It is a one-of-a-kind story full of struggle and hard work that went into transforming Genti Fataj from a refugee to a restaurateur. Genti Fataj and his spouse made the arduous journey from Albania to Canada in 2003, crossing borders on foot and even by boat. They carried little more than resolve, spoke no English, and had no documentation. Genti stretched dough and topped pizzas at a Pizza Nova store in North York, Ontario, at night to make ends meet while working in construction during the day. It struck him immediately that the company’s culture of quality was high. “From day one, I was impressed by the level of care Pizza Nova put into every pizza,” he recalls.
The Leap of Faith
The store where Genti worked was put up for sale five years later. His boss urged him to take the leap even if the idea of ownership seemed unattainable, particularly because his immigration procedure was still ongoing. In 2008, with assistance and training from Pizza Nova’s corporate office, Genti became a franchisee. This was the beginning of a dream-come-true situation.
“When I first came to Canada, I never imagined I’d one day be a business owner,” he says. “My biggest achievement is walking through my store’s neighbourhood and being recognized as ‘the pizza guy.’ That connection makes all the hard work worth it.”
More Than Just a Business
After seventeen years, Genti’s store is not only thriving but also serving as a community hub. Having received numerous honours, he takes satisfaction in coaching aspiring entrepreneurs, just as others have coached him.
His experience highlights a more general reality for many new Canadians who dream of launching enterprises but lack the necessary funds or expertise to do so from scratch. Franchising provides a tried-and-true route. According to the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA), franchising provides:
● A tested business model
● Ongoing training and support
● Opportunities across 60+ industries, from food to retail to services
“Franchising offers an opportunity for everyone, across different industry categories. It offers the support to help everyday Canadians realize their dream of owning a small business—including new Canadians,” says Sherry McNeil, President and CEO of the CFA. Those looking to find a franchise opportunity should Look for the Logo—the CFA Member logo, which means that as a member of the Canadian Franchise Association, the franchisor is a qualified brand who has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in franchising by signing on to the CFA’s Code of Ethics.
For Genti, this was a suitable structure that provided him with the necessary safety and confidence as a newcomer.
The Pizza Nova Difference
Since its founding in Toronto in 1963, Pizza Nova has expanded to over 150 outlets throughout Ontario. The company is most well-known for its Puro Promise, a commitment to using only the finest ingredients and authentic Italian recipes. For franchisees similar to Genti’s, the promise extends beyond food. “Pizza Nova gave me the tools and support to succeed,” he says. “Even as a newcomer, I never felt like I was doing it alone.”
Paying It Forward
In addition to being a successful franchisee, Genti is now a community leader and a mentor, demonstrating that hard work and the right opportunity can transform a person’s life. His narrative encourages new Canadians to view franchising as a viable route to security, self-reliance, and pride rather than as an unattainable goal.
Stories like Genti’s serve as a reminder that sometimes the most impactful journeys start in the warm glow of a pizza oven rather than in boardrooms, especially as Canada continues to welcome thousands of immigrants annually.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information intended only for informational purposes. CanadianSME Small Business Magazine does not endorse or guarantee any products or services mentioned. Readers are advised to conduct their research and due diligence before making business decisions.
