56 Canadian Franchise Association http://www.cfa.ca | http://www.LookforaFranchise.ca
A BIG BITE INTO BURGER RESTAURANTS
A&W Food Services
of Canada
A&W Food Services of Canada is
Canada’s original burger chain. A&W
began as a drive-in restaurant in
1956, and has expanded to more than
890 restaurants across Canada from
coast to coast. Franchise opportunities
available include Drive Thru (Free
Standing or Convenience) and an Urban
restaurant model. The Urban Associate
program for young entrepreneurs was
introduced in 2016, and Multi-unit
development opportunities are limited.
Franchisees have access to the famous
A&W brand name, along with a national
advertising plan, and are supported by
the training and mentorship of the A&W
opening team and operating specialists.
A&W received Gold in the 2017 CFA
Awards of Excellence in Franchising,
and was recognized as a CFA
Franchisees’ Choice designee.Franchise units in Canada: 890
Corporate units in Canada: 9
Investment required: Multi-unit -
$800K, single unit - $250K-$450K,
Urban Franchise Associate – min
$150K
Tr aining: 6 weeks initial and ongoing
Available territories: Ontario,
Atlantic, and Quebec, with limited
opportunities in Western Canada
In business since: 1956
Franchising since: 1957
CFA member since: 1993Big Smoke Burger
Big Smoke Burger provides a quality-
driven approach to the fast casual
burger segment. Featuring 100 per
cent Canadian AAA ground chuck beef
burgers that are fresh, never frozen,
and charbroiled on a custom grill.
The company provides a collaborative
approach to site selection, lease
negotiation, and construction and
financing support. The program also
includes a five-week training program
for new franchisees and management
with in-store support, National and
Local Store Marketing support,
approved vendors, and hands-on pre-
opening and post-opening support.
Big Smoke Burger is looking for
like-minded individuals who share the
company’s commitment to quality,
with single and multi-unit franchise
ownership opportunities available. The
system is seeking those who desire to
control the day-to-day operations.Franchise units in Canada: 10,
Other: 9
Corporate units in Canada: 2
Franchise fee: $35K
Investment required: $375K-$500K
Start-up capital required:
$150K-$200K
Tr aining: 5 weeks
Available territories: AB, BC, MB,
ON, SK
In business since: 2007
Franchising since: 2011
CFA member since: 2016Boardwalk Fries
Burgers & Shakes
Since 1981, Boardwalk Fries, Burgers
and Shakes has been bringing
the beach experience around the
world. With 250 franchises under
development, they are one of the
fastest-growing fast casual concepts
in Canada. With a combined franchise
experience of more than 30 years,
Boardwalk has developed a strong
support system to ensure success.
Franchisees undergo a hands-on
training program, and also receive
expertise and support from the
corporate team for real estate and site
selection, while a dedicated operations
team member provides on-site support
leading up to the grand opening.
Boardwalk is currently offering single
and multi-unit franchise opportunities,
as well as development areas.Franchise units in Canada: 4
Franchise fee: $30K
Investment required: $178.5K-$589K
Tr aining: Ye s
Available territories: All of Canada
In business since: 1981
Franchising since: 1981
CFA member since: 2015