Author Archives: Leo

Yesterday marked the first official World Franchise Day, a global recognition of the franchising industry’s economic impact and its role in empowering local entrepreneurs. The initiative, launched by the Canadian Franchise Association in partnership with the World Franchise Council, aims to raise awareness about how franchising contributes to community development and provides a strong alternative to independent business ownership.

Among the notable franchise systems celebrating the occasion is A&W Food Services of Canada. As one of the country’s most established and widespread franchise brands with nearly 1,100 restaurants operated by approximately 400 franchisees, A&W represents a significant force in the Canadian food service industry.

Franchising is a powerful economic driver in Canada. According to the Canadian Franchise Association, the sector is the 12th largest in the nation, contributing over $133 billion annually to the economy and employing nearly 2 million Canadians. In 2025 alone, franchise businesses are expected to generate more than $30 billion in tax revenues at both the federal and provincial levels. 

A&W’s franchise network plays a notable role in this broader economic story. The company employs over 26,000 people across Canada and offers a variety of ownership opportunities tailored to different markets and investment levels. Franchisees also benefit from comprehensive training, marketing expertise, and a supply chain built around high-quality ingredients and longstanding menu favorites.

Industry experts often cite A&W’s structure as an example of how franchising can offer local business owners a stable path to success. The model allows individuals to own and operate their businesses while benefiting from the operational support, brand recognition, and economies of scale of a national system. Many individuals looking for their first or next entrepreneurial venture, are looking for opportunities with growth potential. A&W’s business model is designed to support growth, a fact that has led many franchisees to build multi-unit portfolios within the A&W system.

Beyond economics, the social contributions of Canadian franchisees are substantial. 97% of small businesses report some form of community engagement. A&W franchisees have been active participants in charitable initiatives such as Burgers to Beat MS, and many support local causes through sponsorships, youth job creation, and community fundraising events.

World Franchise Day not only recognizes the financial impact of franchising but also the individuals behind the businesses—franchisees who are often deeply rooted in the communities they serve.

As interest in franchise ownership continues to rise among Canadian entrepreneurs, A&W’s longstanding success story stands as a case study in how strong support systems, an outstanding franchisee-franchisor relationship, and a trusted brand can empower entrepreneurs across the country.

A&W is the Bronze winner of the 2025 Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) Awards of Excellence in Franchising in the Category of Traditional 100+ Franchisees. The award was presented to A&W on April 7, 2025, during the Awards Gala at the 34th annual CFA National Convention at Sheraton Fallsview, Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Considered the pinnacle of franchise achievement in Canada, the CFA Awards of Excellence in Franchising are given annually to franchise systems that have demonstrated superior franchise relations, leadership, training, and communications.

“We’re incredibly grateful to receive this prestigious award alongside such esteemed franchisors in the CFA. This is truly a recognition of the highest caliber, and we owe our success to the hard work and dedication of our franchisees and so on behalf of the entire A&W team we share this with them. One of our core strengths has always been a commitment to working together as partners, and this award is a testament to that philosophy.” Says Ryan Picklyk, Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships & Franchising

This year, more than 70 CFA member franchise brands participated in the CFA Awards of Excellence in Franchising program. Sponsored by the CFA and administered by the Portage Group, a third-party research firm, the winning franchise systems were determined based on the results of a survey completed by participating brands’ franchisees about their experiences and levels of satisfaction with the system.

“The CFA Awards of Excellence in Franchising celebrates the very best in Canadian franchising in 2025. The winners have demonstrated the importance of Growing Together™ and the symbiotic partnership between franchisor and franchisee,” says Sherry McNeil, CFA President & Chief Executive Officer. “Regardless of the size or concept, a strong relationship between the franchisor and franchisees is fundamental to a franchise system’s success. We congratulate A&W for their achievements.”

Open exclusively to CFA franchise system members, the CFA Awards of Excellence in Franchising includes seven categories to enable franchise systems to be rated against their peers. Entries are separated into Traditional Franchises (i.e. those with brick-and-mortar locations) and Non-Traditional Franchises (i.e. mobile, home-based, etc.), then grouped based on number of franchisees. 

Systems with the highest scores in each category are recognized with Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards. The prestigious CFA Award of Excellence in Franchising Grand Prize is given to a Gold winner in the Traditional category and a Gold winner in the Non-Traditional category. 

To learn more about A&W, visit awfranchise.ca.

