March/April 2018 – Franchise Canada https://cfa.ca/franchisecanada Produced by the Canadian Franchise Association Tue, 04 Jan 2022 14:32:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://cfa.ca/franchisecanada/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2020/03/cropped-cropped-favicon-32x32.png March/April 2018 – Franchise Canada https://cfa.ca/franchisecanada 32 32 In This Issue: March/April 2018 https://cfa.ca/franchisecanada/in-this-issue-marchapril-2018/ Thu, 01 Mar 2018 20:10:06 +0000 https://cfa-ca.flywheelsites.com/franchisecanada-2/?p=2488 Editorial: 30 Minute Hit A&W Bento Sushi Browns Socialhouse Chin Chin Street Side Kitchen Concrete Genius Coyote Ugly Dairy Queen Canada The Dwyer Group Edo Japan Element Fresh Fairway Divorce Solutions Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria Fatburger Goldfish Swim School Habaneros Modern Taco Bar Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa Humpty’s...

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Editorial:

30 Minute Hit
A&W
Bento Sushi
Browns Socialhouse
Chin Chin Street Side Kitchen
Concrete Genius
Coyote Ugly
Dairy Queen Canada
The Dwyer Group
Edo Japan
Element Fresh
Fairway Divorce Solutions
Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria
Fatburger
Goldfish Swim School
Habaneros Modern Taco Bar
Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa
Humpty’s Restaurants International
KimChi
King of Donair
Koryo Korean Barbeque
Koya Japan
Lice Squad.com
Manchu Wok
Mandarin
Mary Brown’s Chicken & Taters
McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada
MultiMenu Canada
Noodlebox
Panago Pizza
Pita Pit
Print Three
Ricky’s All Day Grill
Rolltation – Sushi Burrito
Sukiyaki
SushiGO
Sushiman
Sushi Shop
Tandori, Indian Cuisine
Tan on the Run
Thai Express
Thaizone
Tiki-Ming
Twisted Indian Wraps
Vie & Nam
VisionTech Labs
Vixen Spa
Wasabi
Wok Box

Advertisers:

Big Smoke Burger
BMO Bank of Montreal
Booster Juice
COBS Bread
Cultures
Dairy Queen Canada
Driverseat
Extreme Pita
FASTSIGNS
Fatburger
Firehouse Subs
Fresh Burger
Gorilla Property Services
Great Clips
Heart to Home Meals
International Franchise Association
Jani-King
Jugo Juice
Maaco
Mary Brown’s Chicken & Taters
McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada
Meineke
Meridican
Midas Canada
Mr. Sub
Mucho Burrito
Pillar To Post
Pizza Pizza
Prep ‘N Sell
PropertyGuys.com
RBC Royal Bank
Snap-on Tools
Sushi Shop
Thai Express
The UPS Store
Toodaloo Pest and Wildlife Services
Wendy’s

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Publisher’s Message: A Fresh Start Through Franchising https://cfa.ca/franchisecanada/publishers-message-a-fresh-start-through-franchising/ Fri, 23 Feb 2018 19:36:27 +0000 https://cfa-ca.flywheelsites.com/franchisecanada-2/?p=2486 Looking for a fresh start as a new business owner this spring? Franchising is a great path to small business ownership, and this Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) issue is a great place to start. In this issue, we give you an in-depth look at the food service category, a glimpse...

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Looking for a fresh start as a new business owner this spring? Franchising is a great path to small business ownership, and this Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) issue is a great place to start. In this issue, we give you an in-depth look at the food service category, a glimpse into unique franchise concepts, plus franchisee success stories, expert advice, and more!

[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”2839″ align=”left” padding”0 0 15 15″] Mary Brown’s Chicken & Taters is off to its own fresh start in 2018. The Newfoundland born and bred quick service chicken franchise is undergoing a major rebrand, as it continues its expansion throughout the country. In the cover story, we share the reasons behind and goals for this rebrand, and provide a taste of what it will mean for both the franchise and its franchisees.

QSR franchises across the country are stepping up to meet customer demands for convenience and value, and we shine the spotlight on four of these franchise systems. We also take you on a tour of Asian restaurants in our Asian Cuisine Across Canada article, highlighting authentic Asian flavours from coast to coast.

Franchisees across the food service category are taking their businesses to great heights, and are bringing their franchise systems with them. In our Iconic Brand article, we feature four McDonald’s franchisees, who provide an inside look at the franchise efforts that have helped propel the brand to its success today.

If you’re looking outside the food service category for an unconventional franchise concept, we have the details on four unique franchises, including concrete mixing, independent divorce resolution, mobile airbrush spray tanning, and eyewear finishing.

Females are a force in franchising, with more women looking to get involved as franchisees and franchisors. We share the stories of four such women who have carved out successful careers in franchising, along with their advice to help you get started. For more inspiration, check out the profile on Mary Kennedy Thompson, who transitioned from the military world to franchising, and is thriving in her position as COO of The Dwyer Group.

Along with profiles of flourishing franchisees and a range of franchise opportunities, this issue also offers advice from franchise experts to help you get started on the right franchising foot. Before you get too far into your franchise research, however, you should carry out a self-evaluation to ensure you have what it takes to make it as a franchisee. We have just the article to help, as we share the top 10 traits of best-in-class franchisees. Want even more franchising how-to articles? Head to the Franchising 101 section for a range of franchising guides and resource articles.

Whether you’re focusing on the food service category or one of the many other established and emerging categories, we hope that you use the tools, information, and franchisee insights in this issue to help you make your fresh franchising start a reality this spring.

