MTY Group Franchising is key in empowering local franchise growth across Canada and North America. With a diverse portfolio of restaurant concepts and a commitment to personalized support, MTY Group is an ideal partner for entrepreneurs looking to invest in an establishment that brings their communities together.

In today’s fast-paced food industry, standing out means more than just serving great products—building meaningful connections and contributing to the neighbourhoods you call home. This blog explores how MTY’s unique blend of corporate strength and local support helps franchisees find the resources to thrive, making it the go-to choice for aspiring business owners eager to make a difference.

Discover how MTY Franchising can help you find the right concept to match your market and ambitions. Let’s explore the possibilities together.

The MTY Group Advantage: Diversity and Tailored Support

MTY’s Diverse Portfolio: A Key to Local Market Impact

MTY Group’s diverse portfolio of brands is designed to cater to different communities’ unique tastes and preferences. From quick-service options like Thai Express to full-service dining experiences like Baton Rouge, MTY’s adaptability ensures franchisees can choose a concept that truly resonates with their local market.

This variety allows franchisees to tap into established consumer demand while customizing their offerings to meet regional needs—a powerful advantage for success. With over 90 brands and nearly 50 years of industry experience, MTY provides a broad and seasoned foundation, empowering franchisees to make an impact in any community they serve.

Tailored Support Systems for Local Franchisees

MTY understands that no two communities are alike. That’s why they’ve developed support systems that empower franchisees to succeed on their own terms:

• Franchisee Empowerment: From initial training to ongoing mentorship, MTY provides the tools, resources, and guidance franchisees need to run their business confidently. Learn more about franchisee training and support.
  
• Strategic Resources: MTY’s support in marketing, real estate, and operations ensures franchisees have the expertise needed to stand out in their region.

• Community-Focused Approach: By encouraging long-term relationships between franchisees and their neighborhoods, MTY helps franchisees become trusted local business owners
  

Why Local Franchises Can Impact Your Neighborhood

Established Brands Gain Recognition

Franchisees who partner with MTY benefit from instant brand recognition—a powerful advantage in competitive markets. Established brands like Jugo Juice and Ben and Florentine attract loyal customers from the outset, making it easier for franchisees to build a strong customer base and drive traffic to their stores.

This immediate trust translates into higher foot traffic and repeat business, fueling the franchisee’s growth and contributing to the vibrancy of the local community.

Strategic Location: A Foundation for Franchise Growth

Mall vs. Streetfront Locations: Strategic Insights

Choosing between a mall-based location or a streetfront unit can significantly impact a franchise’s success. Mall locations often benefit from high foot traffic and a steady stream of customers. In contrast, streetfront locations can foster a strong community presence and offer greater flexibility in hours and branding.

Eric Lefebvre, CEO of MTY Group, shares a valuable perspective on MTY’s growth and strategic approach in the “Forks & Franchise” podcast: “Choosing the right location is crucial. Each setting offers unique advantages, whether it’s a bustling mall or a neighbourhood streetfront. Our role is to help franchisees evaluate their goals and markets to make the best decision.”

MTY helps franchisees evaluate the best setting based on their business goals, target market, and operational preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the high foot traffic of malls or the community focus of streetfronts, understanding the advantages of each option is key:

Mall Locations:
✔ Higher rent costs with high and consistent foot traffic from shoppers.
✔ Ideal for quick-service or grab-and-go concepts, it is also successful for casual dining restaurants that benefit from sustained customer flow and convenience for shoppers.
✔ Less need for aggressive local marketing—your customers are already there.

Streetfront Locations:
✔ Lower rent but requires more local marketing efforts.
✔ More flexibility in branding and operational hours to create a unique customer experience.
✔ Great for sit-down restaurants or concepts that rely on neighbourhood loyalty and becoming a destination in themselves.

✔ Direct control over exterior appearance and signage.

You can learn more about MTY’s growth story and CEO insights in the full Forks & Franchise podcast episode on Spotify.

Setting Franchisees Up for Long-Term Growth

Real estate support is just the beginning. MTY also assists franchisees with lease negotiations, local marketing strategies, and community engagement—providing a holistic approach to help build a thriving business.

Through strategic marketing initiatives and a deep understanding of each community’s needs, MTY helps franchisees create lasting connections that build customer loyalty and franchise value over time.

Expert Guidance: Ensuring Franchisee Potential

Matching Franchisee Goals with the Right Brand

MTY’s franchise representatives work hand-in-hand with potential franchisees to match their goals with the ideal brand from the MTY portfolio. Whether you’re drawn to quick-service concepts or full-service dining, MTY ensures that each franchisee is aligned with a brand that complements their vision and values.

Curious which brand is right for you? Explore the MTY Group’s brand family to find the perfect fit.

Training and Ongoing Support: A Formula for Expansion

Success doesn’t happen overnight, and MTY knows that ongoing support is essential. That’s why they offer:

• Comprehensive Training: Our training program covers everything from operations and marketing to financial management, ensuring that franchisees are well-prepared to run their business efficiently and effectively.
  
• Ongoing Mentorship: Field consultants and personalized guidance are available to help franchisees navigate challenges and seize new opportunities.
  

Learn more about MTY’s training and franchisee support programs that set you up for long-term growth.

MTY Group: A Diversified Company and Its Growth Strategy

Starting in Canada nearly 50 years ago, MTY is known as a restaurant franchisor. The company diversified in 2003, ceasing all other activities to focus on restaurant franchising, and has continued to expand through numerous acquisitions. MTY reinvested its cash flow and expanded into the United States in 2016, establishing a strong foothold in the American market. 

MTY is dedicated to promoting a sustainable transformation in the food industry. We recognize the strong interconnections between the health of our planet, society, and economy, and we embrace a holistic approach to sustainability. MTY Group’s vision is built around three core pillars: Food, Planet, and People.

MTY operates advanced manufacturing facilities in Quebec and Laval, ensuring that all processes adhere to the highest quality standards while reinforcing the company’s deep commitment to sustainability. From responsibly sourced packaging to initiatives that support our franchisees and local communities, sustainability is integrated into every facet of MTY’s operations.

Acquisitions and Geographic Growth

MTY Group’s strategic growth is mainly due to its opportunistic acquisition model. While the company is not limited by the type of food or operations it acquires, MTY has focused chiefly on the Southwest U.S. and other key areas across North America. The company’s diverse approach to expansion, including full-service restaurants like Bâton Rouge and Ben and Florentine, reflects its ability to adapt to market conditions and the growing demand for more diverse dining options.

This also extends to offering vegan options, beloved Mexican cuisine, nutritious breakfast choices, and consciously fresh options with brands like Jugo Juice, known for its healthy smoothies, fresh-pressed juices, and on-the-go food.

Conclusion: Partnering with MTY Group for Local Franchise Growth

Investing in an MTY franchise means joining a network of passionate entrepreneurs dedicated to growing businesses that enrich their communities. With brand recognition, tailored support, and a long-term commitment to franchisee success, MTY stands out as a top choice for anyone looking to impact the local market.

Ready to take the next step? Visit MTY Franchising to learn more about available opportunities and start your journey toward successful local franchise ownership today.