For more information about the CFA Awards of Excellence in Franchising and a list of winners, visit www.cfa.ca. 

About A&W

A&W Canada is not only the nation’s original burger brand but also one of the most beloved and successful quick-service restaurant (QSR) chains in the country. With nearly 1,100 locations across Canada, A&W is the second-largest burger chain in Canada’s growing multi-billion-dollar QSR burger market. Backed by over 65 years of history, A&W offers franchisees an exciting opportunity to partner with one of the most respected and innovative brands in the industry.

Founded in 1956, A&W was the first nationally branded burger chain in Canada. For years, A&W drive-ins were a popular gathering spot for families, cementing the brand’s place in the hearts of Canadians. These early days helped establish a deep and enduring connection with A&W, a relationship that continues today with millions of Canadians who fondly remember their experiences at A&W locations.

Despite its nostalgic roots, the brand has evolved with the times, replacing traditional drive-ins with modern, stand-alone restaurants equipped with drive-thru service. Today, A&W locations can be found in high-traffic areas like shopping centers, airports, and highway gas stations, making the brand more accessible than ever. Keeping pace with the digital world, A&W has introduced technology such as their mobile app which enhances guest loyalty while offering greater convenience, making it easier for them to interact with the brand and place orders. Throughout this evolution, A&W has remained committed to the core values that made it a success: great-tasting food made with simple, quality ingredients.

About the Canadian Franchise Association 

The Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) helps everyday Canadians realize the dream of building their own business through the power of franchising. The CFA advocates on issues that impact this dream on behalf of more than 600 corporate members and over 40,000 franchisees from many of Canada’s best-known and emerging franchise brands. Beyond its role as the voice of the franchise industry, the CFA strengthens and develops franchising by delivering best-practice education and creating rewarding connections between Canadians and the opportunities in franchising. Franchising is the 12th largest industry in Canada and franchised businesses contribute over $133 billion per year to the Canadian economy, creating jobs for almost two million Canadians. Learn more at: www.cfa.ca or http://www.FranchiseCanada.online. 

A&W is delighted to announce its recognition as one of the premier franchise opportunities in Canada. Standing out among numerous competitors across various sectors, A&W has secured a prominent position among the top five by claiming the no.2 position in the highly regarded Elite Franchise Top 100 Canada (EF100CA) – a title it will proudly hold throughout 2025.

To view the full EF100CA publication, CLICK HERE

This is the inaugural year for the EF100CA, marking the beginning of a prestigious new benchmark in the Canadian franchising industry. The ranking highlights franchisors based on their growth, franchisee support, and contributions to local communities, setting a new standard for excellence across the sector.

Larry Weinberg, Partner at Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP, shared his perspective:
“Canadian franchisors are setting the bar high. Their innovation, adaptability, and focus on sustainable growth demonstrate the strength of our industry. These businesses are leading by example, proving the incredible potential of franchising in Canada.”

Initiatives like the EF100CA are essential for driving innovation and elevating standards across the franchising industry. Competing franchisors dedicate themselves to excellence in pursuit of this coveted recognition.

The awards will culminate in an exclusive celebration on February 26th at The Carlu in Toronto, bringing together Canada’s most dynamic and resilient franchise leaders.

Despite a turbulent and ever-changing economic landscape, franchises such as A&W have thrived over the past year, thanks to their robust business models and resilient operational structures.

“We’re super excited to be ranked #2! There are some truly exceptional franchise businesses in Canada and to be recognized among that group is truly an honour. This achievement is the result of the dedication that the entire A&W team from home office, our field team and of course our amazing franchisees have for getting better every day and delivering for our guests across Canada. As a Canadian owned and operated company we are honoured to be named as one of Canada’s very best franchise businesses,” said Ryan Picklyk, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships & Franchising.

The A&W team takes pride in delivering outstanding products to their valued guests while being recognized as a top-tier opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs. A&W’s commitment to quality, innovation, and community support has been key to its success and appeal as a franchise opportunity.

For more information about A&W and how to join its exceptional franchise network, apply now!

We are beyond thrilled to announce the opening of our FIRST restaurant of 2025 this past weekend in Haliburton, Ontario! ❄️ Warm up with a delicious burger (and maybe some onion rings 😉) at our newest location.

A special shoutout to our incredible franchisees Rahim Gilani, Nadirali Gilani, and Sohail Khoja! This marks their 7th location with us – what an amazing accomplishment! 🤩