When determining future career paths, many people think that there are only two options available to them- work for yourself, or work for someone else. Whether self-employed or owning and operating a small business, this colossal undertaking may not be as tempting to others as it is to some. But neither is working for someone else.

However, operating a franchise location can provide the perfect combination of both. The franchise market allows business-oriented individuals to build a location and operate a business with an existing infrastructure and a large customer base.

What is a Franchise?

Top Franchise Opportunities in Canada

If you’re looking for the best franchises in Canada that were born and bred within the country, then look no further than the Canadian franchises list encapsulating these 24 companies below.

1. Tim Hortons

One of the most well known Canadian brands in the world, Tim Hortons is also the biggest Canadian franchise in the country. Founded in 1964 by the Canadian hockey player Tim Horton, the franchise boasts over 4800 locations across 14 countries. For this reason, the coffee shop giant has become one of the most profitable franchises in Canada.

This industry-leading company offers business enthusiasts great franchising opportunities for the future. To achieve the minimal financial requirements to become a franchisee, you must have a net worth of $500,000 and unencumbered funds of $100,000.

2. Canada Bread

As far as food franchises go, Canada Bread runs the largest commercial bakery operations in the country. Founded in 1911, the Canada Bread franchise has over 900 locations to its name. In 2014 it was acquired by the commercial bakery giant Grupo Bimbo, which operates in 32 countries worldwide.

To franchise with this brand, you will need to go through the Canadian branch of operations, known as Bimbo Canada. This franchising opportunity will require unencumbered cash of a minimum of $30,000. However, depending on the location, this cash requirement can skyrocket to $300,000.

3. Pizza Pizza

Pizza Pizza has been making delicious pizzas in Canada since its establishment in 1967. Now, this popular pizza company possesses over 750 locations across the country. As one of the best food franchises in Canada, Pizza Pizza has some great business opportunities for those interested in the pizza industry.

Pizza Pizza franchising requires a minimum of $100,000 from the franchisee to open a new location. This cash requirement can increase depending on the location of the franchise and whether or not it is an existing or new location. However, Pizza Pizza offers financial assistance to those qualified franchisees should they need it.

4. Marlin Travel

The travel company, Marlin Travel, was first established in 1987 but was acquired by Transat Distribution Canada in 2006. As such, this company is one of the country’s largest retail distributors of holiday travel.

For this reason, Marlin Travel is one of the top travel franchises in the country. An initial investment of $100,000 to $150,000 is necessary to become a franchisee, with a franchise fee of $3,000 and royalties of 3% of gross sales.

5. Mr. Lube Canada

As one of the best franchises in Canada operating within the automotive industry, owning a Mr. Lube franchise can be a lucrative endeavour. Established in 1976, this Canadian business now has over 480 locations across the country.

To gain business ownership of this automotive service franchise, it requires prospective franchisees to possess cash equity of upwards of $800,000. Many of the current franchise opportunities are placed throughout Ontario and Alberta; however, the company has a presence in almost all provinces throughout the country.

6. Booster Juice

Since 1999 Booster Juice has been making delicious and healthy smoothies for its Canadian consumers. Even though this company is one of the younger establishments on the list, it has grown to over 400 locations across the country.

As far as Canadian franchisors go, the company has a relatively good buy-in for franchisees. To open a Booster Juice franchise , this franchise opportunity requires at least a minimum net worth of $375,000, as well as a ten-year commitment as dictated by the franchise agreement terms.

7. Boston Pizza

The first Boston Pizza opened in 1964, and since then, this Canadian franchise has established over 390 locations throughout the country. This popular restaurant and bar is the number one casual dining brand in the country.

Boston Pizza offers one of the most profitable franchises in Canada, illustrated by the fact that their franchise locations make, on average, gross sales of over $2.8 million. This franchisor has even extended 0% royalties on alcohol sales to its new business partners.

8. Canadian Tire Gas+

Gas + falls under the Canadian Tire brand but offers separate franchising opportunities from the company’s leading depot stores. This auto-industry franchisor possesses over 290 locations across all provinces.

