Plus their best menu items, according to TripAdvisor!
By: Sakina Chaudary
(Deansfa/Wikimedia Commons)
While I was waiting in line to order a smoothie from Booster Juice the other day, I started to look around at the different vendors in the food court. A sudden thought occurred to me: “How many of these businesses are actually Canadian?” After that moment, I decided to do some research and I’m here to share the results.
It’s probably no surprise that many of the largest restaurant chains in Canada are born out of our neighbouring giant, the United States. However, you may be amazed to learn how many of your favourite places are actually Canadian. CanCulture conducted some polls to determine how many people were previously aware that these chains are Canadian.
If you’ve never heard of them before, I made sure to also include a recommendation of an item you can get without regret.
1. New York Fries
After 109 Canadians participated in a poll, results showed that 17 per cent knew this was a Canadian chain and 83 per cent did not, which is understandable with a name like “New York Fries.”
This Canadian fast-food chain has locations all around the world, including in the United Arab Emirates and India. It’s known for a straightforward menu selling hotdogs, fries and poutine. You may be most familiar with seeing New York Fries locations in mall food courts, which makes them the perfect spot for grabbing a quick bite!
The New York Fries classic poutine is a go-to order for many, and it’s offered at locations outside of Canada as well! The store in India adds some fun twists on the menu, like different poutine customizations including butter chicken and paneer. Back in Canada, TripAdvisor reviews consistently agree on the excellent quality of the fries here.
2. Booster Juice
The results of surveying 108 Canadians showed that 39 per cent knew that Booster Juice was a Canadian brand and 61 per cent did not. What about you?
In 1999, Booster Juice opened its first location in Sherwood Park, Alta. At the time, there were not many smoothie bars or juice stores available on the market, so when Booster Juice emerged, it really hit the spot.
Just two years later, in 2001, 50 Booster Juice franchise locations had been opened, enforcing the chain’s massive impact on Canadians. Today, there are roughly 394 locations in Canada and more around the world, like in China.
Coveted menu items from this chain are the Mango Hurricane or Funky Monkey smoothies.
3. A&W
A&W is Canada's first and best-known burger restaurant. Out of the 65 Canadians who participated in a survey poll, 55 per cent knew that A&W was a Canadian chain and 45 per cent did not.
In 1956, the company opened its initial location in Winnipeg. A&W Food Services was top-rated amongst baby boomers and their families at the time. By 1996, 40 years later, more than 200 drive-in restaurants were in operation. Today, there are more than 1,000 A&W restaurant locations spread across Canada.
Some famous A&W items to try include its root beer and Beyond Meat burger. I learned from a TripAdvisor review that this burger has the choice of lettuce instead of traditional buns.
4. Harvey’s
Out of 110 Canadians polled, 70 per cent knew this was a Canadian brand and 30 per cent did not, so it’s definitely more well-known as a local spot.
Harvey’s has been Canadian-owned and operated for over 60 years. Its menu consists of your classic North American fast food with the likes of burgers, fries, hotdogs and milkshakes.
The customizable burgers are a particular favourite among customers. Whether you are looking for a classic beef burger, a chicken burger or a fish burger, there is an option for you!
5. Boston Pizza
Boston Pizza has more than 380 locations in Canada, so most people are familiar with the chain’s presence. When polling 110 Canadians, however, results showed that 40 per cent knew of its Canadian roots and 60 per cent did not.
Boston Pizza goes back to 1964, when it was one store opened by Greek immigrant and first-generation Canadian Gus Agioritis. Then in 1968, Dragons’ Den’s very own Jim Treliving franchised his first location in Penticton, B.C., after leaving his job as an RCMP officer.
In 1973, accountant George Melville became business partners with Treliving to open more locations across B.C. Together, they later purchased the chain and expanded all across Canada. Boston Pizza currently serves an extensive array of options on its menu, including nachos, pizza, pasta, salads, wings and sandwiches.
A great item to try at this restaurant is the unique spicy perogy pizza. There is sour cream, bacon, potatoes, green onion, mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Were you surprised to see some of the restaurant chains that made this list? Well, the more you know, the more you can explore — Canada surely has a range of home-owned and operated food spots, both big and small.
