As many restaurant chains continue to tackle inflation, labour shortages, and supply chain disruption, some QSR chains are growing, expanding and adding locations to their portfolios. Many of these chains are expanding over the border, from the United States into Canada.
Papa John’s was early in its Canadian expansion, opening its first location in 2000, and growing to include over 200 Canadian locations today.
Chick-fil-A recently landed in Toronto and the GTA, now boasting 15 Ontario locations. The company also plans to add three locations in Calgary and Edmonton this year, totaling up to 20 locations in Alberta by 2030.
Shake Shack recently added its first location in Toronto, with plans to open 34 more Canadian locations by 2035. The menu looks very similar to the offerings that customers have experienced in their American locations, with the addition of some Canada-only menu items like the Maple Salted Pretzel Shake and I Heart Butter Tart Concrete.
Jersey Mike’s has 2 Canadian locations in Kitchener and London, but plans to expand to 300 sandwich shops in the country by 2034, with five opening by the end of this year.
Similarly, Jimmy John’s, the American sandwich chain, plans to open its first Canadian location in the GTA before the end of 2024, with more restaurants throughout Canada in the planning stage. According to their research, many Canadian diners prefer hot sandwiches, so while the menu will look like its American version, it will reflect what Canadian diners are looking for.
Crumbl Cookies has expanded into Canada, with a total of 14 locations currently, including locations in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan.
Since 2022, Pret A Manger, the UK café chain, has opened several concession sites in A&W in Vancouver, opening its first Canadian location in Toronto recently. The sandwich and soup shop has signed a 10-year agreement with A&W to continue its expansion into Canada.
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The Canadian restaurant marketplace is getting more crowded as American locations expand into the country. Operators will need to stand out with a unique offering and a superior experience to stay competitive in today’s marketplace.
