INDUSTRY NEWS

Your source for what’s happening in Canadian franchising

Wendy’s Opens 400th Restaurant in Canada, Celebrates Growth and Innovation Milestone

Wendy’s®, the quick-service restaurant brand that brought its signature fresh beef to Canada in 1975, is now celebrating a major growth milestone and introducing a wholly enhanced restaurant design to Canada with the opening of its 400th restaurant in the country. The new restaurant located in Ottawa was opened in November. This not only marks a significant milestone, but also features the new Wendy’s International brand standard for design. This includes a smaller footprint with a simple, efficient design that costs less to build while being adaptable to a range of locations including urban retail locations, food courts, drive-thru only, and even shipping containers.

This is a significant milestone and a testament to the brand’s leadership in design innovation and recent growth as it strives to bring more Wendy’s to more Canadians in unique ways.

“Wendy’s has strong momentum in Canada with nine years of consecutive same restaurant sales growth, and the addition of more than 50 new locations across the country in recent years,” says Abigail Pringle, Wendy’s president, International, and chief development officer.

The brand isn’t stopping with its 400th location.

“Looking ahead, and with commitments from current franchisees and through the recruitment of future franchise partners, we’ve laid out an ambitious plan to significantly accelerate growth,” adds Pringle. “Expanding our presence also allows us to create more career opportunities as we bring more high-quality, freshly prepared food to customers across Canada.”

Wendy’s is actively recruiting new franchisees, with significant opportunity in Quebec, one of the most populous provinces in Canada, and the Maritimes. Both are regions where Wendy’s currently has a lower footprint and is looking to expand.

Additionally, Wendy’s is innovating to provide more access and convenience for urban customers, including through investments in its mobile app and delivery business, and through a new development commitment with REEF to open and operate 700 delivery kitchens over the next five years across Canada, the U.S., and the UK. The pilot with REEF started in Canada in 2020 and there are now nine REEF delivery kitchen locations to-date across the country.

Jack Rabba Receives Entrepreneur of the Year Award from Canadian Immigrant Magazine

Jack Rabba, founder of Rabba Fine Foods, was named in November the Entrepreneur of the Year by Canadian Immigrant magazine, as well as one of the Top 25 Canadians honoured by the same magazine for his inspiring story and leadership since immigrating to Canada. In its 13th year, the awards program recognizes inspirational immigrants who’ve made a positive impact in their communities, including success in business.

“I’m deeply honoured to be recognized alongside so many Canadians who are working tirelessly to make our country a better place,” says Rabba. “We’re blessed to play a role in strengthening the neighbourhoods and communities in which we live. We take our responsibility to heart—and I’m not alone in embracing this task. I wish to extend my congratulations and thanks to all of the people at Rabba Fine Foods and all its associated wholesale, food, and real estate businesses.”

Jack Rabba was born in the Middle East into desperately impoverished conditions. During his youth, Rabba’s father was bedridden and, at age 13, he had to take any job he could find in restaurants and hotels to support his parents and siblings. These jobs afforded him an opportunity to serve visitors from many nations, but it was the compassion and kindness of Canadians that sparked in him an undying love for the country even before his arrival. Rabba immigrated in 1966 with only the promise of a clerical job at a hotel, clothes on his back, and his Canadian aspirations. Unwilling to take this opportunity for granted, he spent every moment focused on building a better life.

As his business grew, Rabba realized Torontonians were looking for more variety, so he expanded the store. Customers liked the new selection and so the small store became multiple neighbourhood markets. In 1985, Rabba renamed the chain and launched Rabba Fine Foods. Today, there are 35 locations across Ontario.

College Pro 50 Summers Live Stream Call Included 245 Window Cleaning and Franchise Professionals to Unite in Company’s Future

Tony Valle, CEO of College Pro and longtime company executive of the brand, held the franchise organization’s 50 Summers event in November with 245 College Pro alumni who came together to celebrate the 50th

anniversary of the resilient brand. The call streamed live from the iconic El Mocambo music venue in Toronto, and included eight alumni party locations across North America and abroad to celebrate, network, and honour the business milestone. During its 50 years in business, College Pro has provided entrepreneurial training and real-life business experience to more than 20,000 youths and businesspeople in Canada and the U.S., becoming integral parts of the communities they serve. “We’re proud to look to our next 50 years within the industry which, according to analysts, is poised to grow by more than $4,730 billion from 2021 to 2025,” says Valle. “College Pro is driven by the advantages of online, on-demand, home services and an increasing number of startups and entrepreneurial minded people entering the market.”

