Thryv software is designed to make it easy for you to manage your franchisees’ operations — all in one place.
With Hub by Thryv, running multi-location businesses has never been easier. Thryv gives you back hours in your day so you can:
View a single operational dashboard with real-time tracking and analytics across every location
Connect to apps you already use Track revenue and performance of all locations
Standardize your brand, and drive consistency across all locations
Streamline communications and payments
And much more
With Thr y v ’s 24/7 support, you can’t go wrong. Learn more at Thryv.ca/franchise
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Franchising offers many different opportunities for the budding entrepreneur, from mobile, health and beauty, food, retail, in fact any business you can think of is probably franchised. In this issue we have some great advice and feature a number of franchises to whet your appetite.
We hear how an engineer turned entrepreneur created a franchise in which people’s passion can become their career. david riker, Managing director of engineering for Kids talks about the increase popularity for sTeM based learning and how they are making it fun. To read more turn to page 8. stagecoach is another Franchise helping kids thrive with their inclusive and diverse culture hear from stagecoach’s Global Teacher Training & development Manager rob anderson on page 14. Le Poke station franchisor easy Wang talks success in the Poke bowl world. We also hear from two franchisees of Just Junk who love the opportunity to interact with all different types of people and move their bodies in the physical work that is junk removal.
Our regular experts are back to give you some great advice. Wayne Malliet takes us back to basics with an i ntroduction to Franchising on page 10. ned Levitt and richard schuett of dickinson Wright pose the question, Why Franchise Your Business where they look at the benefits and potential pitfalls that can occur, turn to page 28 to read more.
Our Latest news and additional featured franchises along with our popular a-Z directory are all a must read. i hope you enjoy this issue and always look forward to your comments.
18 Paris Baguette: after Great success in the U.s. Paris Baguette is Targeting canada for e xpansion
32 Camp Bow Wow®: camp Bow Wow® Unveils Top 5 Large and small dog Breeds For 2023
36 TacoTime: TacoTime canada celebrates 45 Years of Flavourful e xcellence and homegrown ingredients
40 Q & A with Samy Assouline Vice President Development; Group S.I.N.I
44 GapMaps: GapMaps expands into the Us & canada, assisting Qsrs, cafes, Fast Food & Fitness Brands in Location selection
16 Q & A with Easy Wang of Poké Station
20 JUSTJUNK®: Franchisees find security in JUsTJUnK® Franchise
26 Kumon: Former Teachers Find Professional homes as Kumon instructors
10 Wayne Maillet: introduction to Franchising
24 Andrew Carter: We all need to consider esG
28 Edward (Ned) Levitt and Richard Schuett: Why Franchise your Business?
34 Lori Karpman: how to attract, impress and retain customers
38 Ryan Garfield : a comprehensive Guide: how to Pick the ideal commercial range for Your restaurant
As one of Canada’s leading Mexican fast-casual chains, Quesada has experienced strong double-digit growth over the years and is excited to celebrate this monumental achievement with its loyal customers.
each Quesada location is dedicated to taking it “To The Mex” by offering authentic-tasting Mexican food, as well as creating new, innovative, and signature menu items that go beyond a typical Mexican fast-food chain menu. With its prime location and vibrant atmosphere, the new Quesada restaurant is sure to become a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
To celebrate this milestone event, Quesada is thanking guests across canada with 200 loyalty bonus points on orders over $10. The offer will be live between s eptember 13th and October 24th and will be valid for in-store and app orders in locations across the country.
come and experience the authentic taste of Mexico at the newly opened Quesada restaurant located at 515 Lakeshore r d e, suite 109. The beautifully designed restaurant is officially open as of today, open daily from 11:00am-2:00am sunday to Wednesday, and 11:00am-4:00am Thursday to saturday.
To find out more information about owning a Quesada franchise go to https://quesada.ca/franchising/
r ick r abba, president of r abba Fine Foods. “We commemorated this milestone alongside our valuable partners and vendors who stand shoulder to shoulder with us in our daily commitment to serve the communities we call home.”
at the heart of the r abba r oots community Giving Program lies a dedicated mission to provide assistance where it is most needed, supporting customers and neighborhoods in meaningful ways.
For the second consecutive year, Tom shurrie, President & ceO of the canadian Federation of i ndependent Grocers, assumed the role of Master of ceremonies for this prestigious golf event.
Rabba Fine Foods, the GTA’s beloved neighborhood market, celebrated its 25th annual Rabba Roots Charity Golf Classic on September 11, 2023, at the picturesque Brampton Golf Club.
The event witnessed a gathering of vendors and partners from the grocery industry, all joining forces to champion the r abba r oots community Giving Program. r abba’s tournament has a long history of collaboration with local not-for-profit organizations within the Greater Toronto area to make a meaningful impact.
“Our 25th annual golf tournament was a wonderful success,” says
“This marks the 25th annual golf tournament hosted by r abba, and once again, it has proven to be a resounding success. i t is heartwarming to witness industry players collaborating with vendors to champion vital causes within our communities,” says shurrie.
r abba extends its heartfelt gratitude to its extensive network of grocery retail organizations, food, beverage, and consumer goods companies. These partners share a deep-seated belief in the power of creating a positive impact within the neighborhoods surrounding their retail locations.
For more information visit: www.rabba.com
OPA! of Greece (“OPA!”) is marking a significant milestone as it celebrates 25 years as a Canadian favourite. Since its humble beginnings in Calgary, Alberta in 1998, OPA! has become Canada’s largest and fastest-growing Greek food franchise, boasting more than 110 locations from British Columbia to Ontario.
To commemorate this silver anniversary, OPa! is hosting an exciting contest to celebrate its Greek heritage. The winner will receive a 10-day, all expenses paid trip for two to athens, santorini and Mykonos with travel taking place in 2024 (with some blackout dates). To enter, customers simply need to make a purchase through OPa!’s dedicated app between s eptember 15 and november 15, 2023, and they will be automatically entered to win. customers are allowed one entry (equivalent to one order through the app) per day.
“We are incredibly proud of the journey we’ve embarked on over the past 25 years,” says d orrie Karras, President & ceO of OPa! s ouvlaki Franchise Group. “OPa!’s growth and success in canada are a testament to our commitment to authenticity, quality, and exceptional customer service. We’re grateful to all who have been a part of our journey - our dedicated franchisees, diligent staff, and loyal customers across the country.”
“This anniversary is a celebration of our heritage, our customers, and the dedicated franchisees who have made our growth and success possible.”
For more information on OPA!’s 25th anniversary contest, please visit www.opaeatandwin.ca.
Laser Clinics Canada held a special celebration on Wednesday, September 20, to welcome guests to its Union Station clinic, which opened on August 22, 2023. The clinic, which features 6 treatment rooms and the latest, industryleading medical-grade equipment, offers competitive pricing for medical aesthetic services including laser hair removal, skin treatments and cosmetic injectables.
The company offered a free microdermabrasion 5-step treatment voucher card for the first 100 guests. For 35 lucky guests, Laser clinics canada also offered free onsite treatments of either a laser hair removal underarm single session treatment* or an Led Yellow Light Therapy treatment*. They also offered, on the day, a complimentary consultation with their medical professionals for a tailored cosmetic injectables treatment plan.
The event started with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This opening marks the sixth clinic to open since the company first entered the canadian market in 2022.
Laser clinics Group is the global leader in advanced beauty treatments and skincare. i n canada since 2022 and with plans for national expansion, the company democratizes the field of advanced beauty by offering canadians greater accessibility to an extensive range of best-in-class treatments and services using medicalgrade, industry-leading technology. Laser clinics tailors treatments to the individual and ensures all clients achieve their desired results. Together, the company’s more than 1,600 professionals focus on long-term, ongoing services which reflects a true longstanding and deep relationship with their customers.
Learn more at laserclinics.ca
what happens when you mix the interests and educational needs of primary and secondary school children with the entrepreneurial spirit of franchise ownership? the engineering for Kids and school is easy brands!
“While we serve markets with some of top educational systems in the world, we still see an insatiable desire from educators, parents and the kids themselves to provide more opportunities and to ensure academic success,” said david riker, Managing director of engineering for Kids and school is easy. “engineering for Kids was founded in 2009 and has taken advantage of the boom in educational focus on sTeM (science, technology, engineering and math) while school is easy, which was founded 21 years ago, makes launching and growing an afterschool tutoring business turnkey.”
riker, a franchise industry veteran with previous leadership posts at such brands as Jackson hewitt, hertz and coldwell Banker, has guided the engineering for Kids and school is easy brands for the past two years. The brands combine for 69 territories awarded globally. Both are owned by LaunchLife i nternational, which also owns
academy of Learning and Pitman Training, two of the world’s most successful adult learning franchises.
“Our franchisees are incredible people,” riker said. “not only are they interested in furthering the lives of young people, but they recognize that their passion can also be their career. They also understand that we can achieve success with a focus on fun, enjoyment, and success. We share that passion, and our franchisees benefit from our rich tradition of operating world-class educational platforms, years of experience in the space, ready-made curriculums, operating, hiring, and marketing programs. We provide the backbone of the business while our engineering for Kids and school is easy franchisees work locally to utilize our tools and systems to best connect with parents and referral partners including teachers, school administrators, Board of education members and community and youth centers.”
riker pointed out that the demand for tutoring and sTeM programming grows each year.
“We’ve seen the estimates that the need for private tutoring is expected to grow by about 10% annually over the next several years,” riker said. “The ‘learning loss’ that the pandemic brought about has created greater opportunities for our franchisees. We also see that even the youngest who participate in our engineering for Kids programs are preparing now for the incredible projected increase in sTeMrelated careers. Our job is to help our engineering for Kids and school is easy
franchisees build their infrastructure and hire great teachers and tutors so they can make a difference in the lives of young people.”
engineering for Kids is the premier outof-school provider of sTeM education for children with a presence in 22 different countries. as K-12 sTeM education programs continue to become increasingly popular globally, engineering for Kids sets itself apart with one key differentiator – it makes learning fun.
With cognia-certified lesson plans, each topic on “Kelvin’s core curriculum,” named after the brand’s robotic mascot, serves to complement basic in-school subjects, such as math, chemistry, environmental science, and more. For example, children can get their first taste of chemical engineering by learning how to create their own ice cream in the brand’s “ice cream Factory” lesson plan. students can also take a peek into forensic science as they solve a simulated crime scene in the “engineer i nvestigators” course. Our curriculum always evolves, and our franchisees pick-and-choose from a variety of core and new programs.”
riker pointed out that during next summer’s camp season, an important revenue driver for franchisees, the brand is creating programming tied into a wide variety of science and engineering concepts related to various events at the Olympics. campers will get to compete against other
campers from around the world in a variety of sTeM activities.
school is easy is a leading internationally franchised student tutoring service that has an extensive network for out-of-school enrichment opportunities. i t is entrenched in six different countries.
school is easy provides children with both online and in-person tutoring opportunities in areas such as english, math, science, social studies, and more. i n addition to basic curriculum offerings, the brand’s highly qualified tutors also offer specialized assistance for standardized test preparation, such as saT prep, ac T prep, and Fsa test prep. Franchisees utilize one-on-one or small group settings as they utilize the brand’s screening and training regimen to hire and prepare tutors.
“along with tutors, we also have a unique focus on growing the confidence of our students,” riker said. “These young people can get easily discouraged when not fully succeeding in school. Our tutors teach them that learning is not limited to just the classroom. The kids are heroic in their desire to improve. We want them to feel like superstars and be the hero of their own story.”
