darrell Jarvis*, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
SENIOR EDITOR Joelle Kidd
TREASURER Brodie Sheahan*, MNP LLP
CONTENT PRODUCER Alyssa Thulmann
CHAIR, FRANCHISE SUPPORT SERVICES
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andrea Lee
Paul daSilva*, RBC
CHAIR, LEGAL & LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
Andraya Frith*, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP DIRECTORS
Andrew Arminen, Metal Supermarkets Cliff Campbell**, CFE, A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections Jon Domanko, Restaurant Brands International Chuck Farrell, Pizza Pizza Dixie Ho, Mr. Lube + Tires Arno Krug Jr., CEFA Early Learning Scott McCannell, Foodtastic 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
ADVERTISING SALES Richard Davies AD COORDINATOR Andrea Lee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Georgie Binks, Suzanne Bowness, Mei Linh Cheng, David Chilton Saggers, Hannah Foulger, Roma Ihnatowycz, Gina Makkar, Alya Somar, Kym Wolfe FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION:
Richard Davies, Senior Sales Consultant rdavies@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.
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
© 2026, 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:
8 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.
CODE OF ETHICS
T
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
L
E
FOR T K O H O
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. 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!
ADVERTORIAL
The Master Plan
President of Master Mechanic and incoming Chair of the CFA Board of Directors, Todd Wylie shares his approach to business—and what makes this powerhouse franchise run
T
odd Wylie has been in franchising for nearly his entire adult life. “I signed my first franchise agreement at the age of 22, while still in University,” recalls the president of Master Mechanic, a full-service automotive repair, tire, and maintenance franchise. Back then, his first franchise investment was a College Pro painting business. “It was a significant eye-opening experience. It’s not typical for a university student to run their own business, but doing so allowed me to learn all the aspects of running a successful franchise,” says Wylie. “It was hard work, but it was also fun. I learned a lot about small business and made more money than I had ever made in my five previous summers combined. From then on, I was hooked.” The drive to succeed Wylie’s career in franchising steered him through leadership positions with several major brands. It was in 2019 that he partnered with Omnigence Asset Management—a Calgarybased private equity firm—to acquire Master Mechanic. A then-38 year old company with a strong base in southern Ontario, Wylie’s direction has helped grow the brand into a thriving national presence.
“Master Mechanic is a leader in the automotive maintenance and repair industry,” Wylie notes. In 2019, “the quality of the franchisees was exceptionally high, and the unit level economics were very strong. We saw an amazing opportunity to take a trusted southern Ontario brand across the country and beyond.” Master Mechanic has a storied history of its own. Founded 45 years ago in Ontario, the brand’s first franchisees were fully licensed technicians who wanted to own and operate their own automotive services businesses. In the intervening years, the model has evolved from being purely technician-owned and operated to including a wide variety of active investors from different industry backgrounds. Through it all, the brand has maintained its high standards for providing quality service that meets consumer needs. This includes evolving technology to keep up with the times. Franchisees today need a much higher level of specialized education to service modern vehicles, which are essentially “computers on wheels.” On the consumer-facing side, the brand has also adopted innovations such as online booking and SMS communication. All Master Mechanic locations now provide a
digital inspection to show customers what needs to be done now, what should be done soon, and what to keep an eye on for future visits—a transparent way to show the brand’s expertise and ensure customers experience the smoothest ride possible in their vehicles. While the brand keeps on top of technological shifts, the business is ultimately people-first—every innovation works to reduce the stress of auto repair and treat every customer with kindness and respect. Hitting the road Historically, the brand’s 50 locations were concentrated in Ontario. But recently, Master Mechanic has begun a national expansion, starting with a location in Edmonton, Alberta. More locations are set to open this year across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. For Wylie, the growth doesn’t stop there. “Our goal is to have a Master Mechanic in every community.” Supporting multi-unit ownership has been a major shift for the brand. While Master Mechanic had only one multi-unit franchisee in 2019, today that number is at nine (and growing). This development is a result of the brand’s focus on unit-level economics,
ADVERTORIAL