Currently with 125 student franchisees, and several multi-year franchisees set to launch in 2022 and an anticipated return to the U.S., Valle is expanding opportunities with a select group of interested parties, including young people seeking to start their own business alongside seasoned professionals looking for a new career or business opportunity. The company is hiring regional managers and additional positions at College Pro locations throughout North America.

Spiritleaf is Named National Retail Brand of the Year by ADCANN

Spiritleaf, the modern retail model for cannabis, was awarded in January the National Retail Store Brand of the Year by the ADCANN Cannabis Advertising Awards which celebrates the best in cannabis marketing and advertising.

“In a time where branded cannabis retailers should be an exciting thing, there are too many of them. The concept of a cannabis retail brand was once awe-inspiring. You wanted to go in and look around. This was something you’d never seen before. As more retailers came along, it continued to feel new until it wasn’t. Meanwhile, new retail stores continue to pop up. Now that the novelty has worn off, cannabis retail has become a competitive landscape,” writes ADCANN in its announcement for the National Cannabis Retail Brand of the Year Finalists.

Also included in ADCANN’s nominations were Social Good Campaign of the Year, Best Packaging Design, Best Social Media, Brand Marketer of the Year, Marketing Agency of the Year, Accessory Brand of the Year, and more.

YOUR BUSINESS. YOUR SUCCESS. YOUR PIZZA PIZZA.

FRANCHISES AVAILABLE

www.pizzapizza.ca/franchising franchisinginfo@pizzapizza.ca

M&M Food Market to be Acquired by Parkland

M&M Food Market (“M&M”) announced in January that it’s entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Parkland Corporation (“Parkland”), a leading international operator and consolidator of convenience retail and fuel marketing businesses. The deal comes after M&M’s successful efforts to rebrand, the transformation of its stores and food portfolio and as M&M pursues its strategy for additional Canadian growth and international expansion.

Parkland’s focus on creating convenience destinations and growing their food offerings is expected to elevate the strength of the iconic M&M Food Market Brand. Through the transaction, Parkland will also benefit from a national network of more than 300 M&M stores, more than 2,000 M&M Express locations, nearly 500 specialty frozen products, and M&M’s deep investments in technology. Parkland will bring scale, and complementary leadership strength that will see M&M Food Market continue to grow in Canada while expanding into new international markets.

“Today marks the start of a bold new chapter for our company and stands as a testament to the vision and tireless work of our dedicated team,” says Andy O’Brien, CEO of M&M Food Market. “After a comprehensive examination of our experience, products, profitability, dedicated franchise partners impressive store network, and our business strategy, Parkland concluded that M&M will be an essential part of achieving their long-term goals in the food industry.”

Underpinned by their food-first culture, the M&M team will play a leadership role in advancing Parkland’s food strategy. The M&M brand, leadership, franchise system, store network, and office in Mississauga, Ontario will remain in place.

The transaction is subject customary closing conditions, including approval under the Competition Act (Canada). Parkland and M&M expect to close the transaction in the first quarter of 2022.

Pizza Nova Earns Top Spot in Toronto Star Reader’s Choice Awards

Pizza Nova, the pizza brand that has delivered quality since 1963, was voted in December the Diamond Winner for best pizza in the Greater Toronto Area in 2021—the third consecutive year the company has earned top honours in its category.

“There’s a lot of love in the air— and in the food,” says Domenic

Is your dream to open a successful health & wellness franchise? Massage Addict is the brand for you!

Massage Addict is Canada’s first and largest membership-based provider of massage therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and reflexology. The health and wellness industry continues to experience significant growth, resulting in a large demand for high quality therapeutic services. As a trusted brand with over 100 clinics nationwide, Massage Addict has a proven business model that fulfills this need.

Proven System for Success

Recurring revenue

Low investment and start-up costs

Quick return on investment

Best-in-class support

Straight forward in-clinic business model If your dream is to own a successful health and wellness franchise, Massive Addict is the brand for you. Learn more about becoming a franchise owner today. Contact us at Franchise@massageaddict.ca or call 1-880-550-1080 ext 112.

