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Taking a leap of faith
Big Frog franchise owners in Barrie, Ontario, Jason and Lisa Evans focus on community connection, onboarding support, and steady growth through systems, coaching, and local partnerships to fuel the success of their t-shirt business…
The right tools for the job
Snap-on Tools’ director of franchising explains how its franchise system blends innovation, mobile service and support to fuel franchisee success across North America…
Celebrating the best of Canadian franchising at the EF100 Canada 2026 gala
In its second year, the EF100 Awards bring Canada’s franchising elite together to honour excellence, growth, and innovation
Brewing up for success
Franchise expansion in Canada is about more than hot exotic beverages - it’s about culture, community, and lifestyle, says Indian street food brand Chaiiwala’s Chief Growth Officer, Ajmal Gundhra. We grabbed a cuppa to hear more…
So good they named it twice
Pizza Pizza COO Philip Goudreau outlines how operational excellence is the catalyst for franchise growth across Canada amid rising expectations for training, tech, and customer experience….
Showcasing the best in Canadian franchising: The EF100 is back!
Now in its second year, the definitive ranking of top franchise systems returns and here are the franchise systems defining Canada’s future
Making a clean start
Owner Esther Otunyenim and operations director Brenda Igbi reveal how resilience, self-financing, and franchise support shaped their Calgary-based Modern Cleaning launch…
Property magnet
Toronto franchise owner Nathan Dautovich explains how brand visibility, hybrid services and market-tested discipline helped his PropertyGuys business grow in one of Canada’s most competitive real estate territories…
Why Oxford Learning is betting big on cognitive learning
Oxford Learning explains how its cognitive learning model aims beyond grades, focusing on how students think, not just what they know…
Performance of a lifetime
Star of stage and screen Mary Long, has found one of her most rewarding roles as the owner of a Stagecoach performing arts franchise in Toronto. She told us more about the legacy she has created by providing young people with an opportunity to thrive…
Becoming promotional
When it comes to the promotional materials market, Fully Promoted is in it to win it, with an offering that mixes flexibility, sustainability and community outreach. We spoke to boss Yousuf Sandeela about his plans to put the name all over the Canadian market…
How Laser Clinics is sharpening its focus on Canada
Over the last three years Laser Clinics has been disrupting the medical aesthetics industry by building momentum and awareness for the brand in the Canadian market
Amphibious assault
Custom apparel franchise Big Frog is banking on Canadian market growth, personalization trends and a community-first ethos to drive its nationwide expansion plan based on local relationships, low start-up costs, and rapid fulfillment
Built to last
Snap-on Tools has maintained its top spot in the global tool market thanks to a franchise model that champions independence, innovation, and owner-led growth opportunities.
No Business like Show Business
Newly installed Master Franchisee for Stagecoach in Canada, Kristi Wenaus, has a simple goal in mind - to put the performing arts school within easy reach of anyone in the country that wants to join. No small order. So, how do you make that happen? We asked…
Masters of disaster restoration
We spoke to the leadership team at ServiceMaster Restore to find out more about its offering, training and plans for expansion in the Canadian market…
Oven ready franchise opportunity
Canadian pizza franchise Pizza Pizza offers a unique Canadian take on the popular takeaway and has ambitious plans to expand both nationally and internationally
The man behind the wheel
Customer-centric transport franchise, Driverseat has ambitious plans for expansion across Canada and into the US. We spoke to CEO Luke Bazely to find out more…
Pizza Nova’s secret sauce for success
Ontario-based pizza business Pizza Nova has been serving up slices since the sixties and is now a 150-strong franchise firmly established in the provinces
Jump on board the rock n’ roll gravy train
If you were trying to predict the next global fast food craze, the Canadian speciality of poutine might not have been front of mind
The clean machine
Investor Jason O’Connor never intended to become a franchise operator until he got involved with JDI Cleaning Services and now he’s on what he describes as a “growth rocket ship” and still climbing. He told us more…
Grounded in success
Founded in Canada, EverLine specializes in comprehensive pavement and parking lot maintenance services.
Bringing colour to the community
Establishing an Allegra Marketing Print Mail franchise enabled Jan Anders not only to realize a dream of business ownership, but also use it as a platform to give back to her local community. She told us more about it…
Baking a difference: Mixing business with benevolence
Brooklin-based COBS Bread is on the rise with a successful bakery franchise that combines business nous with philanthropy. Boss Megan Forbes tells us more…
Complying with Ontario’s franchise disclosure requirements:
Continuous disclosure of all material facts
Pink perfection: Beauty First Spa’s franchise success story
Toronto's beloved Beauty First spa franchise is on a pink-tastic journey of expansion.
Top Shelf tips on acquiring a business or a franchise
Often times we at Top Shelf Franchising see buyers spending a great deal on procrastination and wondering if this is the right time.
Consistency: Is it the ‘heart’ of franchising?
Is being 100% identical everywhere in the world essential, or is there some wiggle room for local culture?
Marketing automation technology is proving faster and better growth
Very excited to be contributing to Elite Franchise online, I wanted to introduce myself and how we currently support the franchise community.
The dangerous disconnect between customer feedback and franchise reality 