For information about becoming a franchisee, please visit EngineeringforKidsFranchising.com or Franchise.SchoolisEasy.com.
franchising first started with the licensing of singer sewing machines in the 1890’s. it became more predominant as a business growth strategy in the 1950’s. it has since evolved and continues to evolve with changes in technology and laws. it has become a part of every major industry and has proven its ability to grow brands around the world.
i n the United states franchised business directly accounts for more than 733,000 establishments that support nearly 7.6 million jobs and $764.3 billion of economic output for the U.s. economy.
Source; Franchise Industry Report, United States of America Department of Commerce, 2018
i n canada, it was reported in 2018 there are over 78,000 franchisees and an estimated 1,300 franchise brands accounting for 1.5 million jobs (fulltime equivalent) and $6 billion in federal taxable revenue.
Source; The Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis Report, January 2018
i n australia there are 1,120 franchised brands with 79,000 operating units generating 472,000 permanent, parttime and casual employees employed by franchised locations with an estimated total annual sales revenue of $146 billion.
Source; Franchise ED Survey, 2016
i n the UK there are an estimated 48,600 franchised units employing over 700,000 people and contributing in excess of €17 billion to the UK economy.
Source; Franchise Landscape Report, bfa and NatWest, 2018
Franchising is a business relationship where a franchisor (a company or individual who owns the franchise system) grants a license to a franchisee (a company or person who contracts to use the franchise system) the right to use the franchisor’s brand and operating system for an initial franchise fee. i n addition the franchisee provides a share of the income back to the franchisor, typically as a percentage of sales, referred to as a royalty.
The license is contractual and is usually for a fixed period of time. The franchisor selects candidates to become strategic partners in implementing the business plan and selling products and services to the franchisor’s customers using a proven business model and/or their proprietary products. The franchise has in place policies and procedures so as to create consistency from one franchise location to the other.
Quality franchisors are constantly monitoring the customer experience. Through such things as customer surveys, comment cards, focus groups, operational reviews and mystery shopping the franchisor ensures that each location is duplicating the customer experience and
building a solid brand. This protects each franchisee’s investment.
as a growth strategy it provides franchisors the ability to gain market share by increasing their points of distribution. This results in greater exposure and brand awareness. Franchisors are able to grow and have committed individuals operating and driving the customer experience at each location. From a franchisee’s perspective, it allows the franchisee to get into business with support, a brand name and a proven business model. This helps to reduce the risks involved with getting into business.
i t has become a part of almost every industry. although people most often think of fast food when they think of franchising, it is also found in retail, service, automotive, business services, real estate and lodging. There are several things that one must understand about a franchise. You are not buying the franchise. i nstead, you are acquiring a license to operate a franchise. You do not own the name but instead have a license to use the name. You do not own the business model but instead have the rights to use the business model for a period of time.
a franchise license is like a drivers license. Both are licensing relationships. You have to apply for a drivers license. You have to take training and pay a fee. The drivers license has a term and at the end of the term you have to renew your license. The drivers license give you the right to drive on the road but this right also comes with obligations. You have to follow the rules of the road. (stop at the stop sign, follow the speed limit and don’t drive while on your cell phone!) The rules are put in place in order to create uniformity so that we are all driving the same way and not crashing into each other. as long as you follow the rules of the road you are fine. i f you stop following the rules of the road, depending upon the severity, you may loose your drivers license. You would own your car but not be able to drive it.
a franchise license is the same. You pay an initial franchise fee. You take training. The franchise license has a term, at the end of the term you pay a renewal fee. The franchise license gives you the right to
use the franchisor’s business model, but it comes with obligations. You have to follow the operating standards and systems of the franchise. (Use the logo and approved advertising, provide the same menu items, and keep the washrooms clean!) as long as you follow the rules you are fine but if you stop following the rules of the road, depending upon the severity, you could loose your franchise license. You will still own the furniture, fixtures and equipment but you would not be able to operate it under the franchise brand. These rules are intended to create uniformity .
Uniformity is a fundamental principal to the success of a franchise there must be consistency from franchise to franchise within a given business. By having the same product in similar outlets with consistent levels of service the franchise can build confidence in the mind of the customer, and this drives people to the brand. customers gravitate to what they know, what is familiar and what they trust. The uniformity is created through
operating standards and procedures that are clearly documented in operation manuals. Franchisees are required to follow the operating system and use the same suppliers of product, take the same training. The system, suppliers and training are all designed to create a consistent experience to the end user of the product or service and thus create an expectation and impression in the mind of the customer. as a franchisee you are able to take advantage of the customer goodwill the franchisor has developed.
• Becoming a part of an established brand (or an up and coming brand)
• Proven business model
• Mass purchasing power
• Cooperative marketing
• Ongoing operational support
• Training
• Research and development
• Test marketing of new products and services
• Easier access to financing
• Access to high profile locations
compliance to the system drives the market and enhances your investment. When you first look at a franchise agreement, you may find it controlling and very one-sided in favor of the franchisor. This is normal and required to allow the franchisor to control the integrity of the brand. as a franchisee, you must understand that you simply can’t do what you want. You are required to conform. This consistency enhances and protects your investment in the franchise. although you can’t simply do what you want, strong franchise organizations value franchisees’ input and create advisory groups to provide feedback and input to the franchisor to assist in the strategic direction of the company. They view the franchisee and franchisor relationship as a partnership; a partnership in a strategic sense, not a legal sense. Franchisees are on
the front lines and have strong knowledge of the needs of the customer. franchisors listen and value input from franchisees.
franchisee. The person or company that receives the rights from the franchisor to do business using the franchisor’s brand and operating system .
franchisor. The company that owns the brand and operating system and grants the franchisee the right to do business under that brand and using their business system.
franchise disclosure document ( is typically required by law in many parts of the world. i t provides detailed information about the franchise or and franchise so that the prospective franchisee can make a fully informed business decision.
franchise agreement. a defines the relationship between the franchisee and franchisor. relationship, including the rights and obligations of both the franchisee and franchisor.
royalty. The regular payment that franchisee pays to the franchisor for the use of the brand. i t is often a percentage of the franchisee’s gross sales.
marketing fund. The regular payment to the franchisor that pools together the franchisee’s marketing dollars to achieve more than if each franchisee spent the marketing dollars independently. Usually a percentage of gross sales.
trademark. The brand name and logo owned by the franchisor which is licensed for use by the franchisee.
a year ago a good friend asked me to assist her in researching an existing distribution business that was for sale. i t was a business that had been established for 10 years, had 6 long-term employees, several longstanding clients and was profitable. i assisted my friend in reviewing the financial statements. The business would be able to support 100% financing and still provide
her with a $100,000 salary . The owner was retiring and was prepared to provide financing and stay on as a consultant for 1 year to ensure a smooth transition. i t sounded like an ideal opportunity.
a lawyer was hired to draft the purchase and sale agreement. The lease agreement and other documents were reviewed. negotiations went back and forth regarding the details of the loan payment. after much discussion, the seller was willing to provide a 5 year loan, but if the sales dropped to a certain level, loan payments could be deferred until cash flow improved. The terms were good, and yet, after one and a half years of negotiations and substantial legal bills, my friend could not move forward and walked away from the deal. she decided that entrepreneurship was not for her. When i asked her why, she stated that she was simply not willing to take the risk.
Over the years i have repeatedly seen people who are looking to get into business
“ Once you have made the commitment and leap of faith to being in business for yourself, with all of its risks and rewards, it is very rare that you can go back to being an employee.”
for themselves who spend considerable time and effort doing due diligence and research but in the end simply do not move forward. some, i come across a few years later still looking at opportunities but still unable to make the final commitment. They are looking for a business that has no risk. With risk comes the potential for great rewards.
i t is hard to go from the security of being an employee to becoming an entrepreneur. But once you have made the commitment and leap of faith to being in business for yourself, with all of its risks and rewards, it is very rare that you can go back to being an employee.
Starting his career at one of Canada's leading publishers, Canwest Global Communications Corporation followed by Postmedia Network Inc , Kirk realized that as consumer habits and digital media evolved, a need for digital insight and an innovative approach would be the key to his client’s long-term success With the industry moving frustratingly slow to adapt around him and the changing needs of consumers a top priority, Reshift was born and with his leadership, quickly cemented itself as a digital leader
Starting his career at one of Canada's leading publishers, Canwest Global Communications Corporation followed by Postmedia Network Inc , Kirk realized that as consumer habits and digital media evolved, a need for digital insight and an innovative approach would be the key to his client’s long-term success With the industry moving frustratingly slow to adapt around him and the changing needs of consumers a top priority, Reshift was born and with his leadership, quickly cemented itself as a digital leader
Steve has over two decades of digital marketing experience and has earned a reputation for being on top of emerging trends in social, search and mobile solutions Throughout his career in the new media sector, Steve always centered his focus on providing fantastic service to his clients, helping them adopt new technology to drive their business forward - something that continues to be a key differentiator for Reshift With a focus on the digital demands of his clients and staying “current,” a top priority, his innovative approach continues to be a key factor in driving brands forward
Steve has over two decades of digital marketing experience and has earned a reputation for being on top of emerging trends in social, search and mobile solutions Throughout his career in the new media sector, Steve always centered his focus on providing fantastic service to his clients, helping them adopt new technology to drive their business forward - something that continues to be a key differentiator for Reshift With a focus on the digital demands of his clients and staying “current,” a top priority, his innovative approach continues to be a key factor in driving brands forward
Reshift Media is a digital marketing company specializing in helping multi-location businesses such as the franchise, retail and food services. Founded in 2010, the 100% Canadian-owned business has helped more than 200 brands in 22 countries find their footing in the digital space. Through their extensive experience with businesses worldwide, their team is comprised of sought-after experts in franchise marketing, social media, search, software, and website development
Reshift Media is a digital marketing company specializing in helping multi-location businesses such as the franchise, retail and food services. Founded in 2010, the 100% Canadian-owned business has helped more than 200 brands in 22 countries find their footing in the digital space. Through their extensive experience with businesses worldwide, their team is comprised of sought-after experts in franchise marketing, social media, search, software, and website development
Celebrating 10 years helping the franchise community grow and thrive, Reshift Media has cemented itself as the leading digital marketing agency for franchise companies in Canada
Celebrating 10 years helping the franchise community grow and thrive, Reshift Media has cemented itself as the leading digital marketing agency for franchise companies in Canada
Among the company's accolades, Reshift Media boasts the creation of two proprietary software platforms: Social Brand Amplifier and Brand Amplifier, each designed specifically for franchise and other multi-location businesses. They were also named top supplier to the franchise industry by the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) in 2019.
Among the company's accolades, Reshift Media boasts the creation of two proprietary software platforms: Social Brand Amplifier and Brand Amplifier, each designed specifically for franchise and other multi-location businesses They were also named top supplier to the franchise industry by the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) in 2019.
URL: WWW.RESHIFTMEDIA.COM
@RESHIFTMEDIAINC.
as we all increasingly recognise the importance of inclusivity and diversity, businesses and educational institutions must rise to the occasion to create environments where everyone is valued and celebrated for their talents.
at stagecoach Performing arts, these principles are not just buzzwords but core values that guide its franchise system, teaching methods and interactions with students, parents and teachers. here, stagecoach’s Global Teacher Training & development Manager rob anderson discusses the importance of investing in a franchise where diversity and inclusion are woven into its fabric.
