The Canadian restaurant franchise market
Full-service restaurants are the largest franchise category in Canada by dollar value. Average build-out runs $400,000 to $1.5 million. Lease terms are usually 10 years with renewal options. The strongest markets in 2026 are the GTA, Calgary, Ottawa, and Halifax.
Buying a restaurant franchise
Most buyers spend three to six months on site search. We help you compare new builds vs. taking over an existing location. New builds let you pick the city. Existing locations come with sales history that helps with lending. We walk you through both.
Selling a restaurant franchise
Restaurant sales take 3 to 9 months on average. Buyers want two years of clean books, a transferable lease, and equipment in working order. Start prep early. We handle valuation, confidential marketing, and franchisor approval.
Common mistakes restaurant franchise buyers make
- Signing a lease without checking exclusivity — a nearby copycat tenant can crush sales
- Underestimating build-out time — most projects run 30 to 60 days late
- Skipping a lease review and learning about CAM surprises after opening
Popular brands in this category
Common brands we work with — buying, selling, and leasing. Individual brand pages are coming soon.