The dangerous disconnect between customer feedback and franchise reality

Sponsored Article
May 5 '26
While most businesses track basic satisfaction, failing to bridge the gap between perceived and actual customer experiences can quietly erode long-term brand equity across the network
franchise network tipping point

Franchise networks: The tipping point

Lisa Stead
May 4 '26
Franchise networks don’t grow in a straight line. For many, there’s a tipping point – the moment where early traction turns into sustained momentum, and new openings begin to accelerate as confidence builds across both communities and franchisees.
How franchise brands can win in the age of AI search

How franchise brands can win in the age of AI search

Steve Buors
May 1 '26
Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing how consumers search for information online. For franchise organizations, this shift presents both a significant challenge and a powerful opportunity
The side-hustle franchise:

The side-hustle franchise:

Ken LeBlanc
Apr 30 '26
How low-cost, flexible models are opening the door to entrepreneurship for Canadians. Franchising is becoming the practical bridge between employment and ownership for Canadians who want more, without risking everything
Oxford Learning Centres Inc. and Paul Davis Restoration Inc. receive top honours at CFA Awards Gala

Oxford Learning Centres Inc. and Paul Davis Restoration Inc. receive top honours at CFA Awards Gala

Martin Morris
Apr 29 '26
The Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) has confirmed that the Traditional (those with brick-and-mortar locations) and Non-Traditional (those that are mobile or home-based) Grand Prize winners of the 2026 CFA Awards of Excellence in Franchising are:
financial avoidance

The hidden cost of financial avoidance

Lamar Vandusen
Apr 29 '26
Nobody likes looking at bad numbers. So when things get tight, a lot of franchise owners stop looking altogether
Why most franchise systems struggle to scale properly

Why most franchise systems struggle to scale properly

Mila Kuzmicka
Apr 28 '26
The first location was doing over a million in sales. The owner was on-site every day, knew the customers by name, and could fix problems before they surfaced
The real challenge of scaling franchise marketing in 2026

The real challenge of scaling franchise marketing in 2026

Ronn Torossian
Apr 27 '26
Why peer groups and masterminds are essential for stronger franchise leadership

Why peer groups and masterminds are essential for stronger franchise leadership

Liane Caruso
Apr 24 '26
In an industry built on growth, performance, and constant decision-making, franchise leaders are often expected to have the answers
One video shoot, Twelve assets! How franchises should be thinking about video ROI

One video shoot, Twelve assets! How franchises should be thinking about video ROI

Alex Colthart
Apr 23 '26
For franchises, video production should never be approached as a single deliverable. A common mistake brands make is thinking in terms of one video for one purpose
Why systems and support are the true backbone of franchise success

Why systems and support are the true backbone of franchise success

Colin Sprake
Apr 22 '26
Rebrand, refocus, franchise

Rebrand, refocus, franchise

Angelee Brown
Apr 21 '26
Many founders believe investing in franchise development and advertising is the move that will fix stalled growth
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EF100 People's Choice Award