Chloe Battalia is an accomplished hospitality leader with over a decade of experience in the food and beverage industry. She currently serves as the Managing Director for Canada at Little Caesars Pizza, where she oversees strategic growth and operational excellence across the Canadian market.
Chloe’s career includes impactful leadership roles at Boston Pizza International, Freshii, and Manulife Financial where she led key initiatives in training, innovation, strategy, and operational excellence. Known for her results-driven approach and cross-functional expertise, she has consistently delivered impactful solutions that elevate business performance while fostering high-performing teams.
In a time when every dollar counts, Canadians are more intentional about how and where they spend their money. Dining out is no exception. A study by Food Banks Canada reveals that affordability is a top priority for Canadians, with 43 percent purchasing discounted food.
This shift in buying habits has increased the appeal of quick-service restaurants (QSRs). In fact, they make up nearly half of the Canadian foodservice market, according to Mordor Intelligence. That share is projected to grow.
QSRs give consumers a wallet-friendly option to eat out, when a sit-down restaurant might seem like a luxury in today’s standards. For instance, at Little Caesars, we pride ourselves on being the best in value pizza brand; some of our most popular menu items, like the handheld Crazy Puffs™, are less than $5.
Restaurants, like Little Caesars, have long been a staple of the Canadian dining scene, and now they’re proving to be a promising business venture for new and experienced entrepreneurs. Cognitive Market Research reports that the Canadian QSR market was worth $8.49 billion in 2024 and is expected to steadily increase by four percent each year for the next eight years. This steady climb is fueled mainly by Canadians’ busy urban lifestyles that encourage them to find on-the-go dining options that will satisfy their cravings and those of their families.
A Business Model for Today’s Economy
QSRs don’t just deliver value to consumers but also offer a strong business model for entrepreneurs. They often offer lower overhead and upfront investment costs compared to other food and beverage industry opportunities.
Many QSRs occupy small spaces, which means lower lease and mortgage costs and a quicker buildout. At Little Caesars, we offer a variety of restaurant models that are designed to fit in compact and high-trafficked locations – even gas stations and convenience stores.
They also lend to limited or smaller menus, helping owners with inventory costs. A bigger, more varied menu can come with a longer list of required ingredients, leading to more potential waste if not used in time. A smaller menu also allows for more efficient kitchen operations, leading to faster prep times and higher guest satisfaction.
Lastly, QSRs only require a limited number of employees to run, bringing down overhead costs for owners. Typically, these types of restaurants can operate with three to five employees working at a time.
The Secret Ingredient: Technology Innovation
Technology plays a significant role in today’s QSR success. From mobile ordering and delivery apps to integrated point-of-sale systems, these tools can help streamline operations, improve the guest experience and drive higher ticket sales.
Brands like Little Caesars have embraced technology, integrating digital tools into their ordering systems to increase speed, accuracy, and convenience for guests. The brand created the industry’s first heated, self-service mobile order pickup with the Pizza Portal. Since its launch, franchisees have added more than one, seeing how beneficial it’s been to their business operations. It also utilizes an Order Management System (OMS) that helps Little Caesars connect third-party delivery services to their POS system, improving the guest and staff experience.
The Power of Brand Recognition
While there are many emerging QSR brands, franchising offers a fast track for entrepreneurs who want to minimize risk and hit the ground running with a well-established name. Franchise owners receive national marketing support and a proven operation playbook that can create a solid foundation for eager business owners.
At Little Caesars, we have built a strong reputation since opening the first Canadian location in 1969. In the past five decades, the QSR brand has successfully cut out its own slice of the industry with its value-focused menu and Hot-N-Ready® pizza available for grab and go all day. This kind of convenience and affordability is what busy consumers are demanding in today’s economy, and we’ve noticed that it’s contributed greatly to building consumer loyalty and repeat business, two key factors of long-term success.
One other benefit to franchising is the ability for local franchisees to add their own personal touch to their establishment. With their deep understanding of the community, franchise owners are encouraged to build meaningful connections with their audience. From cheering on local sports teams to organizing fundraisers for worthy causes, franchisees have limitless opportunities to leverage the national brand while creating a distinctly local presence.
QSR: A Franchise Opportunity That Feeds More Than Profits
Quick-service restaurants are particularly appealing to entrepreneurs due to their inherent versatility and wide-reaching consumer appeal. Their ability to offer high-quality, affordable, and convenient meals makes them suitable for diverse age groups and lifestyles. Families appreciate QSRs for their budget-friendly options and efficient service, while busy professionals find them ideal for quick meals on the go.
As Canadians continue to choose value and convenience, the QSR industry will remain a viable investment opportunity for many. Whether you have an entrepreneurial spirit and are looking to make a career change, or have experience in this field and want to diversify your portfolio, QSRs are a smart choice.