The significance of diversity and inclusion cannot be understated in a franchise system, as they embody distinct yet intertwined principles. The diversity of a franchise encompasses the gender,
race, nationality, sexuality and more of its franchisees, customers and wider network. On the other hand, inclusion covers the depth of how effectively diverse groups’ voices, contributions and viewpoints are embraced.
While a franchise system may be diverse in terms of its representation, its true strength and effectiveness come to fruition when it transcends surface-level diversity. When all perspectives – regardless of origin –are acknowledged, valued, empowered and seamlessly integrated, mere diversity transforms into genuine and meaningful inclusion.
With this in mind, when considering investing in a franchise, you should see that the franchise’s diversity and inclusion values go far beyond face value. a franchise that genuinely embraces diversity and inclusion is one that actively transforms these concepts into concrete actions
and operational practices. at stagecoach, we embody this commitment through a comprehensive framework called ‘The stagecoach Way’. Last year, ‘The stagecoach Way’ was transformed into a book for franchisees and head office staff. The book captures the essence of our business and the philosophy, ethos and processes that define our work across the performing arts – empowering our franchisees to run their schools with our shared stagecoach culture and values.
Beyond implementing operational practices, it is crucial for diversity and inclusion to be evident in the franchise’s customer-facing operations. recognising the diverse backgrounds and needs of customers plays a vital role in establishing strong and enduring relationships. By embracing these values in customer interactions through tailoring products, services and communications to suit different demographics, franchises create a welcoming and inclusive environment –ensuring every customer feels respected and understood. extending diversity and inclusion to the customer-facing aspects of a franchise will enhance your customer loyalty, positive word-of-mouth and reputation for being a socially responsible and forward-thinking business as a franchisee.
i n our stagecoach franchise system, we understand the crucial role of diversity and inclusion in the interactions with our most vital stakeholders – the thousands of students who attend our classes across the world every week. This is why our inclusive practices are woven into our teaching methods. We ensure this through our educational Framework which is shared with all schools in the stagecoach community. This framework aims to empower every student, regardless of their background, enabling them to flourish and contribute authentically to their learning journey.
at the heart of stagecoach is a global community of students united by their shared love for the nurturing and welcoming environment fostered by our Principals and teachers. Our regular teacher training programmes ensure our teachers embrace their students for who they are without the need to adapt to fit in. as educators and leaders, we recognise each
child’s unique talents and capacities – even if they are not immediately apparent – and help bring them to the surface.
during a recent musical production, a neurodiverse learner was in the leading role. how the student absorbed and followed directions resulted in them completely embodying the part. as educators and for our fellow students, witnessing the impact of embracing these diverse viewpoints was incredibly inspiring, showcasing how such inclusivity can lead to remarkable results and further demonstrating how the concept of talent, ability and potential knows no bounds in terms of age, race, gender, sexuality or physical ability. We understand that qualities come in diverse forms, and we consistently tailor our teaching and casting to suit the learners in front of us. i t is a commitment we are proud of that permeates every facet of our operations – from our training initiatives at head Office to our students in the classroom and the people we look to bring into our organisation.
as a potential investor in a franchise, evaluating whether its recruitment practices actively embrace applicants from diverse backgrounds is essential. i n fact, these practices might be the very reason you find yourself seated across from them. While it is important for these values to be upheld with customers, the level of transparency shown in the recruitment process –where they not only extend invitations but genuinely embrace candidates from various walks of life – can be a powerful indicator of the franchise’s dedication to nurturing a diverse network. at stagecoach, our employment opportunities actively encourage people from all walks of life –irrespective of background or identity – to apply. as a result, we cultivate an inclusive and inviting environment – ensuring that every potential candidate feels welcomed and valued.
The franchise’s commitment to inclusivity
demonstrates its understanding of the value that perspectives and ideas from a wide range of people bring to the table. This awareness underscores the pivotal role diversity plays in shaping a successful network and business, making it clear that embracing differences is not just a social responsibility but a strategic advantage as well.
By aligning with a franchise that embraces diversity and inclusion in every aspect of its operations, you align yourself with a network where you, your peers and your customers are celebrated and respected. i n this era when conversations and learning around diversity and inclusion continue to progress, your investment in a franchise that champions these values becomes a beacon of positive change. i t underscores your recognition of the transformative potential that lies within diverse voices and perspectives. Ultimately, it is a decision that goes beyond financial gains, radiating its impact in the form of a more accepting and open-minded future for all.
To find out more about franchise opportunities with Stagecoach
Performing Arts, visit https:// stagecoachfranchise.com/
what made you choose le poké station from all the franchise opportunities you looked at?
The difference that made me look at first was that it was new and different from everything else i was looking at; then the exoticism of a hawaiian concept made me smile and dream about it; after analyzing the cost of it all and the extremely low rOi, the only thing left for me to be 100% convinced was to taste a bowl, incognito, and here we are 2 years later!
can you describe the support you got from the le poké station head office team as you got started?
Mind BLOWinG!!!!!! They offered me 3 locations; they did the feasibility studies based on the rent of all 3; they did the business plan; they introduced me to their Bankers; they made sure i got the financing i needed (sBL); they did the plans; they applied for aLL the permits i needed to open; then the 2 weeks training; they built my Facebook page; of course they also built my store; installed and programmed my POs system; connected it to UBer eaTs, doordash & skip the dishes and finally my trainer did the FirsT FOOd order. i t literary felt that i was in business for 5 years prior to that!
They spoon-fed me from the start to finish, and it all took 3 months…. a complete turnkey operation!
what have you found to be your greatest key to success?
honestly 3 things:
• Our strong relationship with UBER EATS, doordash & skip the dishes
• Our incredible recipes and freshness created and controlled by our central kitchen
• And the quickness of service; in and out in 5 minutes max
describe the most rewarding part of owning your business?
Making great money LOL; being the boss and seeing customers coming back 3 to 4 times a week! i t’s very cool!
what are your goals going forward?
i’m in the process of opening another Poké Bowl. i want to own 5 or 6 in the next 5 years and then re-evaluate
what goals did you have when you joined le poké station?
To find a good money-making franchise. i never ever thought of owning or opening multiple stores… This Group s i n i. gave me the opportunity to do so and now i have a very comfortable life for my wife and two young children.
what advice would you give to a potential franchisee?
Oooof, Look for the BesT rOi franchise at the lowest possible cost, differentiation, great quality food and complete quality control.
and then listen very closely to the franchisor; don’t forget that as a franchisee you’re their customer, they’ve been there, they know what works and what does not!
do nOT ThinK YOU KnOW Be TTer: you don’t. do not buck the system
Those are my advices
what are the biggest advantages that le poke station gives you in your business? (e.g. marketing, negotiating with vendors, support, etc.)
Via their central Kitchen that controls the quality, portion, freshness, price of ingredients (with 50 stores, suppliers really listen to us); constant supplies.
With their relationship with UBer eaTs, doordash & skip the dishes, the marketing is quintuple.
and finally, we practice essentially only local marketing and advertising and each store personalize their marketing to their direct local region.
how does le poké station help you to differentiate yourself from your competition?
What competition LOL? i’m serious
with over 4,000 bakery café locations around the world, paris baguette is now using the same growth strategy that exploded in the u.s. to grow in canada.
as a globally established bakery café brand, Paris Baguette has made a name for itself in multiple markets around the world. after beginning to offer franchise opportunities in the U.s., focusing on establishing bakery cafés in key markets and expanding in concentric circles, we have learned that the north american market is incredibly receptive to the Paris Baguette model. canada seemed like a natural next step, and since opening our first canadian location in Toronto in late March, we’ve seen an explosion in interest from both guests and prospective owners. i n fact, we just opened a second canadian location in edmonton on september 14th.
With two cafés open in canada and another almost 20 franchise agreements executed for the canada market, we are on track to open another six cafés by the end of 2023 and expect to see even more aggressive growth in 2024. Much of this success can be attributed to Paris Baguette’s truly unique model. We are meeting a huge need in canada.
as many formerly “bakery café” concepts shift more toward an eatery model, offering pre-made food items and warmed, rather than fresh-baked, pastries, Paris Baguette is staying true to its roots as a French-inspired bakery café. i n the $17 billion and growing bakery café industry, Paris Baguette maintains its standout status by actually baking.
a team of talented bakers and cakers come into each Paris Baguette café around the world every morning to make our coveted baked goods in-house, offering the
community a warm, welcoming place to indulge and connect. While this serves as a key differentiator, the business model offers even more to support franchisees through their growth.
how paris baguette supports its franchisees
Paris Baguette offers a strong business model with unique offerings that naturally caters to a range of clients, but the strength of the model doesn’t stop there. With a robust education, training and support system, our team ensures that each local owner feels fully prepared both at the time of launch and to continue to thrive for the entire span of their business.
Franchisees are partnered with fellow owners and have access to mentorship and advice from owners who have firsthand experience. They also receive access to company resources like training, supply chain management, marketing and continued education to help them most effectively roll out and sell new menu items and limited time offers.
i n addition to early training and educational resources, there is a design team present to work alongside franchisees as they prepare
for the grand opening day, ensuring that the inside of the café is aligned with brand standards. another key driver of franchisees’ success is the ambiance offered by Paris Baguette cafés, and it is crucial that each and every café embodies the French bakery café image with bright light, rich colors and crisp design.
We have also developed a streamlined labor model that supports franchisees in recruiting and retaining top talent that
will contribute to the iconic Paris Baguette ambiance and experience. The nature of the bakery café business model also lends itself to a bit more flexibility, meaning franchise owners and their employees can embrace more flexibility and work-life balance.
For franchisees looking to get involved with Paris Baguette, this balance, specifically, can be a key motivator. Paris Baguette presents an opportunity to truly get involved with a franchise.
business and local community in a meaningful way, connecting with both members of the Paris Baguette franchise system and their guests while building a powerful business. With a prime balance of purposeful local provision and powerful business potential, the Paris Baguette model is more than fit for the canada market.
i n this most recent expansion push, the Paris Baguette leadership team has demonstrated its own confidence in and commitment to the market. as it grows, Paris Baguette is establishing both franchised and corporate-owned locations in canada, investing alongside its franchisees to open a string of cafés in key lifestyle centers. From here, we will grow in concentric circles, expanding from flagship locations and driving awareness of the brand and newly opened locations across canada.
seeding the market with corporate locations mimics the growth strategy that allowed us to explode so quickly in the U.s. through franchising and continues to drive incredible growth. For example, in the first half of this year, we awarded 98 new franchises and opened 20 new locations across the U.s., an exponential growth trajectory that we expect to continue along. as we break into canada, we are taking a similar approach to ensure we build a strong foundation for the brand in the country. This is a crucial step that will drive Paris Baguette’s ability to strengthen our name in the market and boost the success of individual locations as they serve as community pillars, offering a sought-after bakery café experience that simply cannot be found elsewhere.
after seeing major success in Toronto and new growth in edmonton, we also have our eyes on alberta and Vancouver due to the population explosions in those markets.
darren Tipton is chief executive Officer for Paris Baguette and has been leading the brand the past 5 years. Prior to joining Paris Baguette, Tipton led Operations for Le Pain Quotidien and Bowlmor aMF.
phil connor and cole seitz were like anyone else looking for work in the city. connor in toronto, and seitz in edmonton, were both intrigued by what their local franchised junk removal service
The work was physical, which they liked, but also promised interaction with different people every day providing them a chance to build on their ambitious entrepreneurial spirit. i t was a job that delivers a different experience each day with the support of a professional and established national brand. There was security in that.
as they grew to know the people in their cities including their customers, co-workers and the owners they worked with, they continued harnessing their knowledge
and skills. When JUsTJUnK® was looking to open new franchises after the peak of the cOVid -19 pandemic in 2022 and 2023, these enterprising employees felt compelled to take the leap into franchise ownership with the full backing of the franchisor.
i n 2021, with the help of JUsTJUnK® edmonton Franchise Partner Peter carvalho, whom seitz had worked for, cole opened JUsTJUnK® in Victoria, British columbia. The small island has since been a boon for seitz, but it has been a remarkably different experience than working in the metropolitan city of edmonton, alberta and the surrounding area.