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Franchising Gives Back: 30 Minute Hit https://cfa.ca/franchisecanada/franchising-gives-back-30-minute-hit/ Thu, 22 Feb 2018 19:57:38 +0000 https://cfa-ca.flywheelsites.com/franchisecanada-2/?p=2483 When Jackson and Deanna Loychuk founded 30 Minute Hit in 2004, their goal was simple yet inspiring. The husband-and-wife power duo aimed to establish a fitness centre devoted to empowering women both physically and in their daily lives, using a unique workout regime. The result was a 30-minute circuit combining...

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When Jackson and Deanna Loychuk founded 30 Minute Hit in 2004, their goal was simple yet inspiring. The husband-and-wife power duo aimed to establish a fitness centre devoted to empowering women both physically and in their daily lives, using a unique workout regime.

The result was a 30-minute circuit combining boxing and kickboxing techniques, enabling women across the country to get their hearts pumping, with the added benefit of joining a fitness centre run by supportive franchisees.

“We hear countless stories from our members about how our program has assisted them on a personal level,” says Jackson. “We have created an intimate community where women help one another reach their fitness goals, and in return, feel more confident in their lives as mothers, daughters, sisters, and spouses.”

For the Loychuks, the feel-good nature of the business encouraged them to make a difference in the lives of all women. In 2011, the partners established 30 Minute Hit’s Kick the *&%! Out of Cancer charity, teaming up with provincial cancer foundations to, as the name implies, work to eliminate women’s cancer.

In the eight years since, Kick the *&%! Out of Cancer events have been held throughout the month of October at locations across the country, and 30 Minute Hit has expanded its charitable efforts to a national level, with all proceeds raised donated to the Canadian Cancer Society.

“Our business has received insurmountable support from communities across the country, and we felt it was time we give back, too,” says Deanna. “The charity is great because it not only raises money for female cancer treatment and research, but also motivates our members to stay active.”

Members are encouraged to increase the number of times they complete the 30 Minute Hit circuit during the month in an effort to raise funds. In addition to donating their own money, participants are sponsored by family and friends, who will raise their donations each time the fitness routine is successfully finished.

The results have been astounding, not only in terms of money raised, but for 30 Minute Hit members. Both franchisees and members are enthusiastically committed to the cause, and the business has seen a surge in participation each year since the event started.

“It builds a sense of community, because everyone is doing it,” Deanna says. “It’s pretty cool when you walk into one of our locations and the floor is packed with women wearing our Kick the *&%! Out of Cancer pink shirts and completing the circuit, all for a common goal.”

The motivation members feel has even seeped into the local communities where 30 Minute Hit locations are active. Franchise owners have been known to host pub nights open to the public, where prizes are auctioned off in support of the cause, and the Loychuks have even welcomed men to take part in the circuit.

For a special one night only, 30 Minute Hit locations across the country open their doors to the brothers, husbands, and sons of their members, who will pay a donation fee to complete the workout regime. The franchise also encourages members to take advantage of their Trainer Payback program. Gym junkies can literally get workout payback by donating five dollars to the Canadian Cancer Society to see their trainers complete one station on the 30 Minute Hit circuit.

With seven years under their belt, the Loychuks, 30 Minute Hit franchisees, and their members have raised well over $800,000 in support of women’s cancer treatment, and that number is only expected to increase over the next couple of years.

“Our goal is to hit over one million in our tenth year,” Deanna says.

Achieving that goal shouldn’t be a problem. With more 30 Minute Hit locations opening across the country from Halifax to Victoria, and with the company expanding into the United States, member participation is increasing, and the co-founders say every year more money is raised than the year prior.

“Everyone at 30 Minute Hit is inspired to reach this goal,” says Deanna. “And even after we’ve reached it, we have no plans of slowing down. Everyone’s been affected by cancer, and we’re committed to helping women across the country beat it.”


By Kristin Di Tommaso

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Q. As a prospective franchisee, what should I know about start-up costs? https://cfa.ca/franchisecanada/q-as-a-prospective-franchisee-what-should-i-know-about-start-up-costs/ Thu, 22 Feb 2018 19:44:31 +0000 https://cfa-ca.flywheelsites.com/franchisecanada-2/?p=2480 There’s no doubt about it… Opening a successful franchise business, like any other start-up small business venture, comes down to successfully budgeting how much money you’ll need to get started, before you can ramp up quickly and successfully. When investigating any franchise opportunity, a serious small business owner must give careful...

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There’s no doubt about it…

Opening a successful franchise business, like any other start-up small business venture, comes down to successfully budgeting how much money you’ll need to get started, before you can ramp up quickly and successfully. When investigating any franchise opportunity, a serious small business owner must give careful consideration to all the start-up costs associated with starting his or her business.

Proper research of required capital will help you in the immediate and distant future

Absolutely the last thing you want to do is underestimate and run out of money. When it comes to this part of your decision-making process, please don’t let emotion rule the day. Proper research and a calculator are much more effective!

Discover start-up costs in the Franchise Disclosure Document

The first place to look is the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), where very good franchisors will outline all the start-up costs associated with their business model. Use that section of the FDD as your guide to budgeting, but don’t simply take their word for it! Confirm the list of costs in the FDD by speaking with other franchise operators to get their actual numbers.

Gain access to the franchise brand with the franchise fee

With any franchise business, one of the most significant items you’ll budget for is the franchise fee. Nothing good comes free, and the franchise fee is your ticket to use the recognized brand and successful and proven business model created by that franchisor. This is the way most successful franchise companies cover their own cost of finding and working with the best candidates – like you! It’s important to find out clearly and exactly how much the franchise fee is when researching any franchise opportunity.

