Franchises

Province would be sixth in Canada to enact such an act

Multinational burger giant Carl's Jr. opened its first Lower Mainland store in mid-January and plans to open another five outlets in Metro Vancouver in each of the next five years, the company's head of Canadian operations told Business in Vancouver.

Health-conscious Chipotle Mexican Grill opened its first Vancouver restaurant December 13 at Robson Square, a popular downtown plaza and shopping district - but don't expect to buy into the franchise. Building on its presence in the U.S.

Rita's Italian Ice, largest Italian-ice concept in the U.S. with more than 625 outlets, has awarded a master franchise agreement for all of Canada to Canada Water Ice Co. Ltd. of Calgary. Rita's sells ice-mixed treats, such as milkshakes and custard.

A recent TD Canada Trust survey found 54 per cent of baby boomers have or are considering starting a business, everything from consulting firms to buying a franchise.

Fast-expanding Tim Hortons has received the 2012 Harris/Decima EquiTrend Brand of the Year award, ranked highest on the measure of equity in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) category.

Montreal-based 360 Vox Corp. is the new parent company of Vancouver-based Sotheby's International Realty Canada and Blueprint Global Marketing Ltd.

The Wendy's Company, owner of the Wendy's restaurant franchise chain, has reported consolidate revenue of $626.3 million for the third quarter of 2012, an increase of 4.1 per cent from the preceeding quarter.

Global Pet Foods Inc., based in Brantford, Ontario, is proceeding with a major expansion in Western Canada.

As part of an aggressive effort to grab market share from rivals Starbucks Corp. and Tim Hortons Inc., food giant McDonald's Corp. has stepped up a java-fuelled Canadian expansion.