Proudly Canadian

MassageAddict.ca

Primucci, president of Pizza Nova. “Each day, our team pours out their hearts to deliver quality and fast service to our customers, and so it’s incredibly touching to receive this kind of recognition from the very people we serve weekly, sometimes more. Thank you for turning to us, and voting for us. We’re excited to continue delivering to your expectations.”

The Readers’ Choice Awards were created to celebrate the best businesses throughout the region and are determined by popular vote.

TrussPoint Equity Partners Completes Partnership with JDI Cleaning Systems Inc.

TrussPoint Equity Partners (“TrussPoint”) of Toronto, Ontario was pleased to announce in January that they’ve acquired a controlling interest in JDI Cleaning Systems Inc. (“JDI”), from its co-founders, Joe Imbrogno and John Simpson, who will maintain an investment in JDI.

JDI, based in Burlington, Ontario, is a leading franchisor of commercial cleaning, janitorial, and disinfection service businesses serving the commercial and industrial sectors. JDI’s end customer base includes car dealerships, college and university residences, construction sites, day care facilities, dental offices, doctors’ offices, financial and insurance offices, industrial facilities, medical facilities, movie theatres, professional offices, retail stores, schools, shopping malls, and warehouses. Founded in 1992, JDI’s franchise system is currently comprised of six regional franchise owners and approximately 140 local franchisees, servicing more than 1,000 customers across eight southern Ontario regions: Hamilton-Burlington, Kitchener-Waterloo, London, Milton, Brampton, Niagara, Oakville-Mississauga, Toronto, and Windsor-Sarnia.

“I continue to be impressed by JDI, its founders, and its franchisees,” says Jonathan Draycott, partner at TrussPoint and newly appointed president of JDI. “Cleaning is a necessary service for every organization that occupies physical space and through all business and economic conditions. While many businesses have struggled over the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of a clean, safe work environment for employees and other stakeholders. JDI has done a terrific job providing essential cleaning and disinfection services during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring safe and clean spaces for employees and customers to return to.”

Serve your community with ethically sourced coffee, fresh wholesome food, and human connection!

Locations available across Canada. Contact us to learn more.

www.goodearthcoffeehouse.com franchise@goodearthcoffeehouse.com 1-888-294-9330

Home Sweet Home

Neighbourly®’s home improvement brands are taking over the continent—and now just might be the perfect time to get in on the ground floor

BY JOELLE KIDD

Homeowners want the best for their property, and that translates to a perfect opportunity for home service brands to ease the process of finding services and prove they can deliver with value. After all, the results page after typing “plumber near me” in the search bar can be pretty daunting. How does a homeowner know which service to pick?

That’s where Neighbourly comes in. Featuring a network of home service brands, Neighbourly easily connects homeowners to nearby experts—local franchise owners who are vetted and trained to deliver quality services. The Neighbourly family includes 12 brands that operate in Canada, covering everything from plumbing to dryer vent repair to lawn maintenance.

For entrepreneurs looking to own their own business, franchising is an ideal choice that combines the freedom of working for yourself with the support of a proven system. With a Neighbourly brand, this benefit is compounded, because the business is also connected within the wider network and benefits from Neighbourly’s reach and resources.

“For any entrepreneur looking for autonomy, support, resources, and brand recognition, franchise ownership with a Neighbourly brand provides a red-hot opportunity to succeed, especially in today’s housing market,” says Neighbourly’s Chief Development Officer, Brad Stevenson.

Home services are an “evergreen” industry, Stevenson points out. “Ours is a business with staying power—one that won’t be replaced by technology or computers.”

He adds, “For most people, their home is their largest investment, so they’re incentivized to take care of it. Neighbourly brands are focused on repairing, maintaining and enhancing that investment.”

Over the past two years, pandemic restrictions and shifts to working remotely meant that the average Canadian spent a lot more time at home. As a result, while many businesses have slowed or even closed their doors during the COVID-19 pandemic, the home services industry has actually grown, Stevenson explains. “Homeowners have prioritized improvements and renovations to make their investments more comfortable, enjoyable, and valuable. As a result, they continue to call on the professionals who can ensure their plumbing, air conditioning, and appliances are efficiently running. These realities have benefitted Neighbourly franchises.”

Franchisees can be glad to be running a business that’s recession resilient, but as Stevenson notes, a home services franchise can be a wise investment no matter the economic climate.

“Whether the home is new, up for sale, or getting older, it’s inevitable that homes will always require varying levels of maintenance. Therefore, there will always be a need for professional home service providers,” he says.