Lawyer up with a reputable franchise lawyer

Of course, as with any business start-up, to open your franchise, you’ll invest in a good franchise lawyer to help you navigate through the franchise agreement, and a trusted accountant to help you set up your financials. It’s essential that you find a lawyer who is experienced in working with franchise agreements, as this is a specialized field. Hopefully, the franchisor has a national relationship with an insurance broker who has a specialized program created for that franchise network. Budget some money for that.

Account for inventory, permits, licences, and rent

Depending on the business, you’ll probably need to set some money aside for permits and licences, too.

If your business is a mobile franchise, vehicles will be essential to your start-up. That said, even if you have a retail store, you may need to invest in sales or delivery vehicles, too. Retail or restaurant locations will also require a substantial investment in equipment and store build out. The franchisor will certainly have a very specific design and equipment list, and should be able to provide you with a very accurate estimate for this expense. Don’t forget to include some money for down payments to the utility companies, as well as first and last month’s rent to the landlord, too!

Pretty much any business is going to require an initial start-up inventory. For this one, it’s especially important to take direction from your franchisor. They know exactly what kind of opening inventory you’ll need. Please don’t skimp on this investment. You don’t want a customer to walk through the door of your brand new business and see skimpy inventory! A robust inventory makes your business look great.

Your franchise will never succeed without a significant marketing budget

Finally, no start-up cost is more important than your marketing expenses. Your franchise can’t properly grow without allocating a significant amount of your start-up costs to marketing. To be safe, your budget should include at least enough to account for marketing your business for the first six to 12 months. Nobody understands this better than your franchisor, so take your direction from them. Over the years, the franchisor has learned what works and what doesn’t, and will give you great advice on how to successfully budget for this. You may have fantastic experience in marketing, but take the franchisor’s plan and apply your knowledge and experience to that. You have invested in this successful franchise business. Let the experience and knowledge of a successful franchisor work for you to help you ramp your business up as quickly as possible.

So, do all the due diligence necessary to make an informed and educated decision. Utilize the information you find in the FDD and the knowledge of the franchisor to help you be as successful as you can be, as quickly as you can. Budget successfully, and include at least 10 per cent more money than you need – just in case!

John Ferracuti
COO
Bin There Dump That

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Q. What do I need to know about franchise marketing before getting started? https://cfa.ca/franchisecanada/q-what-do-i-need-to-know-about-franchise-marketing-before-getting-started/ Thu, 22 Feb 2018 19:00:17 +0000 https://cfa-ca.flywheelsites.com/franchisecanada-2/?p=2477 Marketing is a vital component in every business. After all, without at least a basic marketing program, your product or service is relatively unknown to potential customers. While there are quite literally thousands of marketing tactics found in expert articles, books, and websites, in the world of franchising, your marketing...

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Marketing is a vital component in every business. After all, without at least a basic marketing program, your product or service is relatively unknown to potential customers. While there are quite literally thousands of marketing tactics found in expert articles, books, and websites, in the world of franchising, your marketing program is often dictated by the franchise brand standards manual, and other operational and legal documents.

Most franchise agreements include a recurring marketing or ad fee. Often, franchisees are confused as to what this fee covers, and wonder: “What do I get in return for my contribution?” While franchisees can measure the success of their local campaigns a bit more easily, measuring the success of national campaigns may be more difficult. When considering a marketing fee obligation (whether a percentage of revenue or flat rate), as part of the process of evaluating a franchise in which to invest, it is vital that you understand the specifics of how the fee is being used, and more importantly, how it builds value for your business.

Establishes brand consistency

Unlike the franchise’s corporate operation, where one marketing department pushes out the same materials to every location, franchisees often bear the responsibility of creating their own marketing material, collateral, and promotional items, subject to franchisor approval. A well-established marketing plan at the franchisor level should offer specific requirements and details that can help you determine how these materials are developed. This means that your franchisor should be specific when it comes to logo design and usage, image selection and scaling, colour scheme (down to the specifics of pantone and HTML colours), font scheme (for print and for web), as well as logo usage. Some franchisors even establish electronic access to a proprietary or third party portal, where franchisees can access graphics, templates, and other materials to streamline and standardize the creation of local franchise marketing materials.

Centralizes and decentralizes responsibilities

A franchise marketing plan identifies what marketing responsibilities will be centralized (undertaken at the corporate franchisor level) and which will be decentralized (undertaken at the franchisee level). In some instances, franchisors may offer quarterly national and international marketing campaigns in which the corporate office distributes specific marketing materials to franchisees. During other times, however, franchisees are often responsible for their own ongoing direct mail, social media, and grassroots marketing endeavours, as long as they are compliant with franchisor branding and marketing specifications and requirements. There is no specific formula for the “right” way to centralize and decentralize marketing efforts, because it’s often contingent upon a number of factors, including the industry, business size, number of locations, and specific product or service being marketed.

Creates a system

Naturally, franchisors and franchisees will periodically share information between one another and about one another in their marketing materials, like news of franchise growth and performance. Best practices for franchisors include reporting back to franchisees on how system marketing fund expenditures are allocated. Likewise, a franchisor might also want periodic updates from franchisees regarding local marketing efforts, budget, social media following and engagement, and more. To ensure that communication is flowing efficiently, the goal of an appropriately developed franchise system marketing plan is to establish a means for franchisee tracking and reporting. This system identifies how progress is reported and how often, in addition to who franchisees are reporting to, what formats should be used, and to whom all of these reports are sent.

The most important thing to remember when analyzing a franchise system’s marketing package, in addition to its consistency and transparency, is your ability to openly communicate your thoughts, concerns, ideas, and other feedback to your franchisor. A franchise marketing program should always develop and grow, and your great ideas, in combination with the established standards, should become part of the building blocks of the plan.

