Now in its second year, the Elite Franchise Top 100 Canada (EF100) returns with even greater momentum, proudly unveiling the official shortlist for the 2026 EF100 Awards, a celebration of the franchise systems shaping the future of Canadian business.
Following the success of its inaugural year, the EF100 has quickly established itself as a trusted benchmark for excellence across the Canadian franchising landscape. The 2026 shortlist recognizes outstanding franchise brands demonstrating leadership, innovation, resilience, and long-term growth across a diverse range of sectors.
Compiled through a rigorous evaluation process led by Elite Franchise’s expert judging panel, the EF100 Awards spotlight the systems going beyond performance alone, recognizing those investing in their people, communities, sustainability initiatives, and franchisee success.
A growing awards program for a growing sector
For 2026, the EF100 Awards program expands to 12 distinct category awards, reflecting the increasing complexity and maturity of the franchising industry. Alongside returning categories, this year introduces Rising Star of the Year, Highest New Entry of the Year, and the highly anticipated People’s Choice Award, giving both industry leaders and the wider franchising community a stronger voice in recognizing excellence.
2026 EF100 awards shortlist
Exceptional performance of the year award
This award honours the franchise that has demonstrated the most outstanding performance based on this year’s submissions.
Finalists: A&W, Blo Blow Dry Bar, Boston Pizza, Greco Pizza, Harvey’s, Kelseys, McDonald’s, Mr. Sub, MR MIKES SteakhouseCasual, Pizza Nova, PropertyGuys.com, Swiss Chalet, Right at Home Canada, Tommy Gun’s Original Barbershop, and Topper’s Pizza.
Sustainability of the year award
This award honours a franchise system that combines commercial success with a strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility, addressing challenges such as energy efficiency and climate initiatives.
Finalists: Blenz Coffee, Cora Breakfast & Lunch, Global Pet Food, Gorilla Property Services, Heart to Home Meals, INS Market, Mad Science, ManchuWOK, Modern Cleaning, MOLLY MAID Canada Inc., Pizza Pizza, ServiceMaster Clean, ServiceMaster Restore, Steamatic, and Swiss Chalet.
Diversity & inclusion of the year award
This award recognizes a franchise system that has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion within its operations and community.
Finalists: Allô mon Coco, Foxy Box Wax Bar, Fuzz Wax Bar, Guac Mexi Grill, Kekuli Café, ONESource Moving Solutions, Oxford Learning, Pita Land – Mideast Urban Kitchen, Spirit of Math, Stagecoach Performing Arts, and THE TEN SPOT®.
Innovation of the year award
This award celebrates exceptional innovation in franchise marketing, recognizing businesses that have implemented transformative strategies for franchisee recruitment and resales. The winner consistently leverages cutting-edge, technology-driven marketing approaches, positioning themselves as a leader in the industry.
Finalists: Blenz Coffee, Booster Juice, Bricks 4 Kidz, EverLine Coatings and Services, Fibrenew, Ideal Siding, InXpress, Kelseys, Local Handyman Group, McDonald’s Restaurants Canada, Osmow’s Shawarma, Pizza Salvatoré, Poulet Rouge, Snap-on, and Thai Express.
Community builder of the year award
This award recognizes a franchise system that has made a significant impact on the communities they serve through outstanding initiatives and engagement.
Finalists: Allstar Wings & Ribs, Best Brains, COBS Bread, CEFA, D Spot Desserts, East Side Mario’s, Good Earth Coffeehouse, JAN-PRO of Canada, Jumping Bean Coffee, JDI Cleaning Services, Montana’s BBQ & Bar, Rajdhani Sweets and Restaurants, Senior Helpers, Spirit of Math, and Steamatic.
Emerging franchisor of the year award
This award recognizes an up-and-coming franchisor that is excelling across all key business areas and setting new standards of success.
Finalists: Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More, Chaiiwala of London, Columbus Café & Co., Deckify, Drama Kids, Eva’s Original, Haystax, House of Colour, Jolly Bubble Group, Laser Clinics Canada, OHC Renovations, Rydel Roofing, and The Mule.
Rising Star of the Year, Highest New Entry of the Year, People’s Choice Award, and Franchisee Outstanding Achievement of the Year will be revealed at the awards ceremony taking place on March 26, 2026, at Toronto’s iconic Carlu.
What comes next
All shortlisted brands will be celebrated across Elite Franchise’s editorial platforms in the lead-up to the official EF100 Awards announcement, where category winners and overall rankings will be revealed.
As the EF100 enters its second year, the program continues to champion the franchise systems raising the bar for Canadian franchising, not just today, but for the future.
Stay tuned as we count down to the announcement of the 2026 EF100 winners, only at Elite Franchise Canada.
Click here to view the full 100 winners ranking for 2026.