Out of high school, seitz worked in a sheet metal shop hoping to one day start his own hVac company. after a year and a family tragedy, he realized he wanted something different. after cOVid cut short
an 8-month trip to australia, cole returned to edmonton where Peter extended an offer to come work with him at JUsTJUnK®. “i figured it would be something i would do part time to make a little money, but once i started at JUsTJUnK®,” cole says, “i fell in love with the job, the business, and the customer interaction. Peter helped make my dreams a reality!”
i n 2022, after seven years with JUsTJUnK® in Toronto, Phil connor and his family moved to Georgetown, and eventually charlottetown in Prince edward island. Phil soon discovered an opportunity to develop the franchise there as owner.
With his experience with the franchise connor was eager to take what he knew and apply it to the smaller, but no less busy communities in Pei
JUsTJUnK® ceO Mike Thorne has kept close eyes on franchises with front-line workers that show immense promise
to move into leadership positions and then into ownership within the franchise network. “The biggest advantage of having an existing truck team member like cole and Phil becoming franchise owners is that in their years with JUsTJUnK they’ve already proven they’re a star candidate with all the qualities we’re looking for in our franchise owners,” Thorne says. “That kind of proven track record lowers the risk and removes a lot of doubts so we’re all very confident in their success.”
While Thorne and the leadership at JUsTJUnK® have created a very successful training program for incoming franchise owners, “experience as a truck team member,” Thorne notes, “has the added benefit of familiarity with the company and industry so they’re able to scale much faster than an owner coming in with less experience in the industry who requires more training and a steeper learning curve. i t’s a path that’s a real win-win for them and for us.” Phil connor adds of his experience, “i was thankful that we didn’t need to go over everything that i had prior knowledge of and skip to good stuff.”
as leaders within JUsTJUnK®, connor and seitz were versed in operations and marketing. That learning curve means that their experience would further inform their initiatives. Without needing to spend their time learning the ropes, the two were able to adapt strategies they were already familiar with to new markets, speedrunning their successes with the marketing and advertising teams at head office. “Whenever i have an idea for marketing,” says Pei Franchise Owner Phil connor enthusiastically, “it’s completed in a day.”
“The main focus of being a truck team member,” seitz recalls, “is providing the best service possible to the customers at all time, and while this doesn’t change as an owner, there are many other focuses surrounding that initial focus on customers. employees, trucks and numbers. Making sure that i can provide the best possible workplace for the guys working at JUsTJUnK® is key to making sure that they can go and be the best representatives of our company.” The head office team, he notes, “equips my team with all the tools to better improve JUsTJUnK®
Victoria, like new trucks when demand is high, and coupon codes/special deals for our customers that will keep them satisfied with our services and grow the business.”
Tom dickson, who was one of the first Franchise owners for JUsTJUnK® Toronto, saw qualities develop early in Phil leading to seven years on the ground and up the ranks, “Phil was an organized and motivated employee who for several years operated our scarborough territory. he has always been an honest, organized person…hard working and intelligent.”
“i’ve always had an entrepreneurial mind set,” Phil says. “My mother is a business owner and i suppose she passed some of that down to me. since i was a kid i’ve been a bit of an entrepreneur. For example, i would rebuild bikes and sell them online. i’ve always had a passion for making my own way.”
“Tom has been great. he introduced me to Mike Thorne and has acted as a mentor throughout the start up process,” Phil says. “he allowed me to take on the east end of Toronto and scarborough as my own,” he recalls, “i learned how to grow a client base from existing clients and how to keep them coming back. i think that is what allowed me to gain a solid understanding of how this business works.”
all the teams at JUsTJUnK® work hard to declutter what could be a complicated web of a franchise system, streamlining it into an effective junk removal system prioritizing customer service and satisfaction. Their longevity and success is due to people like cole and Phil who have developed a job into a career because of the support network around them and their willingness to adapt and bring new things into JUsTJUnK®.
“ All the teams at JUSTJUNK® work hard to declutter what could be a complicated web of a franchise system, streamlining it into an effective junk removal system prioritizing customer service and satisfaction.”
Kevin son and his family have run a dry cleaning operation at 1410 parkway boulevard in coquitlam, bc for the past 30 years. in selling his family’s business, which became a martinizing cleaners in 2016, Kevin sought out another family.
i n early 2023, the brother and sister team of Preet singh and Jo Kaur took over as owners of Martinizing cleaners of coquitlam.
“i had grown up with the business while my parents were owners. They always had it in mind that i would one day take over. after spending some time in Korea as a teacher and getting married, i decided to take them up on their offer,” said son.
after taking over the business in 2012, son made the decision to become a Martinizing cleaners franchise.
“What i liked about Martinizing, beyond the name recognition, was the locker systems— where people could drop off and pick up laundry using the app and a secure locker,” said son. “Being part of a franchise made it a lot easier to do the other things you need to in the dry cleaning business—lease delivery vans, establish a web presence and social media sites, etc.”
Like son, Kaur and singh are also the offspring of family business owners. i n i ndia, Jo and Preet’s parents ran a tile cleaning business. so when brother and sister relocated to British columbia, they began to look for business opportunities.
“We were looking for an established business that had good name recognition. Martinizing certainly had that,” said singh.
“as several cleaners had gone out of business during covid, the timing seemed right.”
singh added, “Kevin couldn’t have been more helpful in the transition. We’re excited
to see what happens with the business, particularly with all that Martinizing has to offer.”
Martinizing cleaners offers a wide array of cleaning services, including but not limited to: dry cleaning, shirt laundry, alterations, wash & fold, bulk laundry, leather cleaning, shoe repair, wedding gown cleaning and preservation; and comforter cleaning.
These services can be accessed using the Martinizing app, which enables customers to initiate an order and then drop off clothes to be cleaned and receiving a notification when the clothes are available for pickup. The standard turnaround time is two business days.
Martinizing Cleaners of Coquitlam is open Monday through Friday, 7am to 6pm; Saturday, 8am to 5pm.
For further information, visit https://www.martinizing.com/coquitlam or call (604) 464-9811.
in today’s world, environmental, social, and governance (esg) frameworks are key elements and considerations the business community needs to take to assist in addressing and positively contribute towards climate change.
We learn about corporate responsibilities and their sustainability efforts through a variety of ways; product advertising, consumer advocacy, and in both traditional and social media engagement. i t can be a challenge to contextualize all the messaging and it make it relevant in our daily lives. Because franchising is such a formidable force in canada, it’s highly likely your local restaurant, pet store, home improvement centre, or auto shop are interacting with society in similar ways.
Many franchise brands acknowledge the esG appeal to consumers and potential investors, but how does esG and franchising connect?
since franchisees have so much choice as to where and how to invest their money. This may now include showcasing the brand’s esG values and how it supports related initiatives. as with any investment, franchisees should research and investigate the concept, not only to ensure there is a need for the product in the desired market, but to ensure there is a personal or cultural value alignment with the brand. as with all franchise validation and due diligence, a crucial exercise is to speak with the current franchise community. Prospective franchisees may want to ask additional questions of the brand and franchisees to ensure their investment aligns with the growing societal sentiment:
• Do the company values align with mine?
• Is there an ESG policy?
• Does the franchisor have ESG strategies to put into practise and support?
• How does the brand incorporate environmental protection into their decision making?
• How does the franchisor treat its employees and suppliers?
• Would you encourage a family member to invest in this franchise?
The same way companies are intentionally focusing on esG to attract and retain employees, franchise brands may also need employ the same strategies. Make no mistake, franchises are looking for investors the same way the labour force is being targeted. so those brands who can identify their esG strengths may be better
at recruiting the top franchise candidates. i t’s also important for franchisees, as an ambassador of the brand, to understand their role in environmental, social, and Governance policies. Keep in mind, one of the most important fundamentals of esG, is that it is not a ‘set it and forget it’ policy. esG is evolving, meaning franchise systems and franchisees must evolve with it.
and while esG is relatively new terminology, some brands have made it a deliberate focus for some time. Other networks are beginning to ramp up their efforts and some are incorporating esG guidelines without having an official policy in place. i n the absence of a formal policy or to begin your company’s journey, there are some things to consider.
To achieve the goal of zero plastic waste by 2030, the canadian government has legislated a phased out ban on the manufacture and import for sale of singleuse plastics. Many restaurant brands have already made the switch to paper straws and retail outlets have replaced plastic check-out bags, but there are other plastic items to consider; cutlery, stir sticks, and foodservice ware, to name a few. Franchise networks will need to review their current product list to ensure compliance and also appeal to the franchisees who are the direct link to the customer. a best practice to reduce costs and waste is for restaurant brands to ask customers during the ordering process, whether cutlery and condiments are required at all.
Many bulk food and product stores (grocery, beauty, pet, etc.) allow customers
to bring their own reusable containers and are well positioned to appeal to the customer base who have packaging (or lack thereof) as a driver to choose their shopping destinations. and it’s quite possible your favourite beverage franchise will offer a discount when you refill your own reusable cup. even one step further, some larger franchise brands across north america are testing returnable/reusable packaging (ie. pizza boxes and hot drink beverage cups).
There have been some trendy local diet ideas regularly talked about not long ago which saw increased popularity during the food supply scares during the early days of the cOVid -19 pandemic. While the idea of strictly feeding your family with products sourced within 100 KM of your home has received less attention lately, the sentiment still lingers. customers are realizing the environmental value of local product sourcing. not only does it provide fresher food and reduces its carbon footprint, but also supports local businesses.
Going beyond the supply chain, franchise networks are also investigating and testing how the physical locations can be improved upon. i n the never-ending struggle to find the ideal footprint, brands are also encouraged to discover different ways to reduce energy and use greener materials. Marketing Leed (Leadership in energy and environmental design) buildings and adding upcycled/repurposed elements are great ways to highlight your brand’s commitment to esG. retrofitting to Led lights with motion sensors, replacing gasfired with high-efficiency electric appliances and the installation of on-site renewable energy generation (i.e. solar panels) are more environmentally friendly options to improve your brand’s carbon footprint.
another frequently discussed option for brands and franchisees, is to invest in electric vehicles to replace their fleet and delivery vehicles. depending on the circumstances, there may be an option to improve the return on investment through monetizing the carbon off-set.
Post cOVid -19 labour shortages have highlighted the news at every corner. Brands should consider how they appeal
to franchisees, of course, but also how they may appeal to corporate staff and local franchisee staff. studies are indicating a higher percentage of consumers are more trusting of companies that support social and environmental issues. Furthermore, that same study suggests a majority of employees would choose to work for a socially responsible company, even if the salary offered was lower. a chief sustainability Officer or similar role is becoming increasingly popular to tie all the pieces together, but it is still recommended to consider all the network stakeholders when deciding how to approach the direction of brand.
a critical element to be aware of, is greenwashing. Greenwashing involves making an unsubstantiated claim to deceive customers into believing that a company’s products are environmentally friendly or have a greater positive impact than they do. current litigation examples in the United states are a cautionary tale for canadian companies.
so now what; how will you tell your brand’s esG story? Typically, what gets measured, gets done. setting quantifiable goals and results to measure the impact of what you’re doing will determine whether your network is following through on its commitments and recognizing potential opportunities at both the corporate and unit level. similar to the primary tenet of franchising - being in business for yourself, not by yourself - there are many resources to assist as your brand pivots and adapts throughout it’s esG journey. seeking support from the experts is a great starting point.