conducting monthly financial analyses to ensure stores perform well and targeting strong franchise candidates. Others have taken notice. The brand was designated as a top 100 franchise in Canada and ranked number one in the automotive sector. They’ve also been awarded a Consumer Choice Award in Toronto two years in a row. One of the benefits of the business is its resilience. Vehicle repair is an essential service, and even through difficult economic times—including the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic—customers must maintain their vehicles. When you add in the brand’s high customer service standards, trustworthy reputation, and commitment to quality work, it’s no wonder Master Mechanic has continued to find success in the Canadian market. Overall, the brand boasts an online review average of 4.7/5, a rating that’s both above industry standard and a direct reflection of the brand’s promise: “No Worries. We Speak Car.” The slogan speaks to Master Mechanic’s aim to strip away the mystery of auto repair, providing customers with honest, face-to-face communication. The success comes from the driven franchise owners who have found triumph in running their own Master Mechanic businesses. New franchisees aren’t required to have a background in automotive services but do need to have strong management and leadership skills, as well as proven experience delivering strong
customer service. “Servant leaders” who share the brand’s values are required: franchisees who treat both customers and their team with kindness and can manage both people and business operations effectively. For new owners, training takes place for a minimum of three weeks at a dedicated training facility, a fully operational Master Mechanic located in Georgetown, Ontario, where franchisees receive hands-on training on everything from managing teams and suppliers to administrative tasks like cash flow management and goal setting. Upon opening, the head office team joins the new franchisee behind the counter to provide marketing and operations support during the critical first few weeks. The next few years will see the brand grow in high priority markets across North America, with 12 Canadian locations opening this year alone. “We are heavily focused on supporting our existing multi-unit franchise partners to accomplish their growth objectives, and continue to attract highly qualified franchise leaders,” says Wylie. A new role A longtime member of the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA), Wylie has served on the organization’s Board of Directors for several years. In 2026, he takes on a new role: a twoyear term as Chair of the Board. “Simply put, the CFA is the voice of franchising in Canada,” says Wylie, explaining the importance of the
organization. “The CFA is the number one resource to connect your team to leaders in the industry, providing them with access to the most current education and best practices available.” The CFA is a non-profit member organization made up of more than 600 corporate members and over 40,000 franchisees across Canada. It’s “essential for anyone interested in franchising,” Wylie notes, “because its members follow a code of ethics that ensures excellence in franchising. The CFA provides vital advocacy to ensure small business owners—which is what franchisees are—receive proper support and fair treatment from the government.” In his term as Chair, Wylie notes that his main goal is to provide the board and CFA president and CEO Sherry McNeil with strong support and guidance in accomplishing the goals laid out in the Association’s strategic plan. “There are four important pillars to the plan: Community, Education, Advocacy, and Brand Awareness. All of them are crucial for us to grow franchising in Canada.” One area where Wylie is especially passionate is continuing to amplify the CFA’s educational offerings, including its professional development certification program, the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) designation. “I cannot think of anything more important than ensuring that the franchise leaders of tomorrow are given the expertise and tools necessary to truly grow our over $143 billion franchise industry.”
For more information, visit www.mastermechanic.ca/franchising
INDUSTRY NEWS
Your source for what’s happening in Canadian franchising British Swim School marks 45 years of leadership in water safety, expands mission with “Every Age. Every Stage.” With March Break around the corner and families preparing for travel and time around the water, safety is top of mind. Yet drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death among children, and millions of adults admit they never learned to swim. British Swim School, a leader in survival-first swim education, is marking 45 years by expanding its mission with “Every Age. Every Stage.”—reinforcing that water competency is not just a childhood milestone, but a lifelong necessity. “Every Age. Every Stage.” reflects more than an anniversary milestone. It represents an intentional expansion of the brand’s commitment to serving swimmers throughout their entire lives. From infants experiencing their first introduction to water, to adults overcoming lifelong fear, to seniors seeking low-impact activity and individuals with special abilities benefiting from adaptive instruction, British Swim School is reinforcing a simple belief: access to water safety education should be inclusive, ongoing, and available at every phase of life. “Celebrating 45 years is an important moment for British Swim School,” said Ashley Gundlach, president of British Swim School. “‘Every Age. Every Stage.’ speaks to our belief that it’s never too early or too late to build confidence in and around the water. Water safety isn’t just a childhood milestone—it’s a life skill that supports individuals and families at every phase of life.” To bring its mission to life nationwide, British Swim School is launching its Jump On In campaign this