Be sure that any of the franchise options you are considering have these systems clearly laid out in their system marketing plans. If not, it’s best to turn your attention to an alternative franchise concept that you are confident has the tools and procedures in place for effective, system-wide marketing that benefits everyone involved – at the corporate and local levels.

Matthew Jonas
President and Co-Founder
TopFire Media

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Leadership Profile: Mary Kennedy Thompson, The Dwyer Group https://cfa.ca/franchisecanada/leadership-profile-mary-kennedy-thompson-the-dwyer-group/ Thu, 22 Feb 2018 17:00:32 +0000 https://cfa-ca.flywheelsites.com/franchisecanada-2/?p=2468 Successfully managing 12 different franchise brands at The Dwyer Group likely requires military-like precision and coordination. So it comes as no surprise that the company’s Chief Operating Officer has these skills in spades: prior to her transformation into a highly successful business executive, Mary Kennedy Thompson was a logistics officer...

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Successfully managing 12 different franchise brands at The Dwyer Group likely requires military-like precision and coordination. So it comes as no surprise that the company’s Chief Operating Officer has these skills in spades: prior to her transformation into a highly successful business executive, Mary Kennedy Thompson was a logistics officer in the U.S. Marine Corps.

[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”2633″ align=”left” padding=”0 0 15 15″]Thompson comes from a strong military family. Her father, a three-time Bronze Star recipient, was a colonel by the time he retired, after 30 years in the army, and Thompson herself was only 21 when she enlisted. As a military logistics officer, she was responsible for moving people and supplies around, and served on exercises in far-off locales like Korea, the Philippines, and Okinawa, Japan. She also became jump-qualified at a time when few women in the military sought this out. “My parents raised me to believe that when you set your mind to something, you do it,” she says. “So not to do it was not considered an option.”

These and other skills learned during her nine years in the Marine Corps have served Thompson well in the business world. This is especially the case in her current role at The Dwyer Group, where she oversees an extensive portfolio of franchise organizations tied to home repair, enhancement, and maintenance, including familiar names like Mr. Rooter Plumbing and The Grounds Guys.

Managing and juggling multiple brands isn’t easy, but for a former marine like Thompson, it’s all in a day’s work, and she regularly taps into the unique skill set she acquired in the military. “It teaches you discipline in a way that allows you to get things done, and that discipline has served me well throughout my entire business career,” explains Thompson, who has won numerous industry accolades over the years, including Strategize Magazine’s Executive of the Year.

The military also instilled in Thompson valuable leadership skills, and gave her the backbone to cope well with all forms of stress – including the stress that’s inherent in running a large, successful business. “I was leading a platoon of 54 marines when I was just 22 years old, and that outstanding leadership training so early in my life is something I now use every single day,” she says. “While there are days that are very stressful in business, none compare to the stressful days I had in my early 20s in the military. I can put that into perspective and be more consistent in my approach – I can respond rather than react.”

Business switch

Despite her appreciation for the service, Thompson left the military to pursue what she calls a “burning desire” to succeed in business. As she handed in her resignation, her commanding officer warned her she was giving up the opportunity to one day become a general. She responded that she was giving up her chance to be the president of a company if she didn’t – prophetic words that were eventually proven right.

That said, Thompson’s first foray into the world of business started at a slightly lower rung of the corporate ladder: she initially worked as a sales rep for a supplier of scientific products. Then one day, her husband brought home a brochure for Cookies by Design, and Thompson’s move into the world of franchising was sealed. “I realized this is what I was meant to do,” she says, “I was meant to lead a team toward a common mission.”

After successfully building up, and then selling, three Cookies by Design franchise operations in Texas, where she still lives, Thompson was invited to join the company’s head office in a bespoke position she herself coined: that of shop facilitator. By the time she left the business 12 years later, she was the President of the franchisor head office.

Leaving wasn’t easy, and it came about when Thompson crossed paths with the President of Dwyer Group, Mike Bidwell, and once more found herself at a career crossroads. He asked her to join the company as President of its Mr. Rooter plumbing brand. It took a bit of convincing, but in due course, Thompson embraced the opportunity. She even took the time to earn her plumbing licence during her tenure there – an arduous four-year process that gave her “a new respect for technicians and everything our franchisees learn and know.” Given that only 1.5 per cent of all licensed plumbers in the U.S. are women, it proved another important feather in Thompson’s already crowded cap.

What ultimately attracted Thompson to The Dwyer Group, however, was its strong core values and focus on building leaders within its ranks. Its code of values – called ‘Living R.I.C.H.’ – was about respecting people, running the business with integrity, focusing on the customer, and having fun in the process. This resonated with Thompson. “We consider ourselves something of an incubator for leaders, and we’re really focused on our values,” she says. “We know we can’t do anything without good people, so we grow leaders wherever we can find them and teach them the principles of good and strong leadership.”

Service brands

Thompson’s role within The Dwyer Group grew as well, and today, as its COO, she oversees its many successful franchise brands. Combined, they cover pretty much all of the major home repair and maintenance categories, including painting (Five Star Painting), window cleaning (Window Genie), and general handiwork (Mr. Handyman). To facilitate this comprehensive service offering, the company recently launched getneighbourly.ca, an online platform where customers can access all of the brands from one portal, get expert advice, and keep track of all of their service calls.

In Canada, The Dwyer Group has more than 100 franchise operations spread across all provinces except Quebec. Mr. Rooter is the largest plumbing brand in the country, says Thompson, while Window Genie will be the company’s newest introduction, and will enter the Canadian market within the next 18 months. Five Star Painting is also relatively new, and Mr. Electric, The Grounds Guys, Aire Serv, and Rainbow International (a restoration services company) are doing well. All of the Canadian franchise operations are run from the U.S. as direct franchises.