For more information on how BMO is addressing sustainability, visit Our approach - Our Impact (bmo.com).
Andrew Carter, Regional Market Leader for BMO, has been working with franchisees his entire career. His career has spanned from the Franchise side to the Finance side. His strong operational background complements his financing knowledge, providing holistic advice to all franchising situations.“ Keep in mind, one of the most important fundamentals of ESG, is that it is not a ‘set it and forget it’ policy. ESG is evolving, meaning franchise systems and franchisees must evolve with it.”
the teacher shortage in the u.s. and canada isn’t due to an aging workforce focused on retirement. it isn’t from major layoffs...they are quitting.
Low pay, burnout, lack of support, political games and the requirement to be more than an educator are driving teachers away from their profession, but they aren’t leaving the workforce. Many of those teachers are leaving the profession to find successful second careers as Kumon instructors.
That was the case for Pamela Kozak, who had been a teacher for 13 years in Massachusetts. But the longer she was a teacher, the more often she was asked to
be more than a teacher. her profession was requiring her to be a fundraiser, counselor, mediator and enforcement officer she wasn’t trained in those roles, and she didn’t receive any extra pay to compensate for the increased demand for skills in those areas.
“i t seemed like much of my energy was being spent on a few students and families, while many others were not getting much of my attention at all,” she said. “i was also frustrated by the fact that it really didn’t matter how hard you worked, every teacher – good, bad or otherwise – was on a predetermined pay scale, according to their level of education and years of experience. i found myself increasingly annoyed by
co-workers arriving just before the bell and/or leaving just after the bell without a bag in their hand. Their lesson plans hadn’t changed in years, and their commitment to delivering an exemplary program was no longer evident.”
i n short, she was frustrated and decided to take a few years off to spend time with her children. But that frustration became her motivation to find something better. When she returned to canada six years later, she became the instructor – or franchise owner – at Kumon of Guelph south in Ontario.
Kumon is the top education franchise in north america, with over 2,000 Kumon centers in the U.s. and canada. The education enrichment industry is worth $23.4 billion in the U.s., and business is booming at Kumon locations throughout the country. i t’s also attracting former teachers who are tired of unappreciative environments but aren’t ready to stop being educators.
“Kumon is a natural and nearly seamless transition for the teachers who join us,” said John collins, Kumon’s vice president of center network development. “We value teachers and the skills they bring with them in the classroom. The great thing about becoming an instructor is that they still get to have the love of educating children while controlling their own professional destiny as a small business owner.”
For some, the frustrations of the teaching profession aren’t worth the effort anymore. new research by McKinsey & co. shows nearly a third of U.s. teachers, from kindergarten to 12th grade, are thinking about leaving their jobs. That equals about 900,000 teachers across the U.s
While there was no one factor cited in the study why teachers are thinking about leaving, there are areas of overlap, which include compensation, unreasonable expectations and an inability to protect their well-being, the study showed.
That held true for Kozak long before the frustrations within the profession compounded with the pandemic. i t also made her search for a new opportunity, which led her to Kumon.
“While still living in Massachusetts, but knowing i would be returning to Ontario, i began to think about what i was going to do once i returned home,” she said. “i looked into private tutoring options and joining other franchises as an employee. When my research led me to discover Kumon, my interest was sparked. i liked the fact that the initial investment was not outrageous. When reading about the company and its philosophy, i was even more interested.”
But she wasn’t sold right away. she wanted
to try it out first and enrolled her youngest daughter in the program before they moved to canada. Kozak wanted to see it from the parents’ perspective.
“after about 6 months, i was convinced that this was a program worthy of investing both my money and my academic experience,” she said.
Former teachers are perfect candidates to become Kumon instructors.
With degrees usually related to their expertise in instruction, they meet the educational requirements to become an instructor, collins said.
additionally, teachers are already used to creating lesson plans, creating a welcoming and conducive learning environment, conducting parent conferences and forming individualized learning plans for each student. To get them started, Kumon also provides incentives to cover a lot of the costs of starting a business from the ground up.
“Teachers coming into Kumon already have a significant advantage to running a successful center,” collins added. “When it comes to the business management side of the business, we have them covered with our comprehensive training. We can give them all the tools to sharpen their business acumen.”
expanding your business through franchising is neither as hard or as easy as most people think. myths and misunderstandings about franchising are plentiful and potentially very, very dangerous.
i t is not a “license to print money”, rather it is one of several distribution methods that businesses can employ to grow and prosper. i t is not rocket science, but requires good planning, patience and careful execution.
Franchising is a distribution method which requires, in the final analysis, less capital, because the franchisees finance their own outlets. however, new franchisors will need to invest substantially in the early years to develop an effective franchise structure and the critical mass necessary to make it profitable. Often, a franchisor will not realize a profit until as many as ten franchise outlets are up and running.
a franchisor can leverage a much greater volume of business on a much smaller head office than in other business models. While this is true after the franchise system has
grown to a sufficient size, at the beginning, the head office costs will be much higher in relation to the over volume of business in the system than with other distribution methods. a new franchisor must plan well and provide enough capital and resources to get through these early stages to realize on this leveraging benefit.
a business can grow more quickly through franchising than through almost any other distribution method. again, while true, it is another benefit that comes later in the growth cycle of a franchise system. Growing too rapidly and not being able to service the franchises that are sold, is a recipe for disaster. Often, franchisors miss the fact that they must also take a break from rapid growth to consolidate, take stock of the situation and plan to accelerate growth even more rapidly thereafter.
i n business, it is generally recognized that an owner will be more attentive than a
edward (ned) levitt is a senior partner of Dickinson Wright LLP, Toronto, Canada. He served as General Counsel to the Canadian Franchise Association from 2000 to 2007 and, as a member of the Ontario Franchise Sector Working Team, was instrumental in the creation of Ontario’s franchise legislation. Among his many publications is Canadian Franchise Legislation published by Butterworths/LexisNexis.
Mr. levitt can be reached at 416-646-3842 or nlevitt@ dickinsonwright.com.
richard s chuett is an associate of Dickinson Wright LLP, Toronto, Canada. His practice primarily focuses on franchising, commercial transactions, and commercial leasing.
Mr. s chuett can be reached at 416-646-6879 or rs chuett@dickinsonwright.com.
manager. This is a central point which makes franchising so attractive. a franchisor can rest assured that the person operating his store will be “attending to business” much as he would. however, this requires much more than luck in selecting the right franchisees. Learning about franchisee recruitment from others is helpful, but the franchisor must ultimately become the expert about who is best suited to be a franchisee in the particular system. The right franchisees can be nirvana for the franchisor; the wrong franchisees can be nightmares.
and, there is strength in numbers. The successful franchisor can command incredible deals with suppliers of all sorts. The sometimes difficult to obtain mall locations will be in easy reach of a business that can assure a landlord of profitable and predictable tenants in all of its developments. advertising budgets can be generous, and there are often greater resources for research and development. i n many systems, franchisees provide the greatest contribution to improving the business.
Today there is a wide variety of businesses that employ franchising as the distribution method of choice. however, all too often, the decision to franchise is made based upon the fact that the business is
franchisable, without any consideration being given to the following questions:
1. What will the impact be on my existing business?
2. how will it change my activities and responsibilities?
3. What financing do i require?
4. Where will i obtain the various skills necessary in planning, implementing and administering a franchise program?
5. What alternatives exist to expansion through franchising and are these alternatives more attractive to me?
The early stages of your franchise system will require a considerable amount of your valuable time. even if you decide to work with franchise professionals, you will be required to be part of the planning process because, after all, you are the original success story everyone is attempting to clone.
You then must come to terms with the fact that you will not always be able to tend to the original business and others will have to take your place. i f you cannot find and train the right people, you could seriously reduce your earnings and cash flow. as mentioned earlier, most franchise systems do not become profitable for the franchisor until a number of units, sometimes as many as ten or more, are up and running smoothly.
consequently, you may have to rely on the original business for some time to support you and provide the working capital necessary for the franchise expansion. The flagship business may also be jeopardized by the fact that your franchisees are using your trademarks, style of doing business and appearance. disgruntled customers will direct their wrath at the system as a whole and you may not have a business to go back to, if the franchise expansion fails.
“ Even if you decide to work with franchise professionals, you will be required to be part of the planning process because, after all, you are the original success story everyone is attempting to clone.”
one of canada’s most popular family-style restaurant chains, ricky’s all day grill, is opening a brand new location in camrose, ab, conveniently located on hwy. 13 (5606 48th avenue).
Previously a long-time humpty’s restaurant location, ricky’s is pleased to add camrose to their long list of highly popular alberta and saskatchewan family-style restaurants. This new venture continues under the expert guidance of the same great owners who ran humpty’s. residents of camrose will surely welcome ricky’s all day Grill to their community, where they can enjoy a delicious sit-down, made-to-order breakfast, lunch, or dinner with family and friends. Folks on the go can quickly grab their favourite meals for the road.
ricky’s has been famous for quality breakfasts since 1962, and their delicious menu includes such great starts the day as eggs Benedict and the signature Brekkie-Bowls. Lunches will become a neighbourhood favourite with mouth-
watering sandwiches, signature salads, and classics like their beer-battered Ocean Wise Fish & chips. ricky’s also serves fresh, never-frozen alberta Beef Burgers, signature clubhouse sandwiches, handbattered chicken tenders and traditional Pasta.
For those who cherished humpty’s famous breakfast pan scramblers, ricky’s is excited to continue this tradition by serving the same classic humpty’s breakfast recipe.
The newest addition to the ricky’s Family Group is run by seasoned local restauranteurs andrea & Gersom Gamayot, who previously operated humpty’s in camrose. “We are excited to be bringing a ricky’s to the camrose community and welcoming residents with a hearty breakfast, lunch, or dinner served up with a smile,” Gersom commented.
The new ricky’s all day Grill in camrose is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Plus, with fast express takeout, online ordering, and delivery services, guests can enjoy their favourite ricky’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the comfort of their own homes.
ricky’s began as a pancake restaurant in British columbia in 1960. since the late 1970s, it has evolved into a successful canadian restaurant franchise known for its big breakfasts, generous portions, and extensive menu. The ricky’s Group of Family-style restaurants includes ricky’s all day Grill, ricky’s country, and ricky’s Breakfast café, with 80+ locations in canada and more under development. for more information, go to www.rickysrestaurants.ca
To celebrate national dog day camp Bow Wow, north america’s largest doggy day care and boarding franchise, shares the top five large and top five small dog breeds for 2023 based on its database of nearly 400,000 campers across the U.s. and canada.
Unlike kennel clubs that share annual lists based on purebred dog registrations, camp Bow Wow’s list includes a range of purebreds, mixed-breed dogs (listed by their primary breed) and popular crossbreeds, including doodles.
i n the big-dog category, the ever-popular Labrador retriever (including Lab mixes) tops the list for the sixth year in a row. The Goldendoodle comes in second, followed
by mixed and purebred Golden retrievers, German shepherds and australian shepherds — rounding out the top five large-dog and top five overall breeds at camp Bow Wow.