March—a national call to action encouraging families and communities across Canada to prioritize water safety together. The campaign invites the public to Jump On In—to survival skills, to new beginnings, and to lifelong swim confidence. Through coordinated digital activations, community engagement, and the release of “Jump In Jams,” a curated family-friendly playlist celebrating the joy of getting in the water, the initiative aims to inspire awareness, access, and action. British Swim School opened its first Canadian location in 2017 in Mississauga, Ontario, bringing its survivalfirst approach to swim education to families across the country. Since then, the brand has grown steadily, supported by a growing focus on water safety and increased demand for high-quality swim lessons. Today, British Swim School is supported by 24 Canadian franchise owners operating 75 open pool locations nationwide, with seven additional territories currently available for purchase. This continued growth reflects the trust families place in the swim school and the interest from entrepreneurs who are drawn to a business rooted in purpose and community impact. As the brand continues to expand across Canada, British Swim School remains focused on responsible growth— advancing water safety education while strengthening its impact within local communities. British Swim School’s curriculum is rooted in a survival-first philosophy, prioritizing water competency and essential life-saving skills that can make a meaningful difference in emergency situations. Programs are designed to support a wide range of swimmers, including beginners,
14 Canadian Franchise Association www.cfa.ca | www.FranchiseCanada.Online
adults learning to swim later in life, and individuals with special abilities. Lessons are offered year-round in warm, indoor pools, creating a consistent and welcoming environment for swimmers and their families. With highly trained instructors and small class sizes, each swimmer receives personalized attention. Lessons are available through a flexible, ongoing enrollment model that allows families to start at any time and progress at a pace that works for them. Programs range from infant water acclimation to advanced stroke refinement, ensuring swimmers of all ages and abilities build skills progressively and confidently. Jimmy John’s opens its first Saskatoon location Jimmy John’s has opened its first Saskatoon restaurant at 120-225 Payne Bend, bringing its fresh, freaky fast sandwiches to the community. Doors opened at 11 a.m. on February 24, representing another milestone in Jimmy John’s Canadian expansion. To celebrate, the first 100 guests received a complimentary 6-inch sandwich and fountain drink. “Expanding into Saskatchewan is an important step in building Jimmy John’s nationally,” said Mike Warren, director of operations at Foodtastic, a Montreal-based restaurant franchisor and the master franchisor of Jimmy John’s in Canada. “We look forward to introducing the brand to a new market and to introducing more Canadians to what makes Jimmy John’s the Sandwich of Sandwiches, from freshbaked bread and hand-sliced meats to our freaky fast service.” The new restaurant, locally owned and operated by franchisee Jenelle Diederichs, will create local jobs and
INDUSTRY NEWS deliver Jimmy John’s signature fresh ingredients and fast service. “Today is a proud moment for our team,” said Diederichs. “We are excited to open our doors and start serving Saskatoon officially. We look forward to welcoming guests and becoming part of the community.” Guests can enjoy Jimmy John’s full menu of sandwiches, all prepared in-store throughout the day. The Saskatoon location is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Ricky’s All Day Grill and Famoso Italian Pizzeria bring all-day breakfast and authentic Italian pizza to Terrace, B.C. Ricky’s and Famoso is thrilled to announce the opening of its newest location in Terrace, B.C., on March 19, 2026. This exciting new restaurant combines Ricky’s signature all-day breakfast and comforting classics
with Famoso’s authentic Italian pizza, creating a one-of-a-kind dining experience for the community. The restaurant is owned and operated by local franchisee Pawan Narula and his wife Meenakshi Sharma, longtime Terrace residents, who are proud to bring these two great brands to their hometown. “We are very excited to see Pawan begin this journey with us and bring the very best of Ricky’s and Famoso to this area,” says Stacey Hansson, senior VP at FDF Brandz. “We’re excited to see the team’s passion and enthusiasm shine through in the experience they create for every guest.” Located within The Quality Inn Sunshine Suites, owned by local business owner Kim Tran, the restaurant provides a welcoming space where hotel guests, friends, and families in the community can enjoy fresh housemade meals and warm hospitality.
