Global franchise giant 7-Eleven says it plans to start franchising in Canada in 2026, marking a major change from decades of operating mainly corporate-owned stores in the country.
The company already relies on franchising as a core growth model in various markets such as the United States, Japan, South Korea and Australia, where local operators run thousands of stores. This recent announcement opens the door for motivated Canadian entrepreneurs to invest and join what is largely recognized as one of the biggest franchises in the world.
From corporate stores to local partnerships
Vice-president and general manager at 7-Eleven Canada Marc Goodman explained that the shift toward franchising is part of a broader evolution of the company’s business model. According to him, 7-Eleven is increasingly competing not with just traditional convenience stores, but also with grocery retailers and quick-service restaurants. “We are evolving our model to be more like a quick‑serve restaurant that happens to sell convenience store items,” Goodman said, framing the shift as a way to blend foodservice with convenience retail. This approach is already being tested in Canada with items like the popular Japanese-style egg salad sandwich, which shows how stores can offer fresh food alongside everyday convenience items.
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An exciting new chapter for Canadian franchisees
Today, 7-Eleven Canada operates around 550 corporately owned stores, primarily in Ontario and British Columbia. Introducing franchising will align the country with the wider 7-Eleven global system, where franchisees have been central to the brand’s expansion for decades. Goodman says the company hopes to grow its presence in key regions such as Ontario and expand into the Maritimes through partnerships with local entrepreneurs. This move represents a significant new opportunity for the Canadian franchise ecosystem, with potential to invest in the brand’s exciting new phase of growth and open a 7-Eleven franchise.