The most popular small-dog breeds based on camp Bow Wow’s data are, in order, the Miniature Poodle, chihuahua, shih Tzu, Beagle and Yorkshire Terrier. Of the smalldog list, only the Miniature Poodle (7th) and chihuahua (8th) appear in the top 10 overall breeds, which is rounded out by the Pit Bull Terrier (6th), Labradoodle (9th) and siberian husky (10th).
For people who are deciding what size and breed of dog to adopt, camp Bow Wow’s animal health and Behavioral expert, erin askeland, Msc, cPdT-Ka, cBcc-Ka, says family, lifestyle and daily routine are some of the most important factors to consider before adopting. small breeds, for example, are typically more suitable for apartment living and tend to have lower energy demands, while larger breeds are typically
more active and need more space — but there are exceptions.
“some small breeds are big dogs at heart — for example, even the smallest terriers tend to be high-energy and need lots of attention and exercise, while a large dog breed like a Great dane is known to be fairly calm and lower-energy,” askeland said. “even though a dog’s breed may influence certain tendencies and behaviors, the breed alone should not determine whether to bring a specific dog into your home. at camp Bow Wow, we love all breeds and believe every dog deserves a loving home.”
Lifespan is another differentiator between small and large dogs. small dogs tend to have longer lifespans, usually 12–15 years or more, while large dogs typically have lifespans around 8–12 years.
regardless of the breed, all dogs benefit from playtime, social activity, and enrichment. Treating your dog to a fun day at camp is a great way to celebrate national dog day.
Westminster, Colorado-based Camp Bow Wow is North America’s largest pet care franchise, with over 200 locations in 40 states and Canada. Since 2000, the Camp concept has provided the highest levels of fun, safety and service for its Campers and peace of mind for their parents. Dogs romp together in an open-play environment, and pricing is allinclusive.
In addition to day care and overnight boarding, the company offers personalized enrichment opportunities, grooming services and a rewards-based dog training program. The Camp Bow Wow brand family also includes The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation®, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing urgent medical care funds to dogs who are homeless or whose parents cannot afford to pay their veterinary bills. Camp Bow Wow, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mars, Incorporated, since 2017, has been ranked on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list for 14 consecutive years. for more information, go to www.campbowwow.com
“ Unlike kennel clubs that share annual lists based on purebred dog registrations, Camp Bow Wow’s list includes a range of purebreds, mixed-breed dogs (listed by their primary breed) and popular crossbreeds, including doodles.”
building your business is not only about acquiring new customers. in fact, keeping your current customers happy should be high on your to-do list.
i f you want to really impress your customers, then you have to give them something more than they can get at your competition. Though big promotions may draw customers initially, it is what you do post sale that matters in generating repeat business. i t’s the small things that make the biggest impact and are intended to communicate to the customer that you appreciate them and their business is valuable to you.
Here are 7 ideas to get you started on attracting and retaining customers:
1. the early bird catches the worm
Whether it’s through an email, a phone call, or an in-person meeting, contacting the customer in the shortest possible delay is the way to get new business. statistics show that if you can get to the customer within the first 5-10 minutes of their inquiry you are most likely to get the business. afterall, you may not be the only company the customer contacted but reaching out immediately makes you top of the pack. 70% of business goes to the supplier that contacted the customer first. statistics show that 45% of consumers
will abandon an online transaction if they can’t get immediate responses to their inquiries. Proper support should be provided at all stages of the sale, especially post sale. Try to promote other mediums for communication like live chat or social media where responses can be delivered quicker. Getting immediate attention will increase the satisfaction level of the customer.
Whenever you make an outbound sales or customer service call, you have about 7 seconds to make a great first impression. how you set the tone in this 7 seconds is critical to both how the rest of your phone call goes and how your business is experienced by your prospect. i t is essential
to have both superb phone etiquette and a great opening line in order to make a great first impression and engage your prospect. engaging in this way leaves the prospect with a sense of trust and connection.
Your customer database is a business’s most important asset. studies have shown that it cost 5x more to get a new customer than it does to retain one. i n my former life as a restaurant franchisor, we had a policy that no customer left unhappy ever! servers and staff were empowered to respond to the situation and were tasked with insuring that the customer left feeling satisfied with the resolution. Word of mouth advertising can make or break a business. Unhappy customers traditionally tell more people about their bad experience than happy ones do. The consequence, the loss of tens of thousands in lost sales. a Forbes study showed that a 5% increase in customer retention can increase a company’s profitability by up to 75%. hence, companies living and breathing the motto “keep the customer happy”, will fare much better and grow over time.
3. who doesn’t’ love surprises: everyone loves surprises and customers are no exception. special gifts, discounts or vouchers can be hand delivered with the bill or delivered online after the transaction. Offering beautiful, personalized, celebration cakes is a great way to distinguish yourself from the competition in the restaurant industry. really make a memorable day memorable. another favorite is to offer the client a new service or product to try out for free. all of these gestures result in creating a great first impression and is essential in creating and building long-lasting relationships. Personalized customer service really does matter.
i am especially fond of “loyalty programs” which reward customers for repeat business. The traditional “Buy 5 get one free” works for coffee shops but depending on your business you may want to give away something more special. i like discounts based on purchases, e.g. get a $25.00 coupon for every $250.00 spent. not only
does the customer return but they almost always purchase in an amount in excess of the coupon value. When the customer gets to choose their own gift it is more meaningful.
The biggest mistake that salespeople make is to make promises to the client and then not fulfill them. The expression “under promise and over deliver” could not be truer than in sales. never make commitments just to get the sale if you cannot deliver. By making false promises you may get that one sale but you will lose that customer in the long run. When asked to rate their buyer experience, most buyers commented on how they were treated as the most important factor in their repurchasing from that seller. By giving the customer the best buying experience possible, you will create raving fans.
Being a good listener is an important customer service skill. When interacting with a customer, let them talk and explain their needs before spewing a thesis about your product or service. really listen to what they need, then suggest a solution that takes care of that need. This is also a good time to upsell other products or services. Gaining a proper understanding of your clients needs goes a long way to closing the sale.
i n certain industries it may be worthwhile to learn about your customer first. With so many social media outlets it is not hard to gain some insight into what the customer may need. You can also use the information to connect with them on a personal level. i f their social media is filled with wedding pictures, then congratulate them on that, or tell them how cute their fur baby is. even just pulling one item you can relate to from their social media creates a chance to connect and gain instant trust. however, make sure to be honest and authentic. i f you hate dogs, don’t pretend to love them just to create a false sense of connection with your customer. also, be conscientious of professional boundaries, and don’t dig
too deep into their social profiles to avoid being creepy!
6. continuing the relationship post sale
a customer relationship doesn’t end as soon as they make a purchase, in fact this is where it begins. Follow up calls are especially important in the service industry. i n some cases it may be appropriate to send a “Thank You for Your Business” card. This may be the perfect tool to cement the positive impression of a company.
7. do excellent work!
Last, but most important is to do the work well and beyond the customers expectations. do what you do better than anybody else and you are sure to own the competitive field. There is absolutely no substitute for quality work. delivering high quality work will get word-of-mouth advertising going and that is the best marketing there is. capturing referral business should be an essential element of your marketing plan. People absolutely notice when they have received great service, which they then communicate to family and friends. The cost to acquire this referral customer is zero.
Treat the customer as if they were your boss. Jeffery Gitomer rightly concluded that “your customer is your paycheck”. he proposed that it is the customers that are paying the bills of the business and not the owner. i nteraction with customers should be kind, polite and honest. Building a longterm relationship with customers is a long process that begins at “hello, how can i help you”.
beloved mexican quick service restaurant, tacotime canada, is excited to celebrate its 45th anniversary as an industry leader in quality service, ingredients and flavour. since its inception in 1978, tacotime canada has captured the hearts and appetites of canadians with its commitment to real, locally-sourced canadian ingredients and authentic mexican-inspired fare.
as part of the anniversary celebrations, TacoTime canada will host a nostalgic throwback to its roots with 99 cent tacos on October 4th for national Taco day (note: Limit 3 tacos per transaction. Beef/ Veggie taco only. available at participating locations. Pick up only.) – harkening back to the 1980s when tacos could be purchased for just under at dollar at every TacoTime grand opening.
From humble beginnings at its first canadian franchise location in Lethbridge, alberta, TacoTime canada has grown to more than 120 locations from coast to coast, a testament to its dedication to providing a one-of-a-kind affordable taste experience. The original home of Taco Tuesday®, TacoTime has since become an iconic canadian brand that now serves over 2.5 million tacos and 3.2 million handrolled burritos annually, using all- canadian ingredients. The brand’s commitment to quality extends to the wide-variety of menu items that are made fresh in-house daily, including its original recipe hot sauces, crispy taco shells, taco chips, proteins and edible salad bowls.
“TacoTime was founded with a belief that fresh, real ingredients make better food, and we are delighted to be commemorating
45 years of upholding this commitment to excellence in canada,” says Wendy derzai, Vice President of Taco Time canada at MTY Food Group. “Our passion lies in bringing exceptional service and unbeatable taste to our customers, and that’s reflected in every bite. We use locally sourced canadian ingredients and take pride in crafting every element of our menu with care, from our original recipe hot sauces to our hand-rolled crisp Burritos and fan-favourite Mexi-Fries®.”
a legacy brand that has stood the test of time, even surviving the challenges of the recent pandemic with zero store closures, TacoTime has proven itself to be a canadian favourite that is here to stay. This year’s forthcoming anniversary is poised to rekindle fond memories of TacoTime’s presence in the lives of canadians over the last 45 years, reminding patrons of TacoTime canada’s deep roots and a menu evolution that continues to pay homage to flavourful Mexican staples, while incorporating fresh new twists that keep customers coming back for more.
TacoTime canada remains at the forefront of the quick service restaurant landscape and anticipates the opening of four new locations in 2023, alongside the renovation and updating of six existing locations by the end of the year. The brand’s dedication to staying competitive is also evident in its iconic promotions like Taco Tuesday® and Burritoful Thursdays, offering unlimited $2 tacos on Tuesdays and BOGO half
off burritos on Thursdays. TacoTime is expanding into Ontario and currently there are plans to open in Trenton and Welland.
as an added convenience, TacoTime canada customers can now also place orders for delivery via TacoTime’s dedicated app. The introduction of delivery will maximize convenience for consumers, making it possible to enjoy more TacoTime spice at home or on the go.
For more information about TacoTime Canada, please visit www.tacotimecanada.com.
TacoTime canada first opened its inaugural location in Lethbridge, alberta, in 1978. With more than 120 locations across the country, TacoTime canada is known for its tasty variety of freshly-prepared, home style, Mexican fare and commitment to using canadiansourced, quality ingredients. With a passion for delivering TacoTime’s original recipes with fast and friendly service, the brand has grown to become a staple in the canadian dining landscape.
for more information, visit www.tacotimecanada.com
ranges are an essential part of fully equipping your commercial kitchen operations, in both small and large restaurants. their versatility of applications makes them an ideal choice for busy culinary staff serving high volumes of customers daily.
Ultimately, choosing the appropriate range for your business is essential for maintaining the efficiency and profitability of your kitchen.
The definition of a range is simply a stovetop that has an oven attached, so for more simple versions, their functionality will be limited to those specific capabilities. however, a more versatile commercial range will have multiple stovetop burners alongside a griddle, broiler, oven and separate ventilation system. The exact capabilities of your range will correspond to its size, with more extensive ranges having more versatility in cooking abilities.
