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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.
CFA

CFA names recipients of 2026 Franchisees’ Choice Designation

Sponsored Article
Apr 17 '26
Franchisees’ Choice Designees are CFA member franchise brands who voluntarily took part in an independently administered survey
Canadian Franchise Association (CFA)

Canadian Franchise Association announces winners of 2026 CFA Recognition Awards

Martin Morris
Apr 17 '26
Awards due to be presented during Recognition Awards Luncheon on Sunday, April 19 at the CFA National Convention in The Westin, Ottawa, Ontario
Beyond the national ad campaign

Beyond the national ad campaign

Fay Chapple
Apr 17 '26
The franchisor’s slick TV ads are great, but they will not make you a local hero. Here is how to market your franchise and dominate your neighbourhood
Five mistakes to avoid when franchising your business

Five mistakes to avoid when franchising your business

Brian Bazely
Apr 16 '26
We work with a significant number of companies looking to franchise their business. It’s a core part of what we do, and something we take great pride in
Home-based franchise

Home-based franchise models: The most misunderstood opportunity in franchising

Shawn Saraga
Apr 16 '26
When people think about franchising, they usually picture a storefront: a busy plaza, signage, staff, rent, and overheads
Culture eats strategy for breakfast and AI picks up the tab

Culture eats strategy for breakfast and AI picks up the tab

Ford Saeks
Apr 15 '26
Franchisors and franchisees are discovering that AI doesn’t just optimize operations. It can be the catalyst that reignites culture and keeps people genuinely motivated
Taking a leap of faith

Taking a leap of faith

Ronnie Dungan
Apr 15 '26
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 realities of your leadership journey

The realities of your leadership journey

Kevin Wayne Johnson
Apr 14 '26
Leadership is often portrayed as a destination. It is an elevated role marked by authority, confidence, and influence
A night that shines a light on franchise leaders

A night that shines a light on franchise leaders

Sebastian Aguirre
Apr 13 '26
This year’s EF100 Canada 2026 Awards felt like more than just a celebration. It was a full-on reunion of franchise innovators, industry leaders, and passionate entrepreneurs under one roof
Multi-unit growth without regrets: area development vs. multi-unit franchising

Multi-unit growth without regrets: area development vs. multi-unit franchising

Tom Spadea
Apr 13 '26
Multi-unit growth is appealing for obvious reasons. One franchisee can produce multiple locations, local market knowledge compounds, and operational maturity tends to arrive faster than it does with a network of single-unit owners
Leading the classroom without being in it

Leading the classroom without being in it

Carling Connor
Apr 9 '26
Running a school means taking responsibility for what happens in every classroom
How to scale from one to three units: when it makes sense & when it doesn't

How to scale from one to three units: when it makes sense & when it doesn’t

Alex Batinic CFE
Apr 9 '26
There’s a moment that hits many franchisees sooner than they expect. The first location is up and running
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EF100 People's Choice Award