ProColor Collision Rawdon opens under the leadership of the Leblanc family Fix Network announces the opening of ProColor Collision Rawdon, a new family owned collision repair centre led by longtime industry professional Benoit Leblanc. This new location expands ProColor Collision’s presence in Quebec and brings the expertise of the entire Leblanc family to the community, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to high quality, customer focused repair services. On May 20, 2025, Benoit Leblanc, an experienced body shop owner and operator, opened the doors. He says, “the project is so amazing that all my kids are embarking at 100 miles an hour in the company.” He now runs the business with the support of his wife and seven children: • La Flèche Leblanc (son) – owner, manager and autobody technician
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! •
Trusted Canadian brand with over 40 years of success
•
Comprehensive start-up support and ongoing training
•
Scalable models for growth
•
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
Franchise Canada May | June 2026
15
INDUSTRY NEWS • Eugène Leblanc (son) – owner and autobody technician • R icher Leblanc (son) – autobody technician and parts clerk • Émmanuelle Leblanc (daughter) – liaison officer • Providence Leblanc (daughter) – accountant • Josée Nadeau (wife) – controller • Eugénie Leblanc (daughter)– workshop director When asked about what distinguishes ProColor Collision Rawdon from the competition, Benoit believes their “specialty is really a combination of our customer service before, during, and after repairs as well as transparency towards the customer.” Eugénie adds, “customer service has become one of our greatest assets!” The decision to make their new business a ProColor Collision franchise was easy for the Leblanc family. From Eugénie’s perspective, “Fix Network is an organization that people trust,” and Benoit says he’s “been in the business for a long time and ProColor is synonymous with quality!” He continued: “I also noticed more calls, visits to the door and on the internet since I have been associated with ProColor.” To meet growing interest and demand, Benoit and his family have already added a welding machine, a spot welder, and new set up of PPG water paint. As they look ahead, they are considering expanding this operation and potentially opening another location in the future. Fix Network is thrilled to welcome Benoit, Eugénie, and the entire Leblanc family. This opening reflects Fix Network’s continued growth in Quebec and commitment to supporting locally owned businesses across Canada. Allegra Marketing Print Mail Halton celebrates 40 years in business Allegra Marketing Print Mail (Allegra Halton), a leader in the marketing and visual communications industry, is
proudly celebrating 40 years of serving local businesses and organizations in the Halton Region. For four decades, the Centre has cemented itself as a partner to the community with a strong commitment to personalized service and a deep understanding of local business needs. Local residents, Karen and Eric Grassick, second-generation owners of Allegra Halton, have guided the business through steady growth and several new chapters, including rebranding from Zippy Print & Imaging to Allegra Marketing Print Mail in 2013 and a facility relocation in 2017, while continuing a family legacy that now spans four generations at the Centre. “Reaching 40 years in business is incredibly meaningful for our entire team. My parents started this venture with a simple goal of serving the local business community with care and integrity. It has been a privilege for Eric and me to carry that legacy forward as the second generation of the family business,” said Grassick. “This Centre has always been more than just work for us—it is a part of our history, and we are deeply grateful to the Burlington community for the trust and support they have shown us over the years. Furthermore, our dedicated team is the reason that this milestone was made possible. It is because of their commitment, passion for exceptional customer service and creativity that we are able to celebrate 40 years in business.” Over the years, Allegra Marketing Print Mail has become an integral part of the Burlington business community, building strong relationships with local organizations and companies. The Centre has long supported community initiatives, including sponsoring the Sound of Music Festival and printing D.A.R.E. and B.R.A.V.O. certificates for every student across Halton. Proudly Canadian-owned and operated, the company sources most of its materials locally to support neighbouring businesses. In honour of the
16 Canadian Franchise Association www.cfa.ca | www.FranchiseCanada.Online
milestone, Allegra Halton will host an 80s-themed open house on June 4 to celebrate the anniversary with local clients, partners and vendors. OPA! Of Greece announces new president and CEO Simran Singh OPA! of Greece is pleased to officially announce the appointment of Simran Singh as its new president and chief executive officer. Simran succeeded Dorie Karras in December 2025 and brings over 12 years of hands-on experience with the brand. Simran first joined OPA! of Greece as a member of the accounting team in 2014 and has since held multiple leadership roles, most recently as the company’s financial controller. He is also a multi-unit franchise operator, with a portfolio of five total storefronts after his newest location, in Edmonton’s West Granville neighbourhood, opened in December of 2025. His extensive experience across every level of the business has uniquely prepared him to lead the company into its next phase of growth. “I’m incredibly honoured to step into the role of president and CEO at OPA! of Greece. This brand has built a loyal following by bringing the warmth, flavours, and spirit of Greek hospitality to communities across Canada.” says Singh. “I’m excited to work alongside our talented team and franchise partners to continue growing and modernizing the brand while staying true to the traditions and values that make OPA! so special.” In addition to his career at OPA!, Simran has worked extensively in the hospitality industry. Through his unique perspective as both a franchise operator and corporate controller, he looks to lead OPA! Of Greece with a focus on clarity, discipline, and long-term growth. He is committed to building strong systems, elevating franchisee operational performance and creating value for franchise partners, teams, and guests. His goal is to guide OPA! into the future with purpose and strategic focus.