The suitable range for you will depend on the size of your kitchen and restaurant, your daily operation demands, and the number of staff you have. You want to ensure you balance having all the necessary functions in your range to provide peak efficiency for
your business without wasting energy or compromising the quality of your product. some Key
for your commercial range
Gas stovetops will have an igniter that creates a flame for cooking equipment to be placed on. a significant advantage of this type of control is its precise temperature management. electric stovetops may be considered safer in the average kitchen, although this detail may be minuscule in a restaurant setting with only trained professionals operating the range.
depending on the size and product made in your kitchen, you may have multiple stand-alone ovens in addition to your range system. When choosing a suitable oven component for your range, consider fuel type again. Gas ovens are best for highoutput cooking but can sometimes not cook evenly, depending on the type of food. an electric oven will be the largest energy consumer in your kitchen, especially if you are constantly broiling at very high temperatures. This oven type may also take longer to cook.
regardless of fuel type, many commercial kitchen operators prefer a convection oven to provide more air circulation while cooking and an easier even cook throughout.
The energy efficiency of your range will be primarily determined by its fuel type and size. For the stovetop, gas burners heat quicker and are more energy efficient, which helps to lower operating costs for your restaurant. however, the upfront cost is often higher – especially if you do not have a gas line already installed at your restaurant. energy efficiency also does not equal environmental efficiency, as gas ranges release carbon monoxide, making proper ventilation an even more critical component for your kitchen design.
electric induction ranges can be as precise as gas stovetops. Usually, these stovetops have a flat glass top that covers an electromagnetic field that transfers energy.
When compared to traditional electric burners, induction stovetops outperform in efficiency.
size is another factor for maintaining energy efficiency in your commercial kitchen. You want to ensure the burners are the right size for the pots and pans you will be using so they can heat up at optimal speeds. additionally, you want to consider the number of customers you average to determine the number of burners you will need to operate simultaneously. similarly, you want the oven to have enough space to serve the desired amount of customers without wasting energy or electricity. however, if you need an extensive range to operate all day, you can still find an energyefficient model to serve your restaurant’s high output.
choosing the right ventilation system for your commercial system will depend on your kitchen and restaurant’s existing layout and structure. The chosen hood should cover the entirety of your range to be most effective. ceiling and wall-mounted hoods are best suited for commercial kitchens, with the system positioned as close to the range as possible without getting in the way of operations. The range hood will also need a filtration system to properly remove grease and solids to reduce the chances of grease fires, especially on gas stoves. You want equal air being replaced by the hood as it removes air as you cook.
a gas range should have a flame failure device connected to the coil to automatically turn off the gas valve when the flame is extinguished. newer ranges will also have quicker ignite times and thermocouples for temperature monitoring. each feature helps prevent contamination of kitchen air and keeps burner flames controlled while cooking.
electric stoves do not have live flames, so the range needs an indicator light to inform users when the stove is on and hot. additionally, some ranges feature automatic shut-off when they are on for an extended period of time to prevent overheating and accidents around the stove.
commercial ovens can operate up to 500ºF, posing safety concerns in your kitchen. Your oven should have a splatter screen to help protect the element from spills and an accurate heavy-duty thermostat to indicate the interior temperature at all times. a convection oven will have an automatic fan shut off when the door is opened and selfcleaning functions.
size
r anges can vary extensively in size to accommodate operations for a small momand-pop shop all the way to a large hotel or resort. You need to position your range where it can access the necessary fuel type and have enough space for the proper hood installation. r anges can be anywhere from 12 to 72 inches in diameter. The width
of your hood should be about 12 inches wider than the range, so consider this when planning and shopping.
consider your restaurant’s needs
so, where do you start in figuring out the best range for your business? Well, a few unique factors can help you decide. i f your business is already in operation or you are opening a new location, you can use some customer and supplier data to help determine how much the new range will be used and what functions will be needed most. For example, if you primarily serve breakfast and run a bakery, you can assume the oven will be primarily used, but having a ton of burners is less of a concern. i f you do not have the luxury of looking at past data, you will need to primarily use your planned menu and the customer capacity of your restaurant to help infer the expected output of meals from the kitchen, and more specifically, the range, at different times. Once you know how often the range will be in use and your ideal number of burners, take accurate measurements of your space and the possibilities of where the range could go, given the predetermined location of fuel access. additionally, consider the line process for your employees, as you want the range in a convenient location, especially if it is the primary appliance used in your kitchen operations. Lastly, consult professional kitchen equipment suppliers to see what options are available to you.
The needs of your specific restaurant and kitchen will be the most significant determinant of the best range for you. When shopping around, consider the fuel type, efficiency, safety features and size of different ranges to determine the best appliance for your business. With the many versatile options out there, through doing the proper research, you will be able to find the best appliance for your restaurant’s needs and focus on what really matters: serving up quality for your customers!
Over several years of Contract Negotiation and Market Analysis experience in the Restaurant & Coffee Industry. Successful at building and growing a loyal customer base through strong Sales Management, establishing and cultivating long term, successful business relationships with key decision-makers within industries. Self-motivated and results oriented with a proven track record of consistently creating successful enterprises. Exceptional analytical skills coupled with excellent communication abilities facilitate the development of strategic business plans for a variety of customers by leveraging extensive knowledge & understanding background.
The Poké station has been expanding since 2020 with 50+ restaurants opened, plus 4 currently under construction.
the key to our success:
• A growing product demands
• Exotic, healthy, natural and delicious food.
• Super fast service.
• A product made for delivery or ‘Pick Up’.
• A low investment concepts
• And a super quick return on your investment
• A central kitchen
furthermore, our team offers:
• Site selection
• Financial aid
• Training program
• Operational support
• Organic marketing
• A solid foundation with UBER Eats, Door dash; skip etc.
WE ARE COMMITTED TO CHANGE PEOPLE’S LIVES & THIS WORLD ONE BOWL AT A TIME!
how and when did you become involved with group s.i.n.i.?
i n 2011; and really by accident. You see i own 2 companies in the coffee equipment company (i still do). and this group, under a different banner, became my customers. The ceO of the company, Bing Tang, and myself hit it off immediately. i loved what they were doing and started first as a consultant on some special project, and since 2021 i have been involved basically every day of the year.
what was your background prior to joining le poké station?
My alma Mater is McGill University in Montreal. My degree is an MBa after working from 1978 to 1981 in various multinational companies, i opened my first company with my father, grew it, sold it. Became a consultant to upstarts; in 2011 i reopened a coffee equipment company grew it to an international level; at the same time i became a consultant to Group s i n i and in 2021 joined their management team whilst i still retained ownership to my coffee equipment companies.
i can only talk about our situation in the Province Of Quebec, but with 50 restaurants in operation.
• 60% of our sales will be Take-out sales, or even better in delivery: skipThedishes; Uber eats; and doordash. The Take-out or delivery service is in full demand and booming in canada
• One of the highest ranking with URBER
eaTs and best delivery costs in Quebec https://www.ubereats.com/ca/category/ montreal-qc/poke
• Our cost in terms of total investment, to open a restaurant franchise in Quebec is the lowest. (https:// businessoccasions.ca/franchises-andbusiness-opportunities/page/4/), which makes our break-even point very low in terms of necessary sales. i n short, The Poké station offers the BesT return on investment in the restaurant industry in Quebec
• The Poké bowl is the second-best new food trend in Quebec (after Veganism)
• The ‘Poké Station’ brand image is a very highly recognized banner tell us a little about the poke bowl market?
why are poke bowls trending?
One reason for their popularity is the convenience and flexibility they offer. Poke bowls are typically served as a single dish meal, making it easy for people to grab a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner on the go.
While some may have predicted poke bowls to be the craze of the summer, they’ve stuck around for the better part of three years - and the trend shows no sign of slowing. The poke consumption shows still a yearly growth rate of 6.99%.
Many poke bowls are visually appealing, with vibrant colors and a variety of toppings, making them perfect for sharing on social media platforms. This, in turn, has led to an increase in awareness and interest in poke bowls, as people are more likely to try a dish they’ve seen on social media.
Overall, though, the poke bowl is one option when it comes to eating better. what are some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned in growing this franchise?
• Keep it at a very low investment, be smart “not prideful”!
• Keep low rent UBER EATS pulverized the concept of “Location, Location, Location”
• Can be ran by 1 or 2 employees
• Make sure your franchisees are making sizeable profits
• Stay in the delivery and curbside pick up (cOVid WiLL cOMe BacK)
• Be intriguing, fun and delicious what makes this opportunity unique in its market category?
• Not unique, however enticing the return on i nvestment
• “It’s always about the money baby” in your opinion, what are the key factors that make le poké station a great opportunity?
The 8 main reasons for our meteoric growth (having to overcome the pandemic years):
1 The quality,
2 The freshness,
3 Portions,
4 Our central Kitchen,
5 Food control/cost control,
6 health concept
7 h igh reputation and MOST importantly
8 the speed of production and service.
leading the charge of massage heights’ growth in canada are master franchisees, will and zach carter. the brothers began their journey with the brand when their father became one of the originals investors in massage heights canada.
after years of running the business, their father asked them to join and eventually take over the entrepreneurial venture. The brothers, having a sink or swim mentality, dove in headfirst and now are opening their first Massage heights location since they took over the portfolio.
“at my core, and the core of our business, is helping people and we are able to do that every single day at our retreats,” said Will carter. “This is our family’s legacy – and Massage heights provided us with the foundation and tools to bring wellness to canada. as we open this new location, i can’t wait to see how this type of therapeutic relief makes a positive impact on our community members.” having learned invaluable lessons from their entrepreneurial-minded parents, the
brothers have set out to continue to grow their family’s legacy across canada. an instrumental tool in their success with the brand is the highly skilled team they have built who all align with the carter’s core values, as well as those of Massage heights.
To celebrate, the brothers will be hosting a grand opening event at the end of september. Leading up to their formal grand opening, the carters will also offer a special membership promotion throughout september where each new member will be entered into a weekly drawing to receive an upgraded membership.
“i nternational growth will continue to play a key role in our overall franchise development strategy as we look toward our next era of success,” said susan Boresow, President & ceO of Massage heights. “The carter family have been ideal franchise partners, embodying a deep passion and unwavering commitment to health and wellness. We are thrilled to have them spearheading our expansion in canada and look forward to seeing them elevate the lives of more community members through massage therapy.”
company leadership has identified canada
as a target growth market in addition to the various U.s. territories currently available. as the multi-billion-dollar industry remains primed for increased growth, Massage heights offers a turnkey business opportunity backed by unmatched support.
Massage Heights is currently seeking single and multi-unit operators to join its growing brand. To learn about Massage Heights franchise opportunities, visit
www.massageheightsfranchise.com/
The massage franchise started in 2004 and has grown to more than 115 Retreats throughout North America by providing personalized wellness treatment options through therapeutic massage and skincare services. Massage Heights is a massage and wellness franchise dedicated to elevating the lives of others by providing Members and Guests with professional, affordable and resortquality massage, skincare and wellness services.
With direct experience of the North American, UK and Australian/ New Zealand Franchise markets we have been in the business of selling franchise systems direct to franchisees for over 35 years.
We can help to put your franchise system in an operational position to attract successful franchisees.
We are members of the IFA and other respected organisations.
The transition process can be daunting, but we know the trusted business and legal players who can take you through the first minefield.
Constant changes within the codes of conduct can create a massive challenge to franchise systems wanting to move outside of their established markets.
For an initial discussion, please contact globalpublishers@icloud.com
Our GLOBAL CONNECTIONS are trusted operators in their markets and will enable a smooth entry into NEW TERRITORIES.
continuing its global expansion cloud-based mapping software specialists, gapmaps, has launched in the us and canada, driven by customer demand to access its location intelligence platform in these two markets.
