Meet Julia Calandra: The local Owner-Operator introducing Chick-fil-A to Newmarket, Ontario

Julia Calandra dreamed of being a teacher, but that dream evolved after she worked at Chick-fil-A throughout high school and university. She realized she could fulfill her aspirations of helping others grow personally and professionally by becoming a local Owner-Operator with the brand she loves. 
 
Connections to Canada:
Born to Canadian parents and as a dual citizen of Canada and the United States, Julia frequently visited the Greater Toronto and Niagara areas throughout her childhood. Canada also holds special significance for her, as it's where she met her husband, Alex, and where they’ve lived for the past two years. They’re excited to deepen their roots in Newmarket with the opening of her Chick-fil-A restaurant in late 2024.
 
Making the restaurant her classroom:
Julia's perspective on teaching transformed while working at a Florida Chick-fil-A in her hometown. She served as a Team Member throughout high school and university, while earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Master of Business Administration at the University of Tampa. During this time, she also had the opportunity to serve as a Grand Opening Trainer for two new Chick-fil-A restaurants, including Chick-fil-A Kitchener in Kitchener, Ontario. 
 
"Being able to help open the first free-standing Chick-fil-A restaurant in Canada was very exciting, and the idea of continuing to be a part of the international expansion of the brand was an idea that sparked a new drive in me,” Julia explains. "When I graduated with my MBA in May 2022, I decided to continue my Chick-fil-A journey in Canada to support the brand's
expansion in my second home. I just knew it was something I needed to do, and my dual citizenship easily allowed me that opportunity." Julia is the first Canadian Team Member to be selected as a Canadian local Owner-Operator. 
 
Embracing entrepreneurship in Newmarket: 
With over a decade of experience at Chick-fil-A, Julia Calandra will serve as the local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Newmarket East. Committed to community impact and teaching, she emphasizes the importance of connection with both guests and Team Members.
 
"I want people in Newmarket to know how much community means to me," Julia says. “When Guests visit my Restaurant, I want them to feel welcomed and overwhelmingly cared for. For my Team Members, I want them to know they have a local Owner-Operator who supports them, will invest in their development and foster their dreams.” 
 
As a four-time recipient of the Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures™ scholarship, Julia plans to nominate her Team Members for similar awards to support their education journeys. She also intends to give back to the community through initiatives focused on youth education and by donating surplus food to a local non-profit through the Chick-fil-A Shared Table™ program.
 
"My why is to aspire and lead with a servant heart, while encouraging ambition to never-ending learning,” Julia shares, as she is excited to embrace her role as a local business owner in Newmarket.

 

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Our growth in Canada 
Chick-fil-A will expand its long-term investment in Canada, growing to more than 20 stores in 2025, with plans to open seven to 10 restaurants per year thereafter. 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.