COVER STORY
AN OPTION FOR EVERYBODY YOUR GUIDE TO FINDING YOUR FRANCHISE FIT
With franchise opportunities in Canada available across more than 60 industry categories and nearly 1,500 brands, you might be wondering where to even start when it comes to finding the right franchise for you. After all, entering into a franchise agreement with a brand is a big commitment, setting you on your path to business ownership for the next decade (or more!) of your life. With that in mind, Franchise Canada has created a guide to help you discern just which path to take. From deciding what industry is right for you to sizing up different ownership models, to taking that first step into meeting with a franchisor, the following pages will take you through the ins and outs of finding a franchise that meshes with your goals, passions, and lifestyle.
Franchise Canada May | June 2026
17
COVER STORY
A FRANCHISE FOR EVERYONE Dozens of industries, a wide range of investment levels, and hundreds of opportunities—if you’re looking for a franchise, there’s one for you! BY JOELLE KIDD
T
he desire for entrepreneurship in Canada is at a historic high. Almost 60 per cent of Canadians—the highest rate in the past eight years—say they want to start their own business, according to RBC. If you’re looking to go into business for yourself, but with the support of a proven system, franchising is the perfect option. But which franchise to choose? The 2026 Franchise Canada Directory lists 1,500 different franchise brands available in Canada—that’s a lot of opportunities! Below, we’ll break down some of the different industries, investment levels, and business models to choose from, and help you find the franchise that’s the perfect match for you. What type of business is right for me? For some people, the word “franchise” calls to mind quick service restaurants or coffee shops. While foodservice has always been a popular category for franchised businesses, it’s not the only industry where you can find this model. In fact, there are more than 60 different industry categories with franchise opportunities in Canada, from A to Z—or at least from Accounting Services to Winemaking! One way to find your franchise fit is to consider what industries you’re interested in or types of services you’d like to offer, and find franchises in that category. If you love animals, you may want to consider pet services franchises; entrepreneurs with a background in education may be interested in a franchise that offers extracurricular educational programs for kids, or even a franchised Montessori school. If you’re a fitness buff, you can find plenty of gyms and fitness studios that offer franchise investments. Franchise Canada’s online directory, LookforaFranchise.ca, is a great resource for finding opportunities by industry type. The wealth of different industries available also means you may find an exciting opportunity in a field you’d never previously considered. The great thing about franchised businesses is that they offer initial training as well as ongoing support and development. Whatever your educational background or previous career experience, you can succeed in a new field as long as you have the business skills to take on the challenge of running a franchise. When researching franchise opportunities, make sure to consider a wide range of options. You may find your fit in an industry you would have never expected!