[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”2645″ align=”left” padding=”0 0 15 15″]The company is actively looking for new franchisees for its brands. While some attract professionals with the requisite trade skills, like licensed plumbers in the case of Mr. Rooter, most are open to a wider audience. All applicants, however, have to have what Thompson calls the number one skill in running a successful franchise: grit. “It’s not the person with the most money, it’s not the smartest one, or the one with the most experience. It’s the person with the most grit,” she says. “They can see where they want to go, and they’re willing to work through the challenges to get there.”

Thompson also warns that the franchise model isn’t for everyone. People she calls “extreme entrepreneurs” are not a good fit, i.e., those who want to develop their own business vision, and are looking to re-invent the wheel. For everyone else, however, franchising can be an amazing career option. As Thompson explains: “It’s for the person who wants to be in business for themselves but not by themselves. If you want to lead a team toward a common goal and you have the discipline and grit to do it, franchising is a very good place to be.”


By Roma Ihnatowycz

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Franchise Fun: Susan Senecal, A&W https://cfa.ca/franchisecanada/franchise-fun-susan-senecal-aw-2/ Thu, 22 Feb 2018 16:58:17 +0000 https://cfa-ca.flywheelsites.com/franchisecanada-2/?p=2473 Susan Senecal has recently taken over at the helm of A&W, the quick service food franchise that’s known as the Home of the Burger Family, as its President and CEO, but that won’t change the company’s goal of delivering the joyful experience of a great tasting burger, made with quality...

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Susan Senecal has recently taken over at the helm of A&W, the quick service food franchise that’s known as the Home of the Burger Family, as its President and CEO, but that won’t change the company’s goal of delivering the joyful experience of a great tasting burger, made with quality ingredients, to its loyal customers.

A&W also aims to continue to expand across Canada, and recently celebrated the opening of its 900th A&W restaurant, the company’s 50th urban concept restaurant, right in the heart of a growing neighbourhood in Toronto. Senecal says she was proud to walk the orange carpet with her team, and to raise a toast with one of A&W’s custom root beer cocktails, prepared especially for the occasion.

Here, Senecal shares some of the secrets behind her franchising success, including the importance of building strong and open partnerships, the value of learning from the experiences of others, and the critical role of support from loved ones.


The most interesting thing I’ve done recently is

I explored thriving urban neighbourhoods across North America and Europe.

In its best form, work is

A happy, fulfilling part of life.

A good franchisee…

Will always be honest about what they see in the business.

A good franchisor…

Is a proud partner.

My top advice for prospective franchisees is…

Make sure you love the work, not just the business.

My top advice for new franchisors is…

Do the right things to ensure shared success for both franchisee and franchisor.

The most important thing in life is…

Health and family.

One of the most enjoyable things to do is…

Spend time outdoors. In Canada, we are lucky enough to have one of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes on earth – explore it; walk, bike, hike, swim, slide!

The hardest thing for me to do is…

Fit everything in.

My favourite drink is…

A&W Root Beer (of course!)

If I could change one thing…

Planes would fly faster!

If I could meet anyone…

I would spend time with some of my ancestors, to learn from their experience and wisdom.

The person who has had the most positive influence on me as a businessperson is…

Ah, an impossible question! For me, one of the richest aspects of the franchise industry is the wealth of perspectives from each of the participants. I’ve always been fortunate to work alongside great bosses, colleagues, and franchisees. I have learned so much from all of them that it would be impossible to single one out.

Canadian franchising is…

A dynamic and important Canadian business opportunity.

My franchise system began because…

We wanted to grow with successful partners who are invested in and passionate about their communities across Canada.

The most positive influence on my life as a person is…

My parents – and their values for learning, kindness, and integrity.

The key to success is…

Making hard work inspirational and fun.

I’d like my friends to describe me as…

Trusted and supportive.

The accomplishment I look forward to the most is…

Having a happy close relationship with my family, growing into the future.

My personal motto is…

Find joy in the moment.

One necessary item on my life’s “to do” list is…

Spending the right time with the people I care about the most, and supporting each other wherever we can.

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Iconic Brand: McDonald’s Canada https://cfa.ca/franchisecanada/iconic-brand-mcdonalds-canada/ Thu, 22 Feb 2018 16:41:48 +0000 https://cfa-ca.flywheelsites.com/franchisecanada-2/?p=2464 When Ray Kroc franchised the first McDonald’s restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois, on April 15, 1955, he had no way of knowing that that day would mark the birth of one of the most iconic franchise brands in the world. But what he did know was that if McDonald’s was...

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When Ray Kroc franchised the first McDonald’s restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois, on April 15, 1955, he had no way of knowing that that day would mark the birth of one of the most iconic franchise brands in the world. But what he did know was that if McDonald’s was going to be successful, he couldn’t do it alone. “In business for yourself, but not by yourself,” he liked to say.

Thus, he embarked on a unique path at that time – to persuade franchisees and suppliers to join him in working for themselves, together with McDonald’s.

It obviously worked. In 1967, the first McDonald’s restaurant outside the U.S. opened its doors in Richmond, British Columbia. Today, there are almost 37,000 McDonald’s restaurants around the world — more than 1,400 of them in Canada, about 85 per cent of which are locally owned and operated by independent entrepreneurs.

Below, the stories of four of those Canadian franchisees, and how each of them became one of McDonald’s rising stars.

Usman Jutt: The Alberta Innovator

It was only five years ago that Usman Jutt became the owner-operator of the Coronation restaurant in Edmonton, Alberta, but in that time, he’s gone on to purchase an astounding 14 McDonald’s restaurants in Calgary, Airdrie, and Strathmore, Alberta.