The Gas+ franchise offers buy-in opportunities that are lower than other franchises, with an initial investment requirement of between $30,000 to $70,000. But first, franchisees must establish a separately incorporated company in their name as part of the legal agreement with Canadian Tire.

9. Pet Valu

Pet Valu is one of the most profitable franchises in Canada when it comes to the pet industry. Founded in 1976, this Canadian franchise operates in over 360 locations and aims to have a presence in every province.

Franchising with Pet Valu can cost anywhere between $300,000 to $600,000. For that reason, eligible franchisees are expected to have a minimum net worth of $400,000 and liquid assets of $150,000 before they can be considered for partnership.

10. Belron Canada

Another leading Canadian franchise in the auto-industry, Belron Canada was first founded in 1965 and began franchising under its brand name in 1982. Currently, there are approximately 350 franchises in Canada and throughout 30 other countries that operate under this name, and the Belron International trademark.

Approximately $700,000 is needed to fund a network of glass replacement outlets, as well as coverage of the franchise fee which is based on the revenue of the locations.

11. Country Style Food

Country Style Food first opened its doors in Toronto, Ontario in 1962. This coffee and donut company mainly operates in Ontario and possesses over 300 locations within the province.

The franchise fee sits at $35,000, and a required cash investment of approximately 35% to 40% of the total cost of opening operations, which varies depending on the location. The initial period of the franchise agreement is 10 years, with two available 5-year options. Royalty fees are a standard percent of business franchises, sitting at 4.5% of gross sales.

12. Thai Express

Thai Express is the leading Thai quick-service restaurant in the world and one of the top franchise opportunities in the country. The food company works with MTY Group to help with their franchising needs. Founded in 2000, with almost 300 locations, this is one of the fastest growing franchises in Canada.

Prospective franchisees of a Thai Express location can choose between a mall unit or a street location. In either instance, a franchise fee of $30,000 is required, as well as a 10-year term agreement and royalties amounting to 6% of gross sales. Overall initial investments can amount to anywhere between $385,000 and $550,000.

13. Yogen Früz Canada

Yogen Früz Canada was first established in 1986 and since then has grown into an international operation boasting over 1300 locations spanning over 40 countries.

Franchising opportunities with Yogen Früz start with a nonrefundable franchise fee of $25,000. From there, prospective franchisees must have an available $150,000 to $500,00 of capital. They will claim a royalty fee of 6% of the location’s gross sales, with a national marketing fee in Canada of 3% of gross sales.

14. Harvey’s

Opening its doors in 1959, Harvey’s now has over 270 locations across Canada and has grown into one of the country’s top burger restaurants. This makes it one of the most popular and best food franchises in Canada. However, the buy-in is steeper than other franchises that operate within the food industry.

If you’re interested in opening a Harvey’s franchise location, then you must possess the cash requirement of $350,000 to $500,000. Ultimately, Harvey’s brand holders are looking for prospective franchisees with a net worth of $1 million to 1.5 million.

15. M&M Meat Shop

M&M Meat Shop offers franchising opportunities from the west coast to the east coast, with locations in every province. Founded in 1980, this popular meat producer now has over 285 locations to its name. Future franchise candidates can choose to invest in a new store or a re-franchised store depending on their price point.

Opening a new store location will require $350,000 to $450,000 to cover construction costs and a further minimum of 50% of the total unencumbered funds. For a re-franchised location, you can expect to invest anywhere between $100,000 to $500,000 depending on the location’s performance and must possess the 50% minimum of total unencumbered funds.

16. Freshii

Freshii is the youngest franchising business on this list, but it is by far not the least. Founded in 2005, the Freshii brand has grown to almost 500 locations across 17 countries in under 15 years.

Freshii franchising requires a total investment of anywhere between $170,000 and $470,000, including a franchise fee of $30,000. The franchising terms of agreement span ten years, with an option to renew for an additional ten years afterwards. Freshii is also entitled to royalty fees of 6% of the location’s gross sales.

