Meet Hussein Tohme, the new local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Rideau Centre

Hussein Tohme is bringing his passion for community and his love of the
Chick-fil-A^® brand to his hometown of Ottawa as the local Owner-Operator of the new Chick-fil-A Rideau Centre, expected to open in early 2025. 

A Lifelong Ottawan
Born and raised in Ottawa, Hussein’s connection to the city runs deep. He studied at La Cité college, earning a degree in restaurant and business management in 1999. His wife, Guitta, is also a local and an alumna of the University of Ottawa. The couple, along with their three sons, Rami, Danny, and Milan, have built their lives and careers in the heart of Ottawa, fostering a strong connection to the community they call home. 

“Ottawa has always been home to me,” Hussein shares. “With this new Chick-fil-A restaurant, I’m excited to contribute to the community by creating a space where people can come together, enjoy great food and build lasting memories.” 

An Introduction that Led to Entrepreneurial Inspiration
Hussein's introduction to Chick-fil-A occurred through a memorable road trip to Toronto for the grand opening celebration of a new Chick-fil-A restaurant there. The experience left a lasting impression, solidifying his desire to become part of the company.  

“I had heard so much about the brand, and the experience of finally trying the food and seeing the level of dedication to customer service firsthand left a lasting impression on me,” he explains. “The welcoming atmosphere and the commitment to quality really stood out.” 

Now, with the upcoming opening of Chick-fil-A Rideau Centre, his dream is becoming a reality. Even more special is the fact that his family will be joining him on this adventure, with Guitta supporting the team with HR and recruiting, and Rami and Danny working full-time at the Restaurant as Team Members. 

More Than Just a Restaurant
Hussein envisions Chick-fil-A Rideau Centre as more than just a place to eat; he sees it as a community hub. He plans to actively participate in local events and initiatives, partnering with local organizations and businesses to foster growth and create positive social impact. 

One initiative he plans to prioritize is the Chick-fil-A Shared Table™ program, through which surplus food from his Restaurant will be redirected to a local non-profit to help feed those in need in the Ottawa community.

“For me, it's about honouring the city that has given us so much and being an active part of its vibrant future,” Hussein explains. "My goal is to make Chick-fil-A a positive force in the community – not just a Restaurant, but a place that truly engages and adds value to the people and businesses around it." 

Looking Ahead
Hussein is eager to build an exceptional team and create memorable experiences for every Guest. He looks forward to fostering a positive and collaborative environment where both the Team Members and Guests feel valued and appreciated.  

With his deep roots in Ottawa, his passion for hospitality and his commitment to community, Hussein Tohme is poised to make Chick-fil-A Rideau Centre a beloved destination in the heart of the city. 

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Our growth in Canada
Chick-fil-A met its goal of opening 20 stores in Canada by 2025 ahead of schedule and is excited to continue its long-term investment in Canada, with the aim to open seven to ten restaurants per year. We are seeking franchise candidates in Canada with an entrepreneurial spirit and a CEO mindset, who are passionate about serving great food and providing exceptional hospitality in a fast-paced environment. Chick-fil-A franchisees are independent Owner-Operators who run complex, Chick-fil-A branded restaurant businesses with integrity and stewardship. Learn more about franchising opportunities by visiting our Franchising page.  

About Chick-fil-A, Inc.   
Chick-fil-A, Inc. is the third largest quick-service restaurant company in the United States, known for its freshly prepared food, signature hospitality and unique franchise model. More than 200,000 Team Members are employed by independent Owner-Operators in more than 3,000 restaurants across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. In 2023, the company shared plans to expand by 2030 into Europe and Asia.  

Chick-fil-A Owner-Operators live and work in the communities their restaurants serve, each supporting local efforts to address hunger, education, and making a positive impact. The family-owned and privately held company was founded in 1967 by S. Truett Cathy. More information on Chick-fil-A is available at www.chick-fil-a.ca and @ChickfilANews.