The latest franchise industry news, expansions, and investment insights from across Ontario and Canada.
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Last updated: Mar 27, 2026, 12:15 a.m.
⭐ FeaturedIndustry ReportCanadian Franchise Association•6 days ago
Canadian Franchise Association: Franchising Contributes $120B+ to Canadian Economy
The Canadian Franchise Association's annual economic impact study confirms the franchise sector contributes over $120 billion to the Canadian economy and employs more than 1.9 million Canadians. Ontario remains the single largest provincial franchise market, accounting for nearly 40% of all franchise units across the country. The report underscores continued year-over-year growth in food service, home services, and fitness categories.
Legal & RegulatoryOntario Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery•8 days ago
Ontario's Arthur Wishart Act Explained: What Every Franchise Buyer Must Know
Ontario's Arthur Wishart Act (Franchise Disclosure), 2000 is the primary legislation protecting prospective franchise buyers in the province. The Act requires franchisors to provide a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least 14 days before any agreement is signed or money changes hands. Buyers have a 2-year right of rescission if the FDD was deficient and 60 days if none was provided at all. Understanding this legislation is essential before signing any franchise agreement in Ontario.
ExpansionMTY Food Group Inc. — Investor Relations•11 days ago
MTY Group Expands Canadian Footprint — 50+ New Ontario Units Planned for 2026
MTY Food Group Inc., Canada's largest multi-brand franchise company with over 90 restaurant banners including Mucho Burrito, Thai Express, and Baton Rouge, has announced plans to open 50+ new Ontario locations in 2026. The Montreal-based company reported strong same-store sales growth in its most recent quarterly earnings, citing Ontario suburban markets as a key expansion priority. MTY operates over 7,000 franchise locations in 30 countries.
Brand NewsRecipe Unlimited Corporation — TSX: RECP•14 days ago
Recipe Unlimited Reports Strong Ontario Performance Across Swiss Chalet, Harvey's, and Milestone's
Recipe Unlimited Corporation (TSX: RECP), the parent company of Swiss Chalet, Harvey's, Milestones Grill, Montana's, Kelseys, and St. Hubert, reported solid Q4 results driven by strong Ontario same-store sales. The company, which operates over 1,400 franchise and corporate restaurants across Canada, noted particular strength in family casual and quick-service segments. Ontario accounts for the majority of the company's system-wide sales.
The Canadian Franchise Association's annual franchisee satisfaction benchmark reveals food & beverage franchises lead all categories in overall franchisee satisfaction, with 74% of respondents rating their experience as positive or very positive. Franchise support quality, brand strength, and initial training programs ranked as the top three factors influencing satisfaction. Ontario franchisees surveyed cited territory protection and marketing fund transparency as key areas for improvement across all categories.
Brand NewsFranchise Business Review Canada•18 days ago
A&W Canada Tops Franchise Satisfaction Rankings for Third Consecutive Year
A&W Food Services of Canada has earned top marks in the Franchise Business Review Canada's annual survey for the third consecutive year, with franchisees praising the brand's commitment to quality sourcing, modern restaurant design support, and strong co-operative marketing programs. With over 1,000 Canadian locations, A&W's consistent franchisee satisfaction scores are widely cited by industry observers as a benchmark for franchise system health. Ontario franchisees represent approximately 35% of the total network.
Buying a Franchise in Ontario: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Investors
Franchising in Ontario offers investors access to proven business models with built-in brand recognition — but the process comes with important legal, financial, and operational considerations. This guide covers the 7 key steps every first-time Ontario franchise buyer should follow: researching the right category, evaluating the FDD, consulting a franchise lawyer, securing financing through the BDC or chartered banks, completing due diligence with existing franchisees, negotiating lease terms, and completing your training program.
ExpansionRestaurant Brands International — Investor Relations•24 days ago
Restaurant Brands International Reports Continued Ontario Expansion for Tim Hortons and Popeyes
Restaurant Brands International (TSX/NYSE: QSR), the parent company of Tim Hortons, Burger King, and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, highlighted Ontario as a key growth market in its most recent investor day presentation. Tim Hortons — with over 3,800 Canadian locations — continues to expand its next-generation restaurant format featuring modernized interiors, expanded drive-thru capacity, and digital menu boards. Popeyes Canada added 28 new Ontario units in the past 12 months.
FinancingBusiness Development Bank of Canada (BDC)•26 days ago
BDC Launches Enhanced Franchise Financing Program for Canadian Small Business Owners
The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has expanded its franchise financing program, now offering up to $500,000 in term loans for qualified franchise buyers with flexible repayment structures and reduced personal collateral requirements for established franchise brands. The program is available to first-time and multi-unit franchise investors across all Canadian provinces. Ontario-based franchise buyers can apply directly through BDC's online portal or any of its 40+ Ontario business centres.
Greater Toronto Area Named Canada's #1 Franchise Investment Market for Fifth Straight Year
Franchise Canada Magazine's annual market ranking has named the Greater Toronto Area the top franchise investment market in Canada for the fifth consecutive year, citing population density, purchasing power, immigration-driven demand, and access to commercial real estate as the primary drivers. The 905 belt — encompassing Mississauga, Brampton, Markham, and Vaughan — continues to see the highest concentration of new franchise openings per capita outside of the City of Toronto proper.