17. Fix Auto

What started as a Canadian auto-service business has now grown into an international brand that provides essential services for the automotive repair industry. Fix Auto was founded in 1992 and has since become a leading collision repair brand and largest single branded network in Canada.

With over 250 locations, Fix Auto franchising standards are high. To discover the financial requirements and franchising fees associated with becoming a business owner of this brand, you will need to contact them directly, at  opportunities@fixauto.com.

18. Mr. Sub

Mr. Sub is one of the most popular sandwich shops in Canada. Founded in 1968 in Toronto, Ontario, this brand has since grown to over 520 restaurants throughout the country. Mr. Sub franchising starts with an investment requirement of $160,000 and a franchise fee of $15,000. The terms of agreement issue a 10-year contract, with a 5% royalty fee of gross sales. Prospective Mr. Sub franchisees will need to fill out an information request form on the website of Mr. Sub's parent company, MTY Group.

19. Sutton Group Realty

The first Sutton Group Realty location opened its doors in Vancouver, BC, in 1983. This locally owned and operated real estate franchisor has expanded its reach to over 200 locations and offices.

Prospective franchisees of this business service franchise will need to contact Sutton Group Realty to learn more about the current business planning opportunities and financial requirements.

20. Pita Pit

There are great Canadian franchise opportunities when it comes to the fresh and healthy food franchise including Pita Pit. Established in 1995, Pita Pit now operates over 600 locations worldwide.

To franchise a Pita Pit location in Canada, you will need approximately $100,000 to $125,000 in unencumbered cash. Unlike other franchises, Pita Pit does not offer any in-house financing help. Those interested in opening a location can apply online, and if your application is well received, you will have a phone interview and a possible in-person meeting later on. It typically takes at least a month for this company to determine if a franchisee is a good fit.

21. Liberty Tax Service

Liberty Tax Service is a financial company that serves both the Canadian and American markets. With over 250 locations in Canada and a further 2,500 in the United States, this company has become a tax market leader.

This tax and financial service company has won the Franchisees choice award for eight consecutive years, from 2011 to 2018, as bestowed by the Canadian Franchise Association.

Liberty Tax Service offers low-cost franchise opportunities starting at $42,000, making it one of the best buy-in prices for a Canadian company on this list. They also offer shorter terms in their franchise agreement, as the contract will last for five years and can be renewed again for another five. However, royalty fees are much higher than other franchises, claiming a whopping 14% of gross sales.

22. Swiss Chalet

Home to Canada’s favourite rotisserie chicken, Swiss Chalet has become a staple in the Canadian food franchising industry. This popular chicken restaurant began in 1954 and has so far opened over 220 locations across the country.

You can even do combo franchising, opening a Harvey’s and Swiss Chalet location at the same time. Franchisees can opt to buy a small combo or large combo location, with total investment requirements adding up to $1.4 to 2.4 million, making this one of the more expensive franchising options currently.

23. Coffee News

Owning over 700 franchise locations in 8 countries around the world, Coffee News is a leading advertising and marketing publication in Canada. Since 2002 Coffee News has been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as the No. 1 weekly publication in advertising services, making it a great franchising opportunity. On top of this accolade, the company has also been voted one of the top low-cost franchises since 2017.

24. Mary Brown’s Chicken

As one of the fastest growing franchises in Canada right now, Mary Brown’s Chicken currently has over 180 locations to its name and aims to expand that to over 300 by 2022. Franchising with Mary Brown is an excellent opportunity to connect yourself to a company that has won the franchisees’ choice award ten years in a row.

This franchise opportunity requires a liquid capital of at least $250,000, as the total average startup costs are over $650,000. This popular chicken franchise claims 5% of gross sales as their royalty fee and 4% of gross sales for marketing costs.

If you’re considering taking on the franchise industry with one of these quality Canadian businesses, why not use QuickBooks Online to help manage your branch’s finances?

New business owners managing one or multiple franchise units can benefit from the use of this accounting software. QuickBooks franchising can help you hit the ground running with expense tracking, financial reporting, and more.

What is a Franchise?