On paper, that may look like unsustainable growth. The number one priority of taking care of his guests with outstanding guest experience, and the fact that the McDonald’s system allows for rapid growth under the right circumstances, has meant that his restaurants are thriving, he says.

[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”2613″ align=”left” padding=”0 0 15 15″]“It’s definitely all about building infrastructure and having the people that enable you to grow on your team,” says Jutt, who was a retailer with Husky Energy before McDonald’s. “So in my first year, I spent a lot of time developing people and building infrastructure. When I worked with my team on people development, and when I was doing strategic recruitment, I was looking for individuals that had bandwidth – that if I had the opportunity to grow quickly, they would be able to grow with me.”

That growth really took off in the first half of 2017, when he purchased three restaurants in Airdrie and 10 in Calgary.

While the team and the infrastructure he built around him have been huge, the initial franchisee training he received really set him up for success, he says. Typically, it takes nine months to two years to complete; it took Jutt 14 months.

“The training gives the ability for you to really understand the business. I viewed it as: How do I build my network? How do I use this year to learn, strategize, and get the most out of my first year in business? That’s really where my growth started.”

Amit and Bharti Kapoor: The Power Couple

For some couples, the idea of working with one’s spouse is a dream come true, and Amit and Bharti Kapoor, the owner-operators of two McDonald’s locations in Winnipeg, Manitoba, found McDonald’s to be an ideal situation for both of them.

“One big advantage of working together is that our goals are aligned,” says Amit. “And working with your spouse, you understand each other’s strengths, and you divide your responsibilities based on your skills.” In their case, Amit takes care of operations, while Bharti handles human resources.

Another perk of working with your spouse, says Amit, is that when you have success, you can celebrate your success together.

Granted, the Kapoors were able to find their groove as franchisees of three Second Cup locations in Toronto before making the jump to McDonald’s. But even so, there are still challenges they have to overcome. “The thing is, you can never escape your work, and when you’re working together, your expectations are very high in terms of each other’s performances,” says Amit.

“You just have to remember to give each other time and space,” says Amit. “It’s easier said than done to leave your work at the door, but you have to keep in mind that you are doing all of this for family, you are doing all of this for success. So enjoy your family, leave work behind.”

David Wood: The People’s Champion

Take a survey of McDonald’s franchisees, and chances are you’ll find quite a few who are former McDonald’s employees. David Wood, the owner-operator of the Prince Rupert, British Columbia McDonald’s since August 2017, is one of them. His first job at 15 was as a crew member in White Rock, B.C., where he eventually worked his way up to Assistant Manager.

Though he had been gone for about 10 years before returning to McDonald’s, he always wondered if leaving the company was the right choice. “I’ve always been very passionate about the brand, and I know McDonald’s is always investing and trying to be innovative with new things and being industry leaders,” he says. “So when I looked at different franchises, McDonald’s was always going to be my first choice.”

“I have a vision of where I want to take the business, and it really involves taking care of my people and a hands-on commitment to the business,” he adds.

Although there have been a few challenges, those have paled in comparison to the rewards and success Wood has achieved. “Overall, the community of Prince Rupert and my restaurant team have been nothing short of fantastic. How they’ve accepted my wife and I into our new roles and taken on new roles has been absolutely incredible.”

As for advice he’d give to McDonald’s employees thinking about becoming franchisees someday, it’s all about putting people first, working hard, and growing your network. “You never know who you’re going to need to lean on, so continue to grow those connections, be passionate about people, and lean on the support that McDonald’s provides their franchisees.”

Neeru Schippel: The Motivator

Anyone who’s worked for Neeru Schippel at one of her five South Edmonton, Alberta McDonald’s restaurants probably won’t be surprised to hear that this is her favourite Ray Kroc quote: “I like to get people fired up, fill them up with zeal for McDonald’s, and watch the results in their work.”

So how does she do that with 200-ish employees? Many ways, it turns out, but most of them come down to creating a fun working environment where anyone is welcome, no matter their age, sex or cultural background. For example, Schippel takes the time every year to organize special employee events for Diwali, Christmas, Eid, Chinese New Year, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and more.

Celebrating these events isn’t just about having fun, though, she adds. “We implement confidence. Confidence in people knowing that we respect their cultures. Confidence so they share their cultures with us. Confidence in that everyone is treated the same.”

She also instills that confidence by walking the talk, and working her business with full-time best efforts and strong commitment to the brand. “I strongly believe that you cannot ask anyone to do something for you unless you are willing to do it first,” she says.

What a difference from her previous life as a lawyer, when she dealt mostly with adults and sat behind a desk for 60 hours per week.

Her McDonald’s journey has been simply incredible, and a huge blessing, she says, one she definitely doesn’t regret making. “I am able to enjoy my family, work extremely hard with my crew and managers, have so much fun motivating them, and enjoy life to the fullest.”

Ray Kroc would be proud.

Learn more about McDonald’s Canada franchise opportunities


By Jordan Whitehouse

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Day in the Life: Browns Socialhouse https://cfa.ca/franchisecanada/day-in-the-life-browns-socialhouse/ Thu, 22 Feb 2018 16:04:39 +0000 https://cfa-ca.flywheelsites.com/franchisecanada-2/?p=2460 [pro_ad_display_adzone id=”2570″] Scott Rumpel has a lot to be excited about. It was 2009 when he was first introduced to casual dining brand Browns Socialhouse on a whim, after going to the restaurant for dinner one night. One meal, and he was hooked. “I was living in Langley, British Columbia...

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Scott Rumpel has a lot to be excited about. It was 2009 when he was first introduced to casual dining brand Browns Socialhouse on a whim, after going to the restaurant for dinner one night. One meal, and he was hooked.

“I was living in Langley, British Columbia at the time, when a Browns opened up nearby,” Rumpel says. “It was such a great place, with a cool vibe. I loved it from the get-go.”