18 Canadian Franchise Association www.cfa.ca | www.FranchiseCanada.Online
The Wide World of Franchising Here are a few brands featured in this issue in industries you may not have considered! Quick Service Restaurants McDonald’s Yoga and Fitness Oxygen Yoga and Fitness Barbering Services Tommy Gun’s Original Barbershop Childhood Education ALOHA Mental Math Beauty Services Tan on the Run Shipping Logistics InXpress Personal Styling House of Colour Cleaning Services Hellamaid
COVER STORY At any price Franchises are not one-size-fits-all, and neither are the investments required to buy a franchise business. Investment levels vary. Some home-based or mobile businesses, operating with low overhead, require an initial investment under $50,000. For a dine-in restaurant that needs to be built from the ground up, the initial investment could top $1 million. When considering franchise opportunities, it’s important to consider not only your personal net worth and liquidity, but to build out a business plan and do your due diligence to make sure you’ll be making a healthy return on investment, regardless of the level of that investment. Here are some costs associated with purchasing a franchise that you need to know: • Franchise Fees. These are initial, up-front fees paid by a franchisee for the use of the franchisor’s trademark, brand, and operating system. • Royalties. These are ongoing payments that give the franchisee access to the brand and business model. Depending on the franchise system, royalties may represent a flat rate or a percentage of sales. These fees are used by the franchisor to maintain their system of support for franchisees. • Advertising Fees. Some franchise systems include advertising fees in their franchise agreements. These are typically fees that all franchisees in the system pay, that are pooled into an advertising fund. This allows the franchisor to market the brand on a regional or national scale. • Total Investment. Like with any business, opening a franchise requires plenty of start-up costs, including real estate and leasehold improvements, initial inventory, any training fees or travel expenses, legal fees, and working capital for early operations. Franchisors will provide a range for the typical investment in their brand to give you an idea of how much you will need to invest. A full breakdown of costs will be available in the Franchise Agreement or Franchise Disclosure Document. A growing industry The past few years have been tumultuous for businesses. Since 2020, business owners have faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic instability, and political tensions. Despite these factors, franchising as an industry has actually grown, proving itself to be an incredibly resilient business model. According to the Franchise Forecast, an annual report published by the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) in partnership with the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis (CANCEA), franchising was a $96 billion industry in 2019. By the end of 2025, franchising was projected to contribute $133.3 billion to Canada’s economy—an incredible amount of growth for a period encompassing a global pandemic and related economic shifts. What’s more, the franchise industry was actually found to exceed that projection by $10 billion, worth $143.3 billion by the end of 2025! The latest Franchise Forecast predicts even more growth over 2026, with franchising remaining the 12th largest industry in Canada and being valued at $148.8 billion by the end of the year. The industry in Canada employs nearly 2 million people, and by 2027, nearly 70,500 franchisees are projected to be operating their own franchised small businesses. And who knows—you could be one of them!
For even more opportunities and resources on how to get started, check out the 2026 Franchise Canada Directory.
Industry Outlook for 2027 Here are five industries to look out for, all predicted to see growth over the next year. Industry value denotes total franchise-related nominal GDP. Read the full Franchise Forecast to learn more. Construction $6.4 billion expected to see 3.8% growth Healthcare and social assistance $2.6 billion expected to see 3.67% growth Finance, insurance, real estate, rental / leasing and holding companies $17.2 billion expected to see 3.66% growth Retail trade $18.5 billion expected to see 3.66% growth Educational services $3.1 billion expected to see 3.65% growth
Franchise Canada May | June 2026
19
COVER STORY
MODEL BEHAVIOUR: WHAT OPTIONS ARE THERE?
A breakdown of the different franchise models and what they mean for franchisees BY ALYSSA THULMANN
T
he franchise industry is unique in how expansive it is, covering nearly every sector and kind of business you can dream of. Once you’ve decided that franchising is the right path to business ownership for you, you have many different models to choose from depending on your interests, lifestyle, and goals. While finding a brand you resonate with and believe in can be an important aspect of choosing a franchisor, there’s more to consider: the kind of role you want in the system, where you’d like to operate from, and what building blocks you’d like to start with, to name a few. Below you’ll find an introduction to the various models that prospective franchisees have to choose between depending on what kind of experience they desire. The different franchise agreements The title of “franchisee” is not one-size-fits-all; there are different kinds of franchise agreements one can sign depending on the role they’d like to play within their chosen system and the number of franchises they’d like to oversee. Options include single-unit and multi-unit ownership, area development, and master franchising. One of the most well-known kinds of franchise agreement is the single-unit agreement, in which a franchisee invests in one unit that they’ll then open and operate as
