Franchises

Eye-catching work wear has helped a home improvement franchise capture a solid market share and an expansion into Vancouver Island this month, with Alberta on the radar.

British Columbia-based Clancy's Meat Co. is entering the Ontario market with its first store in London. The new store is owned by London native Mark Edmudndson, a former professional hockey player and financial adviser.

The Edmonton-founded Wok Box franchise is expanding into the United States with the signing of its first franchise agreements in Arizona and Oregon. Its new Asian quick-service stores will open in the first quarter of 2012.

Subway Restaurants opened more than 2,100 locations in 2011, adding a total of 21,000 jobs globally. With more than 35,800 franchised locations, Subway has now become the world's largest restaurant chain in terms of number of locations.

Smashburger, a fast-growing "better burger" franchise concept in the U.S., recently announced it has signed its first two lease agreements in Calgary, bringing its burgers to Canada for the first time.

Blenz Coffee is expanding in B.C.'s highly competitive coffee shop business with a new store on Alma and 4th Avenue in Vancouver. The new location will be operated by franchise sisters Tiffanie and Jojo Sia.

Manitoba is expected to follow the lead of Alberta, Ontario and two Atlantic provinces in introducing new legislation that would require franchisors to provide a franchise disclosure document to potential franchisees.

Canada's leading quick-lube provider, Delta, B.C.-based Mr. Lube Canada, recently announced that its board of directors has named Stuart Suls as president and CEO. Suls joined Mr.

Two-time most valuable player basketball star Steve Nash has scored a franchise hat trick outside of his on-court performance with the Phoenix Suns. Nash, a partner in Liquid Nutrition Group Inc.

U.S.-based mobile entertainment provider Games2U, Inc. has expanded into Canada. The mobile entertainment franchise brings interactive games to events such as birthday parties or fundraisers.