Fast forward nine years, and Rumpel is one of the brand’s most successful franchisees, running three locations across the province in Victoria, Langford, and Nanaimo, with another one set to open in Prince George later this year.

Founded in 2004, Browns was still making a name for itself when Rumpel saw its growth potential. When he found out the restaurant was franchising, he knew he wanted to join the team in some shape or form. Conducting his due diligence, Rumpel began researching the company, and what he discovered only added to his excitement.

“Despite it being a small company, they had some great players running the show who were very knowledgeable about the industry,” he says.

Those great players were Founder, Chairman, and CEO Scott Morison and President and COO Scott Ward. After expressing interest in opening his own Browns location, Rumpel met with the two men, and was immediately sold on their vision. Less than a year later, in 2010, he opened his first location in Victoria.

And while running three – soon to be four – restaurants may sound the alarm to some, Rumpel has maintained a collected yet energetic demeanour now that his dreams of business ownership have come to fruition.

A typical day

[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”2573″ align=”left” padding=”0 0 15 15″] Though where he begins his day differs each morning depending on the needs of each restaurant, Rumpel typically starts his workday bright and early at 8:30 a.m. Walking into his Victoria, Langford or Nanaimo locations, Rumpel says his days are mostly spent with employees, from managers and chefs to servers and “hostenders.”

Coaching and guiding his staff, Rumpel walks through with them any challenges the restaurant is facing, and opens up the floor to get their feedback on what is and isn’t working. Describing his responsibilities as similar to that of a regional manager, Rumpel likes to instill the value of being a team player, and how working together is the cornerstone of running a well-oiled restaurant machine.

“It consumes most of my day, but I really enjoy it,” he says. “I love dealing with my staff and working with them to make the restaurant the best it can be for our customers.”

Though Rumpel has settled in nicely to this role, his first couple of years as a Browns franchisee were typical of the fast-paced, busy environment one might expect when investing in the restaurant sector.

“I was working on the floor over 70 hours a week,” Rumpel reflects. “Whether I was doing the bookkeeping or washing the windows, I was putting a lot into the restaurant, because it was my first business and I wanted it to be a success.”

Though Rumpel continues to work hard day in and day out, he says his efforts are utilized on a different level today. Still, he looks back on his start with the franchise as formative years not only for him, but for Browns.

“We were only store number eight when we opened, so no one really knew us,” he says. “With me working on the floor, I was kind of the face of our Victoria restaurant. It gave me an opportunity to showcase what we do.”

For Rumpel, assisting with the daily operations of the business, from preparing meals with the chefs to mingling with customers, was a nerve-wracking yet rewarding experience. On one hand, he was working hard to build the name of the newest Canadian restaurant brand, and on the other, he was contributing to its legacy.

“I was right there from the beginning,” he says. “To have some influence on little things that helped to create and develop the brand Browns is today is something I’m incredibly grateful for.”

Experience goes a long way

Rumpel’s leap into owning his own restaurant isn’t a surprise to those who know him best. Before turning to franchising, the entrepreneur worked at Canadian food giant CARA for nine years. Starting out as a server and working his way up to manager status, Rumpel says his experiences with CARA, coupled with his love for the food sector, encouraged him to look at new restaurant opportunities available to him.

“I love being in this business,” he says. “I love the daily operations of running a restaurant, working with my staff, and getting the opportunity to talk with and develop relationships with our customers on a frequent basis.”

The type of passion Rumpel displays is exactly what he says any prospective Browns franchisee should encompass if they want to find success with the company.

And although he says having some business acumen is beneficial, a formal restaurant education isn’t necessary if you’re driven and have the capacity and interpersonal skills to handle changing situations while dealing with different people.

Having a likeable personality doesn’t hurt, either. One conversation with Rumpel, and it’s easy to see why he’s found so much success. A modest and self-deprecating demeanour when discussing his own accomplishments, exudes the friendly personality he says is required as a restaurant owner.

Still, he maintains his experiences have helped him succeed more than anything else. “It’s a tough business to get into, especially if you’ve never done it before,” he says. “Working in various positions within CARA has taught me to know what to expect from each role.”

Rumpel says he’s better able to manage his locations because he understands what processes do and don’t work. Additionally, he says he can relate to the daily challenges his staff may face, allowing him to do a better job of working with them to eliminate any problems.

Part of something special  

If there’s one thing that’s made Rumpel’s franchising experience worthwhile, it’s the people. Crediting Morison and Ward for establishing a unique restaurant environment, the brand that describes itself as the round pegs in square holes isn’t afraid to colour outside the lines. Rumpel praises the men for creating an atmosphere that can’t be found anywhere else in the Canadian restaurant sector.

“Scott Morison and Scott Ward have done a great job of ensuring franchisees succeed in this business model,” Rumpel says. “They have planned everything down to a tee, from the distinctive culinary and design of the restaurant, to bringing in the right people who are passionate about the job.”

All of these factors have contributed to what Rumpel says is a desirable environment where people are excited to go to work every morning.

For Rumpel, he may be having too much fun. His fourth restaurant not yet opened, the entrepreneur is already talking of the day when he’s running five or six Browns. “I started off nine years ago, when it was just a small brand,” he says. “To watch it grow and see where it’s going is phenomenal. I hope that continues, and I hope I have a lot more opportunity to grow with them.”

Learn more about Browns Socialhouse franchise opportunities


By Kristin Di Tommaso

The post Day in the Life: Browns Socialhouse appeared first on Franchise Canada.