an owner. In this case there’s no expectation that they’ll open additional locations in the future, although it’s possible they may choose to do so later on. Multi-unit franchising occurs when an individual signs multiple single-unit franchise agreements, with each location acting as its own unit. These locations may or may not be in the same geographical region. It’s not uncommon for a franchisee to begin with single-unit ownership before opening more locations down the line once they’ve got their groove. One of franchising’s benefits is that you’re able to grow at your own pace. If you prefer being hands-on and on-site everyday, or if you just don’t have the breadth of experience to expand to more locations, then single-unit ownership may be ideal. And if opening multiple units is what you’d like to do, you can work with your franchisor to ensure you’re growing at a comfortable rate depending on your investment level, the leadership role you’d like to take for each location, and the opportunities available. Another avenue to consider is an area development agreement (ADA). Under an ADA, the franchisee signs on to open a specific number of franchises in a designated region within a certain time period, receiving exclusive rights to their territory. They’ll have the ability to operate each new unit themselves or they can
20 Canadian Franchise Association www.cfa.ca | www.FranchiseCanada.Online
COVER STORY find independent franchisees to operate a unit instead, though they can’t sub-franchise. This kind of agreement allows a franchisee to establish their presence in the region, and although the investment level is higher, it can increase the profit potential. For those who like the idea of expanding throughout a specific region, master franchising offers a different kind of opportunity. A master franchisee operates similarly to a franchisor, growing their territory by opening and granting franchise units to other franchisees. In this case, they can sub-franchise, which involves the franchisee signing an agreement directly with the master franchisee instead of the franchisor themselves. Master franchisees are responsible for opening at least one location on their own and provide training and support to “their franchisees” as well. Home base The kind of business a franchisee chooses can have a huge impact on their day-to-day tasks and lifestyle. While one is not inherently better or worse than the other, they do offer different experiences, particularly with where the franchisee works from. Likely the most obvious is the traditional or brickand-mortar business. A traditional franchise operates out of a specified, physical storefront or location where customers visit to buy products or services. These can be a standalone store, a kiosk or express location in a mall or airport, or a store-in-store location located inside another business, but either way, it runs out of a designated, static space. A non-traditional franchise, on the other hand, has more freedom with where it functions. Also called a mobile or home-based business, these systems can operate out of a vehicle or a home office and focus more on communicating virtually, coordinating with customers to meet them where they are, or travelling between various secondary spaces. Franchisees can reconcile their own wants and needs with the daily operations of a traditional versus a non-traditional franchise to see what fits best into their lifestyle. Blueprints and ingredients When it comes to the nuts and bolts of digging in and actually opening your business, different models provide unique paths to follow. Opening a full turnkey operation is different than handling a build-out, and each one has pros and cons depending on the individual owner. Most franchises are, to some degree, turnkey. While each system is unique, franchising in general is appealing because it offers a proven, developed system, often alongside initial training and support, operations manuals, brand recognition, checklists, and more. What prospective franchisees have to consider, though, is the degree to which a brand is turnkey.
A full turnkey franchise operates under the idea that all the franchisee needs to do is “turn the key”: unlock the doors and start operating. The franchise agreement and the initial fees paid will cover everything they need from securing a location (if required); renovating and sourcing equipment; training the owner on operations, marketing, sales, and anything else they need to know; setting up systems and programming; and anything else the business must do to run. A turnkey operation takes a lot off the shoulders of the franchisee, but also gives them less control, and can reflect a higher price point than the alternative. Franchisors can also offer non-turnkey opportunities wherein the franchisee sees added responsibility for the build-out. In these cases, opening preparation requires more hands-on work and additional investment from the franchisee themselves. Whereas a turnkey package will include all the physical materials and work needed to open the business, build-outs require the franchisee to invest in their location along the way, overseeing the design and construction process themselves rather than having those aspects already included. This doesn’t mean, however, that the franchisee won’t get insight and support from their franchisor, especially since each brand has preferred suppliers, designs, and requirements to be met by each franchise. New to you, new to all Franchisors may also offer their franchisees two options between opening a brand new location from scratch or taking over an already existing unit—a new build versus a resale. The definition of a new build is found in the name; the franchise is built fresh from the ground up, a brand new location that didn’t exist before. In this case the franchisee will see the franchise physically constructed and designed, handle all staffing and onboarding, and market to a new area. The other option is buying an existing franchise location, taking over the ownership and operation. Resales can occur between one franchisee and another, a franchisor and a franchisee (in cases of converting corporate stores to franchise locations), and from a franchisee back to a franchisor. In this case the history and the infrastructure is already there, but it’s the new owner’s job to see the franchise through the leadership transition and into the future. (For more on franchise resales, turn to page 52.) The Canadian franchise industry boasts endless brands to explore across more than 60 sectors, and each of them offer various models and opportunities for consideration. At the end of the day, it’s not about which one is better, but about which one is better for you.
Franchise Canada May | June 2026
21