GapMaps Live provides more than 500 brands, such as Mcdonalds, KFc, starbucks and Burger King, with a comprehensive view of their networks and unprecedented insights to inform their global store location strategies across 25 countries.
“Global brands in fast food, café and fitness sectors can now use a single platform to access accurate population, demographics and competitor intel along with location insights for their own stores in these regions,” said anthony Villanti, GapMaps’ Managing director and Founder.
“These brands no longer need to rely on external consultants to inform their market planning strategies, we’ve made it easy by sourcing accurate and trusted datasets accessible in one simple to use platform with access to their proprietary information in-house.
“Brands in these sectors using GapMaps Live in australia, new Zealand, i ndia, the Middle east, and southeast asia can use our platform to inform optimal locations for expanding their store networks in the Us and canada.
“similarly, large multi-national brands based in the Us and canada contemplating expansion into our other international markets gain real-time visibility of their company owned and franchise networks globally through a single Gis platform, helping manage location decisions across all countries,” added Villanti.
businesses
The GapMaps Live platform offers realtime intelligence and insights used to inform location decisions through a comprehensive range of accurate and trusted data sets across all regions, including population, demographic, economic, customer, and competitor location information.
These insights are particularly important for Us and canadian brands looking to venture into new growth markets across asia by enabling a rapid assessment of the attractiveness of catchment areas, considering factors such as population size, affordability of the consuming class and the competitor landscape. Brands can analyze different local demographic and industry data at a very granular level, often drilling down to a 150 meter grid to pinpoint an optimum store catchment.
additionally, for a more comprehensive analysis, clients can easily integrate their own data, such as sales, performance, and customer locations.
“since 2018, we’ve strategically expanded our global presence aligned to our customer’s plans and this move into the Us and canada is a significant growth opportunity for GapMaps to capture a larger share of the location intelligence market.
“The popularity of GapMaps is attributed to its ease of use and unique feature of a single login for all users within an organization to make store location decisions globally. This ensures seamless access for everyone involved in network strategy planning to efficiently visualize and manage their locations worldwide.
“By giving brands access to detailed insights on population size, competitor locations and other granular demographic and point of interest data down to a local level, they can quickly evaluate and prioritize store expansion opportunities, even in countries with limited data availability. With this valuable information and unparalleled flexibility, brands can make informed decisions to secure ideal operational locations,” added Villanti.
Furthermore, a new feature launching soon called i mpact analysis, enables any user to use mobile visitation data to understand the customer “where from” and “where to” travel patterns and assess the cannibalization impact from opening a new store nearby based on convenience and the travel patterns of existing customers.
“i mpact analysis will be a real game changer in the Us and canada markets as brands with large store networks can quickly estimate the sales impact based on real customer trips from opening a new bricks and mortar store or easily run scenarios across existing stores and possible new locations, to determine the optimal network,” continued Villanti.
“For decades, i mpact analysis has remained an essential process in determining the viability of business and franchise expansion. however, it has historically been
a laborious, time-consuming, and costly undertaking due to its primarily manual nature. nevertheless, the significance of this process cannot be understated, as it lays the foundation for informed decision-making. and in many cases it can be the location decisions we choose not to make that is the best financial decision.
“By introducing i mpact analysis into GapMaps Live, teams can now complete due diligence on new sites much faster by determining the total percentage impact on sales across their existing stores with a high degree of accuracy.
“network planning teams can submit their recommendations in a fraction of the time, and by visualizing all the key data in GapMaps Live, they can conduct real-time analysis on other locations to determine alternative options, all within the one platform,” adds Villanti.
BeaverTails® is truly one of a kind. irresistibly delicious, artisanal c anadian pastry, always there to share special moments that make lifelong memories. iconic indulgence since 1978, today we continue our heritage by uniquely combining our original recipe with premium quality ingredients. s erved piping-hot, our hand-stretched whole-wheat pastries are both crispy and chewy at the same time. With endless flavour combinations, we promise you an experience you will never forget.
We are BeaverTails®, and we have been part of your journey for over 40 years. We’ve been there at all the special stops along the path. The unforgettable getaways to some of the most beautiful places in the world. The laughter and thrills at theme parks, ski hills and water parks. The first dates. The
Founded in 1989 new York crunch Fitness is a health club chain that leads the fitness industry by infusing fitness, fun, and entertainment. With a philosophy of ‘ no Limits’, crunch serves a fitness community for all kinds of people with all types of goals.
Today, crunch Fitness serves over two million members with 420+ gyms worldwide, including the U. s., australia, spain, Portugal, costa rica, Puerto rico, with more than 30 locations in canada.
Our franchise and distribution law lawyers are some of the most widely published and most respected practitioners in the world and have decades of experience representing a broad spectrum of businesses, from start-ups to multi-national and multi-brand enterprises, in a vast range of industries. With access to dickinson Wright’s full scope of capabilities, we support our clients in their every need, including:
• Creating domestic and international franchise and distribution networks
• Preparation of disclosure documents and materials
• Drafting and negotiating franchise and distribution agreements, including unit, area, development, master and international agreements
Ku MO n nO rth aM erica i nc.
high school math teacher Toru Kumon developed the Kumon Method of learning more than 60 years ago in Japan, when his son was struggling with second-grade arithmetic.
realizing that a strong foundation in the basics-addition, subtraction, multiplication and division-was essential for higher-level math, Kumon created a series of math worksheets for his son to work on after school.
Le pOK é s tati O n
Poke (in hawaiian, po.ke means “piece” or “cut”) is one of the main dishes of traditional hawaiian cuisine. it consists of raw fish cut into cubes, served as a starter or main course. it is also known by its modern variant the poke bowl.
We are now the largest Poké franchise in canada! We started franchising in 2020, and amid the pandemic we still opened over 50 restaurants in 3 years.
anniversaries. The little, magical celebrations with your best friends. and all the moments in between when you wanted to stand back, and just enjoy the fact that life is good.
That journey hasn’t always been in a straight line. s ometimes, it’s over-the-top. s ometimes, life gets messy. But that’s finemessy is good. Because it means you’re living every moment to the limit. it means you’re grabbing life by the tail.
The journey has just begun. Our promise today is to keep being there with you, where and when you need us most. To bring you comfort. To surprise you. To laugh with you.
Proceeding with an established brand means minimizing risks. We’ll work with you to create a business plan custom-made for success. You’ll also benefit from constant support as we accompany you on your journey.
crunch Franchise represents the most progressive and competitive fitness model in the industry. Our clubs are quick to build, easy to open and highly scalable. When you bring a crunch gym to your community, you’re bringing a world-class facility that’s attached to a world-class brand that’s synonymous with workouts that are both effective and fun
Get in on the Gym-Floor of canada’s #1 fastest growing high value, low priced full-size fitness franchise visit www.crunchfranchise.ca
• Drafting and negotiating licence and dealer agreements
• Litigation and alternative dispute resolution
• Marketing, advertising, promotions and contests
• E-commerce
• Regulatory compliance, with particular emphasis on franchise disclosure laws, product licensing and competition law
• Protecting trademark and other intellectual property rights
• Purchase and sale of individual units or complete systems
• Leasing and real estate acquisition
• Corporate and personal tax planning
• Corporate and business law
• Employment and labour law
Phone: 416-646-3842
With daily practice, Kumon’s son gradually expanded his mastery of mathematical skills and by sixth grade was able to solve differential equations and integral calculus problems.
Today, at locations throughout north america, Kumon franchisees apply this method of daily practice and self-paced advancement to children’s math and reading skills.
Phone: 201-928-0444
Website: Kumonfranchise.com
The key to our success:
1. a growing product demand
2. e xotic, healthy, natural and delicious food.
3. super fast service.
4. a product made for delivery or ‘Pick Up’.
5. One of the lowest investments in the industry
6. and a super quick return on your investment
For more information contact samy a ssouline at: 514-677-1465 or samy@groupsini.com www.lepokestation.com
Little caesars offers strong franchisee candidates opportunities in select locations across the country. We provide candidates an opportunity for independence with a proven system, a simple operating model and strong national brand recognition.
Franchisees benefit from a comprehensive training program that focuses on all aspects of the business, including training, architectural and construction services to help with design, preferred lenders to assist with financing, the ongoing research and development of new products, and effective
Mary Brown’s chicken & Taters is the largest canadian-owned Quick serve chicken restaurant and one of the fastest-growing franchises in canada.
Our signature chicken is Made Fresh from scratch in-store from whole, canada Grade a chicken; our tasty Taters are hand cut from real,
Massage addict is the country’s largest and fastest growing provider of massage therapy services, with over 40 clinics across canada. Massage addict is a proven business concept serving a gap in the market by helping canadians improve their health through affordable, convenient massage therapy without sacrificing quality or service. clients love the quality of Massage addict’s registered Massage Therapists and our franchise partners love the business model.
• Low investment and start-up costs
• Recurring revenue and quick ROI
PaY2daY is a profitable alternative retail financial services company with a multitude of locations available throughout canada. a s part of our dynamic team, our franchisees have complete operational support, including, but not limited to; full in-depth training, expert assistance with site selection,
Thryv’s all-in-one franchise software allows franchisors to streamline communications, scheduling, marketing and payments across all locations.
Thryv offers software solutions designed to meet the needs of franchise businesses. With Thryv’s all-in-one platform, you can streamline communications, marketing and payments across all your locations. scale your multi-location business by using
marketing programs. Franchisees continue to receive support, expert analysis and consultation from corporate as their business grows.
Little caesars requires candidates desiring to open one store to have a net worth of $250,000 with a minimum of $100,000 in liquid, unencumbered assets (such as cash). Franchisees must also be able to obtain financing to cover the total costs of opening a franchised location.
contact: angelee Brown, development manager
Phone: 888-822-7981
email: Lccfranchising@littlecaesars.ca
Website: www.littlecaesars.ca
farm fresh canadian potatoes.
Mary Brown’s processes are time-proven, delivering a delicious, consistent menu and genuine hospitality that brings Guests back again and again.
contact: Franchising
Phone: 1-866-640-3339
Website: www.marybrownsfranchising.com
email: franchising@marybrowns.com
• Approximately 80% of treatments are paid by insurance
• Opportunity for multi-clinic ownership
• Straightforward clinic operations
• 100% Canadian owned and operated Massage addict is the right industry, the right business model, the right brand and most importantly it’s the right time. call today.
Phone: 1-855-852-6108
email: info@massageaddict.ca
Website: www.massageaddict.ca
advertising/marketing support, as well as the benefit of a corporate management team of knowledgeable experts with a combined 80+ years of experience in the Payday Loans and cheque cashing industry.
contact: Wesley Barker
Phone: 905-450-2274 e xt 777 email: info@pay2day.ca
Website: www.pay2day.ca
our turn-key software for franchisees. a s a franchisor, you can view a single dashboard with real-time tracking and analytics across every location. Thryv helps your franchisees run better businesses.
contact: nimra Maniar
Phone: +1 (844) 339-6334
email: nimra.maniar@thryv.com
Website: https://www.thryv.com/features/ franchises/
Making an appearance every issue of Canadian Franchise magazine. Each detailed, 4 color A-Z listing comes with a 150 word write up and your logo.
Excellent for branding and recognition. choose a 12 month package or simply add the a-Z directory onto your focus, profile or ad! to learn about the a-Z directory or any other products, please contact Vikki bradbury: vikki@cgbpublishing.com www.canadianfranchisemagazine.com