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Millennials in Franchising: Pita Pit https://cfa.ca/franchisecanada/millennials-in-franchising-pita-pit/ Thu, 22 Feb 2018 15:59:06 +0000 https://cfa-ca.flywheelsites.com/franchisecanada-2/?p=2457 Something that often sets millennials apart in business is their personal connection to their work and their 24-hour commitment to the job. Young couple Matthew Brown and Stephanie Ervin are no exception. “We had been eating at Pita Pit for years prior to applying for our own franchise, so it...

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Something that often sets millennials apart in business is their personal connection to their work and their 24-hour commitment to the job. Young couple Matthew Brown and Stephanie Ervin are no exception.

“We had been eating at Pita Pit for years prior to applying for our own franchise, so it made sense to get behind a product we were huge fans of,” Ervin notes. “We met at a Pita Pit, actually, and now own our own location, so our journey has come full circle.” The couple opened their Pita Pit location in January 2017 in Peterborough, Ontario, and it’s been a perfect match for their business and personal ambitions.

“I grew up being surrounded by entrepreneurs and loved the idea of being my own boss and building up a business through hard work and dedication,” Brown shares. In fact, he spent two years as a manager of a Pita Pit restaurant before pursuing the idea of becoming a franchisee in his own right. He wanted to “learn the ins and outs of the business before applying” – something that dovetails with the couple’s longstanding support of Pita Pit restaurants as customers themselves.

“We were both always very fond of Pita Pit as a company because of its fresh and healthy product,” says Ervin. “It was a brand that stood out compared to its competitors in the food industry, and had a product we could feel good about serving our community.”

The couple’s combined interest in entrepreneurship and the food service industry has proven a definite asset in making their franchise thrive. “I have been in the food industry my whole working career and am a Red Seal pastry chef by trade, so my knowledge of food is a strong assist, and meshed well with Matt’s experience and dedication to Pita Pit as a brand,” says Ervin.

Along with the couple’s personal connection to the Pita Pit brand and entrepreneurship, they embrace the benefits of the franchise model, especially as young people new to owning and operating a business. “Buying into an established brand that has a concrete structure in place and systems that help the business thrive, but allows you to […] manage the business the way you think will benefit it the best” are key in Ervin and Brown’s satisfaction with their franchisor/franchisee relationship.

“With franchising, you’re still able to have your own ideas for your business,” they share – something of particular importance to millennial business owners who want to feel their unique effect in their work. “But,” they add, “there’s a great support system behind you if you ever hit a bump and need some extra input on how to handle any roadblocks.”

Dedication and innovation go hand-in-hand

With the couple’s obvious commitment to their franchise, one of Ervin and Brown’s first orders of business was to find staff members who were just as passionate about the company’s product and role in serving healthy food to their community. “It was a learning curve to fine-tune what characteristics we were looking for in individuals when we were interviewing,” they note. They discovered the best way to find people who matched their dedication to customer service and consistency was to be in their store as much as possible.

With that approach, they say, “We were able to notice the traits we were looking for through our strongest team members.” Ervin and Brown learned from this approach, too, fostering a symbiotic relationship between staff and franchisees. “It allowed us to tweak our training procedures […] to advance our team members [and] ensure quality and performance.”

Staff satisfaction is just as important to the young couple, and they love the fact that with a franchise, they’re on the ground to make this happen. “We are able to put our own ideas into our store to help increase sales, build our customer base, and engage our staff through fun contests and promotions.”

While Ervin and Brown provide the support to their own staff, the Pita Pit franchisor team is there to support their franchisees with whatever they need to run a location. “The company has a great online portal that allows us to search for any documents we may need within our business, as well as to make sure the staff stays informed and everything is up to date,” they share. Not only that, but each franchisee has a dedicated business coach who is able to provide advice and input on a wide range of topics that will help the business grow and thrive.

As in almost every aspect of daily life, social media plays a definite role in millennials’ success in franchising, Ervin and Brown say. “Following businesses around us on social media lets us stay on top of events and promotions that may be coming up in our area so we can stay one step ahead.” They complement this approach by incorporating more traditional strategies, as well. “Being a member of the Chamber of Commerce is another way we stay current with businesses within our community, and it’s a great networking resource.”

Find what you love and you can’t go wrong

In one word, Ervin and Brown would describe their experience with franchising and the Pita Pit franchise in particular as “fantastic!” While there are sometimes long hours involved, “it’s worth it to see your hard work and ideas pay off.” One of the most rewarding parts of being a franchisee, they note, is being in charge of your business’s fate. “You have put your heart and soul into it. You can’t be ‘half an owner’ – you have to go all in or not at all.”

While the first year of any franchise is likely the hardest, Ervin and Brown have noticed a marked difference from where they started to where they are now. “During the first year, it was a bit difficult to make time for other things in our personal lives because we were at the store all day, seven days a week.” It takes an incredibly strong work ethic to succeed, especially starting out in business – something the millennial stereotype can often get wrong.

As the franchise becomes more established, the couple says they are “starting to experience the freedoms being a business owner can have” – something a franchise with a strong support system makes especially possible. And the couple’s dedication to their hiring and training process is paying off, too. “Now that we have strong and trustworthy staff in place, we can step away when needed.”

One of the things that see new franchisees through the hard work it takes to grow and develop their location is a belief in their product and service. Ervin and Brown offer some key advice to other millennials considering getting into franchising: “Working within the franchise before you take the steps to purchase your own will allow you to learn the ins and outs and make sure your passion is still there.”

Learning as much as you can about the company beforehand is also essential to making sure you’re ready when your own store opens its doors. Above all else, “you have to feel good about what you’re offering your customers. Find something you love, and you’ll never have to ‘work’ a day in your life.”

Learn more about Pita Pit franchise opportunities


By Jessica Burgess

The post Millennials in Franchising: Pita Pit appeared first on Franchise Canada.

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