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! 🤩

A&W is forming a national partnership with Mealshare. Mealshare partners with restaurants, and identifies items that qualify as a Mealshare item. When a customer orders a ‘Mealshare Item’, they get their meal, just like normal, and the restaurant contributes $1.00 to Mealshare. That allows Mealshare to provide one simple, healthy meal to a youth in need. Buy one, give one – it’s that simple! At A&W Monday is Mealshare Monday and $1 dollar from a Cheddar Bacon Uncle Combo goes towards Mealshare. Guests can also add $1 to any order to donate to Mealshare as well. For more information on Mealshare click here: https://mealshare.ca/en/

It’s no secret that our healthcare professionals around the globe are nothing less than superheroes, and A&W has something for our local heroes if they need a pick-me-up. Read more here. 

In the heart of Stony Plain, Alberta, stands a testament to dedication and community. It also happens to be Brad Schneider’s first A&W restaurant.

QSR Roots

Brad’s journey into the world of quick-service restaurants (QSR) began long before he opened his first A&W. Growing up, Brad was immersed in the QSR industry, as his parents were themselves franchisees for another restaurant chain. Brad went on to pursue a university education and briefly dabbled in banking, however Brad knew he wanted to do something else and his mind never strayed far from his roots.

A Leap of Faith

At the age of 23, Brad embarked on his entrepreneurial journey driven by a chance encounter with an ad in the newspaper that read “Franchise Business Opportunity”. Brad saw potential in A&W’s iconic brand and values, rooted in memories of visiting the A&W drive-in in Edson, Alberta during his youth.

Choosing A&W over the competition was an easy decision for Brad. He was drawn to the brand’s community and culture, which only solidified as he engaged with others in the business during his application process.

Brad’s Stony Plain location went on to open on April 14th, 1994 just about a year after having seen the ad. His induction into the A&W franchise network also set a notable record for the company, as he became the youngest franchisee in its history at the time, having endeavored into this venture himself.

Leading by Example

Since 1994, Brad’s commitment to A&W has never wavered. He finds fulfillment in the relationships he’s built, whether with the corporate team, fellow franchisees, or the guests and staff who frequent his restaurants. Today, Brad not only operates multiple locations but also serves as the Regional President for Greater Edmonton franchisees and leverages his experience to advise on various A&W boards.

Looking Forward

As he reflects on his journey, he acknowledges the demanding nature of the business but finds solace in the daily interactions with guests and staff.

“The restaurant business is tough and demanding, but I have great people around me, and I look forward to going in every day…”

Brad celebrated the opening of his fifth location the same year his first restaurant in Stony Plain turned 30. We recognize not only his success but also his unwavering dedication to A&W and the community it fosters.

Brad closed with these final remarks when asked what he would say to someone interested in joining A&W as a franchisee: “Like any other business, the restaurant industry comes with many challenges. However, if you surround yourself with great people, the challenges become opportunities and seizing them, allows your business to grow. A&W is fortunate to have so many great people throughout the organization which creates an incredible opportunity for success.”

A&W Food Services of Canada Inc. (A&W Canada) is the Silver winner of the 2024 Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) Awards of Excellence in Franchising in the Category of Traditional 100+ Franchisees. The award was presented to A&W Canada on April 8, 2024, during the Awards Gala at the 2024 CFA National Convention at Le Westin Montréal, Quebec. Along with this award, A&W Canada also took home the Franchisees’ Choice Designation for the 10th consecutive year.

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.

“It’s a really big honor for A&W to be recognized with this award among such a great group of franchisors that make up the CFA community. It’s best of best!” says Ryan Picklyk, Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships & Franchising at A&W Canada. “Our success only comes through the success of our franchisees, so we share this recognition with each of them.”

The CFA Awards of Excellence in Franchising program received overwhelming participation from CFA member franchise brands this year. 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 recognizes the finest in Canadian franchising for 2024. Our winners embody the ethos of Growing Together® and illustrate the mutually beneficial partnership between franchisors and franchisees,” says Sherry McNeil, CFA President and 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 Canada for their achievements.”

Open exclusively to CFA franchise system members, the CFA Awards of Excellence in Franchising competition 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 Canada and for current opportunities, visit awfranchise.ca.

For more information about the CFA Awards of Excellence in Franchising and a list of winners, visit https://cfa.ca/blog/2024-awards-of-excellence/.

About A&W Canada

The first A&W drive-in restaurant opened in Winnipeg in 1956. An instant hit, A&W expanded to build restaurants across Canada. They’ve proudly served great-tasting burgers, hand-crafted onion rings and frosted mugs of famous A&W Root Beer to millions of happy customers.

A&W changed with the times, as their innovative franchisees pioneered locations in food court malls, drive-thrus and freestanding restaurants. Today, there are over 1000 A&W restaurants from coast to coast – and still growing fast!

To view A&W’s available sites, go to awfranchise.ca.

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 550 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 $120 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.

On August 22, 2024, A&W proudly celebrated the 16th annual Burgers to Beat MS Day, marking yet another year of dedicated efforts to support Canadians living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This day has become a cornerstone of A&W’s commitment to raising funds and awareness for MS, a cause close to the company’s heart.

For every Teen Burger sold on this special day, $2 was donated to MS Canada. These donations are vital in providing support to individuals and families affected by MS, as well as funding crucial research aimed at eliminating the disease. While the final tally for 2024 is still being calculated, early estimates indicate that around $1.6 million was raised for the second consecutive year—a testament to the generosity and support of franchisees and guests.

In 2023, together with partners and the incredible people who visited A&W restaurants, an impressive $1.6 million was raised. Over the years, A&W’s partnership with MS Canada has resulted in over $20 million raised. This incredible sum has funded various essential initiatives, including the MS Knowledge Network, which offers vital resources in both French and English, and nearly $10 million in annual research funding. Additionally, through the Quality of Life Equipment Grants, A&W has helped provide access to assistive technology, empowering individuals living with MS to maintain personal independence.

Burgers to Beat MS Day is more than just selling Teen Burgers. It’s a day dedicated to engaging with communities and raising awareness about MS across Canada. From special events to parking lot stands, franchisees and their restaurants nationwide went above and beyond to make this day special. These activities, driven by the passion and dedication of A&W’s franchisees, reflect the deep care and commitment that lie at the heart of this charitable campaign.

Why This Cause Matters

Canada continues to have one of the highest rates of MS in the world, with over 90,000 people living with the disease—an alarming statistic that equates to 1 in every 400 Canadians. The Atlas of MS report sheds light on this critical issue:

– Over 90,000 Canadians are living with MS—1 in every 400 people.

– Every year, 4,377 people are diagnosed with MS—almost 12 people per day.

– The average age of diagnosis is 43 years.

– 75% of those living with MS are women.

– 90% of people with MS are initially diagnosed with relapsing-remitting forms of MS, while 10% are diagnosed with progressive forms.

These numbers underscore the importance of the continued support provided by initiatives like Burgers to Beat MS Day. The funds raised through this campaign go directly towards improving the lives of those affected and fueling the research that will one day lead to a cure.

A&W is immensely proud to continue its longstanding tradition of supporting Canadians affected by MS. The success of this year’s Burgers to Beat MS Day fills the company with hope and determination to continue making a difference. Together, with every Teen Burger sold, A&W believes it is one step closer to a world free of MS.

The northside A&W restaurant in Grande Prairie ranked as the top fundraising location in Canada for the seventh consecutive year during the annual “Burgers to Beat MS.”  Read more here.