“There will always be a need for professional home service providers.”

– Brad Stevenson, Chief Development Officer

Why invest in home services?

Here are three reasons why the home service sector is an ideal opportunity.

D-I-Y is a D-O-N-T

“There was a time when students were required to take classes dedicated to teaching basic skills such as woodwork or mechanics. Over time, many of these courses have been eliminated and replaced with more traditional classroom subjects,” says Stevenson.

First-time homeowners, in particular, may not have the know-how to tackle major household repairs and renovations, Stevenson says. However, it’s not only a lack of expertise that have homeowners keeping their toolboxes packed away in the closet. Even if they have the knowledge to complete a project themselves, many would rather leave it up to the professionals.

“As homes age, they require ongoing upkeep,” he adds. The best way for older homeowners to keep retirement relaxing or busy homeowners to keep items off the do list is “to bring in professionals to do the work for them—for example, Mr. Appliance or Mr. Electric to fix their smart devices, and Grounds Guys to mow their lawn.”

Convenience is worth the cost

“Before the pandemic, homeowners were known to have more disposable income, but less spare time to spend on home improvement projects,” Stevenson says. “In today’s current state, that may not reign true, but we have found through our brands that if homeowners can afford it, they are much more likely to pay to save time [instead of] learning how to tackle various household projects themselves.”

Capitalizing on this desire for convenience, Neighbourly has crafted its platform in a way that makes it simple for homeowners to find the service they need, all in one place. “Franchisors recognize this push for convenience, making innovative strides to ensure homeowners can connect with all the providers they need more easily than ever with ‘one-stopshop’ cross-marketing platforms,” explains Stevenson.

Homeowners are drawn to a convenient, simple experience, and once they receive a quality service, they’ll be likely to choose the same brand again.

Trend power

Franchise systems are capable of keeping up with trends and supporting increased consumer demand. Because the home services industry is always changing—with new trends, updating technology, and more—a franchised business is the best choice to meet customer needs, no matter what they are. “A franchised business owner has access to training in the latest technologies, group pricing discounts, and more support to keep their business ahead of the competition,” says Stevenson.

No matter what’s trendy, Neighbourly is able to supply customers with what they need and support franchise partners to deliver quality service. Stevenson adds, “As long as people intend to live in and enjoy the comfort of their own homes, Neighbourly’s family of home service brands will be around to help them. And that’s why franchise ownership in the home services industry is the career path for anyone who seeks stability and a promising future— even in a ‘new normal.’”

To find out more about franchising opportunities with Neighbourly, visit franchise.neighborly.com

Meet the Neighbourly brands

Aire Serv This heating and air conditioning service brand is the perfect choice for HVAC service entrepreneurs. Franchise owners benefit from a business that’s been streamlined through almost 30 years in business. Five Star Painting As one of North America’s leading painting service brands with nearly 200 franchise locations in Canada and the U.S. combined, Five Star Painting has an established model and has transformed tens of thousands of homes since 2004.

Glass Doctor Specializing in glass repair for home, auto, and business, Glass Doctor has delivered high-quality repair and replacement services since 1962.

Grounds Guys Grounds Guys is a full-service grounds care company offering commercial and residential landscape management services, including snow and ice management and more. Mr. Appliance Offering expert appliance repair since 1996, Mr. Appliance fixes everything from home washers and dryers to smart appliances to commercial kitchen appliances. Mr. Electric Known for consistent, superior service, Mr. Electric is the go-to choice for electrical safety, installations, and lighting services for homeowners who want it done right. Mr. Rooter With 50 years of experience, Mr. Rooter Plumbing has perfected its systems and processes to bring quality plumbing services to customers and make running the business a snap. Rainbow International Restoration Disasters

happen, and since 1981, Rainbow International has been there to help, providing 24/7 emergency service and restoration services for water damage, fire damage, and mold. Mr. Handyman Coming to the rescue since 2000, Mr. Handyman helps customers fix up their homes, while allowing franchise owners to contribute to their communities.

Dryer Vent Wizard Offering reliable, highquality service and expertise, Dryer Vent Wizard has become the North American leader in residential, business, and multi-unit dryer vent cleaning, repair, and installation. ShelfGenie This home improvement company specializes in custom glide-out shelves for new or existing cabinets, helping customers improve their storage and organization practices.