Dunkin' is coming back to Canada, and this time the playbook looks different. Foodtastic, the Montreal-based multi-brand operator, has signed a master franchise agreement with Inspire Brands to develop hundreds of Dunkin' locations across the country. The first stores are expected to open in late 2026 or early 2027, marking the brand's return after it pulled out of Canada in 2018.
Peter Mammas, founder and CEO of Foodtastic, framed the deal as a natural extension of his company's operational model. "Bringing Dunkin' back to Canada is a significant growth opportunity for Foodtastic and our franchise partners across the country," Mammas said. Foodtastic already operates Jimmy John's in Canada and manages a portfolio that includes Pita Pit, Second Cup, and dozens of other brands. The company knows how to scale in this market.
Michael Haley, President of International at Inspire Brands, positioned the partnership as a strategic fit. "Dunkin's international footprint continues to thrive, so we are excited to bring this iconic brand to Canada through a strong, like-minded partner," Haley said. Inspire—parent to Dunkin', Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Arby's, Sonic, and Jimmy John's—operates over 14,200 Dunkin' restaurants in nearly 40 countries. Canada represents a re-entry into a mature QSR market where coffee competition is entrenched.
The menu will feature Dunkin's core lineup: hot and iced coffee, espresso drinks, teas, donuts, sandwiches, and snacks. Foodtastic will handle market development, franchisee recruitment, and operations, leveraging its existing real estate and supplier relationships to accelerate rollout. Franchise inquiries are open through Foodtastic's portal.
Dunkin's first Canadian run ended quietly in 2018 after years of struggling against Tim Hortons, McDonald's, and Starbucks. This comeback hinges on Foodtastic's local expertise and Inspire's global scale. If Foodtastic can replicate its Jimmy John's momentum—where it's opened multiple locations in key urban markets—Dunkin' has a credible shot at carving out share in Canada's $7 billion coffee shop segment. The test will be whether Canadian consumers, six years removed from the brand, still care enough to line up.