Canadian-Owned Restaurant Chains: Where You Eat Matters!

Canadian Owned Restaurant Chains: Where You Eat Matters More Than Ever. Featured Image.

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If your business dines out in Canada, where you eat isn’t just about the food or the setting—it’s a statement about where your dollars go and who they support.

In a time when global brands dominate the restaurant scene, Canadian businesses are doubling down on partnerships that keep value at home. And with business lunches, client dinners, and team celebrations back in full swing, there’s never been a better moment to take a closer look at where you’re booking those tables.

Because here’s the truth: every time you choose a foreign-owned restaurant chain, a portion of your spend flows elsewhere. But when you dine with Canadian-owned restaurant groups, your money stays in Canada—fuelling local jobs, Canadian hospitality and the communities that support your business every day.

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Why Now Is the Time to Book Canadian

Canadian businesses are moving with more intention—whether it’s how they travel, where they meet, or who they choose to support. As economic conditions shift and consumer values evolve, there’s growing momentum behind homegrown partnerships that deliver both quality and impact. Booking Canadian-owned restaurant chains isn’t just a patriotic gesture. It’s a smart, values-driven decision that aligns your business with sustainability, community, and long-term resilience. When your dollars stay in Canada, they help strengthen the very industries that support your clients, your teams, and your bottom line.

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What Counts as a Canadian-Owned Restaurant Chain?

Let’s be clear, we’re not just talking about hotels in Canada. We’re talking about hotels that are headquartered in Canada, owned and operated by Canadian companies and reinvesting profits into the Canadian economy. These are brands with boots on the ground, decision-makers who live here and a genuine commitment to serving Canadian business.

They’re not always the biggest names, but they’re often the best-kept secrets — and they deserve more attention from companies booking dozens, even hundreds, of room nights a year.

The Best Canadian-Owned Restaurant Chains

🇨🇦 The Keg Steakhouse + Bar

A long-time favourite for business dinners across Canada, The Keg combines classic steakhouse fare with polished service and elegant surroundings. Owned by Recipe Unlimited, it’s a go-to for closing deals or celebrating success in a space that’s refined without being formal.


🌐 thekeg.com


Best for: Celebrating milestones, impressing out-of-town clients or booking a reliable dinner venue in any major city.

🇨🇦 JOEY Restaurants

Founded in Canada and still operated with a distinctly West Coast sense of style, JOEY is known for its sleek interiors, consistently excellent service, and chef-driven menu. With semi-private spaces and vibrant energy, it’s ideal for lunch meetings or dinner with colleagues.

🌐 joeyrestaurants.com

Best for: Trendy power lunches, casual brainstorms or hosting a younger, energetic team.

🇨🇦 Cactus Club Cafe

Modern, stylish and distinctly Canadian, Cactus Club started in North Vancouver and has grown into one of the country’s most popular upscale casual chains. The menu, created with input from Chef Rob Feenie, blends local ingredients with global influence.

🌐 cactusclubcafe.com

Best for: Hosting clients who appreciate design and detail or wrapping up a conference with dinner and cocktails.

🇨🇦 Earls Kitchen + Bar

What began as a single location in Edmonton is now a beloved national chain. Earls is a reliable option for team dinners or hosting guests thanks to its spacious layouts, elevated casual menu and rotating seasonal features.


🌐 earls.ca


Best for: Flexible group dining, informal team nights out or booking a familiar favourite across multiple cities.

🇨🇦 Milestones Grill + Bar

Now part of the Montreal-based Foodtastic group, Milestones offers upscale comfort food, craft cocktails and polished interiors across its many Canadian locations. It’s a favourite for celebrations, incentive meals and casual client dinners.

🌐 milestonesrestaurants.com

Best for: Recognizing team efforts, hosting mixed-age groups or dining with clients who want relaxed yet upscale options.

Don’t Overlook Independent Canadian Restaurants

While these sit-down chains offer consistency and professionalism across the country, there’s also great value in seeking out independent Canadian restaurants in every city you visit. Whether it’s a chef-owned bistro in Montreal, a hidden gem in Toronto’s Financial District, or a downtown Calgary steakhouse that’s been family-run for decades, these establishments often deliver a level of care, community, and personality that’s hard to match.

Why Does All This Matter

Choosing Canadian-owned restaurants—whether chain or independent—is more than a gesture. It’s a commitment to supporting the people, communities and values that shape Canada’s hospitality industry. These businesses hire locally, give back locally and serve as a reflection of the country’s diverse culinary culture.

So next time you’re booking a table, consider a Canadian-owned option!

Need Help Building a Canadian-First Travel Program?

At Inspired Travel Group, we help businesses across North America design travel programs that do more than move people from point A to point B. Our approach puts your values front and centre—whether that means prioritizing Canadian-owned hotels, reducing international leakage or choosing suppliers that strengthen the communities you operate in.

Let’s make your travel dollars work harder for your team, your bottom line and the economy you believe in.

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