Franchising in Canada: four expansion announcements to watch

From Dunkin’s planned return to Yolks’ second franchise agreement in Quebec, several brands are preparing to expand in Canada. For the franchise sector, these announcements offer different opportunities: the introduction of a franchising model, geographical expansion or financial support for new openings. However, not all relate to restaurants or shops that are already trading.

Dunkin’: Foodtastic prepares a return to Canada

Montreal-based franchisor Foodtastic has signed a master franchise agreement with Inspire Brands to bring Dunkin’ back to Canada. The announced target is 600 to 700 locations nationwide, including nearly 200 in Quebec.

Quebec therefore plays a significant part in the project. The agreement covers the brand’s return through a Montreal-based franchisor, with expansion ambitions extending well beyond the province.

However, it is important to distinguish between signing the agreement and actually opening cafés. The 600 to 700 locations represent a development target, not an existing network of outlets. Similarly, the prospect of nearly 200 cafés in Quebec does not mean that all their sites have been confirmed.

For prospective franchisees, the next step is to assess specific opportunities as they become available: territories, timescales, café formats and requirements for joining the network. The scale of the target indicates Foodtastic’s ambitions, but is no substitute for assessing an individual outlet.

Yolks: a second Quebec franchise agreement, in Laval

In the breakfast restaurant sector, Yolks has signed its second franchise agreement in Quebec, this time in Laval. The brand belongs to Toronto-based Happy Belly Food Group.

The signing follows the opening of its first location in the western part of the Island of Montreal. It signals geographical expansion around the Montreal market: an operating restaurant on the island, followed by a franchise commitment in the North Shore area.

The distinction between these two stages is essential. The Montreal location is open; the Laval announcement concerns a franchise agreement. The latter confirms a commitment to development, but should not be taken as an opening announcement.

On a more focused scale than the Dunkin’ project, Yolks illustrates another form of expansion: adding a franchise in a market close to an existing location. Entrepreneurs interested in the brand can follow the Laval project to gain a clearer picture of its next steps in Quebec.

7-Eleven: a franchising launch outside Quebec

In convenience retail, 7-Eleven plans to launch its franchising model in Canada later in 2026. The initial rollout will focus on Ontario and the Maritime provinces.

Quebec is not included in this first phase. The company has no convenience stores there under its own brand. Anyone considering the Quebec market should therefore avoid interpreting this Canadian announcement as an immediately available franchise opportunity in the province.

The announced change concerns 7-Eleven’s development model in Canada. Rather than simply adding another store, the brand intends to introduce franchising in the selected regions.

Geographical scope remains a key consideration for prospective franchisees. A brand may announce a Canadian programme while restricting its launch to particular markets. Entrepreneurs should therefore check whether their chosen territory is eligible before proceeding.

Dairy Queen: financial support announced for Grill & Chill

Dairy Queen is using a financial incentive to accelerate the rollout of its DQ Grill & Chill concept in Canada and the United States. The announcement sets out support of $150,000 towards opening a first location, followed by $200,000 for each additional restaurant covered by the programme.

These amounts should not be confused with the total cost of a project. A franchisor’s contribution is neither a complete opening budget nor a guarantee of profitability. Before including it in a financing plan, prospective franchisees should check the eligibility criteria and terms applicable to their restaurant.

Key takeaway: these four announcements point to development opportunities, but at different stages. Before comparing brands, check what is actually available in your chosen territory, then review the financial commitments and timescale for the specific project.