Meet Mayur Raj: A Successful Business Leader Opening Edmonton’s Newest Chick-fil-A Restaurant

It is our pleasure to introduce Mayurdhvajsinh "Mayur" Raj, the local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Sunwapta West in Edmonton, Alberta, which is slated to open in early 2025.


From India to Canada: An Educational and Entrepreneurial Journey Spanning Two Continents 
Born and raised in India, Raj holds a Bachelor of Science degree from India. In 2009, he embarked on a new chapter, moving to Canada to pursue additional educational opportunities. 

“I arrived in Canada with just one bag and a few hundred dollars in my pocket, fueled by the ambition to succeed,” Raj remembers.

He earned a postgraduate degree in International Business Management in Toronto, equipping him with the skills and knowledge to excel in the business world.

A Leader in Hospitality and Retail Who Embraced Entrepreneurship
After living in various parts of Canada, economic growth and the opportunity to become an entrepreneur brought him to Edmonton, where he has proudly served Edmontonians with delicious food and exceptional hospitality.

Raj's passion for the quick-service restaurant industry began with a role at a global franchise restaurant brand, where he quickly rose to the position of assistant restaurant manager. He further honed his leadership abilities through roles at two national grocery retailers. In 2016, Raj's entrepreneurial spirit led him to become the owner of a Greek restaurant, where his franchised location garnered numerous accolades.

Getting Hooked on Chicken
Now, Raj has turned his focus to Chick-fil-A. 

“When I was first introduced to the Chick-fil-A brand, I was immediately impressed by both the quality of the food and the exceptional hospitality,” Raj recalls. During a road trip from New York to Canada, his family stopped at a Chick-fil-A restaurant out of curiosity. “I had never heard of Chick-fil-A before, and the name alone intrigued me,” he explains. As they pulled into the parking lot, a rainbow appeared, which Raj now acknowledges could have been a good sign of things to come. 

From his first sip of a Peach Milkshake, which was filled with “delightful chunks of peach that added a burst of flavour” and his first tasty bite of the Original Chick-fil-A^® Chicken Sandwich, he was hooked.

“What made the experience even more special was the warmth and hospitality we received from the Team Members,” Raj shares. “We mentioned that we were from Canada and that it was our first time visiting a Chick-fil-A restaurant. The kindness they showed was completely unexpected. It was a moment that truly stood out and made our first visit memorable.”

Committed to his Team and his Community
Raj is excited to be the local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Sunwapta West because it provides an opportunity that not only allows him to build a thriving business, but also to inspire others, create jobs and give back to the Edmonton community.

His vision for Chick-fil-A Sunwapta West is to create a vibrant, people-focused environment that embodies the core values of care, hospitality and excellence. Through exceptional leadership, he aims to deliver a distinctive Guest experience that enriches the community. When his Restaurant opens, his wife, Divya, will be by his side to support his team and help provide exceptional care for Guests.

“It is an honour to bring the elevated Chick-fil-A experience and signature care to the Edmonton community as a local business owner,” he says. “I believe in fostering a culture of genuine connection with my team and my Guests, and my goal is to create a positive impact, both within my Restaurant and in the wider Edmonton community."  

Throughout Raj’s career, one thing he has been particularly passionate about is fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for his team—something he views as a true differentiator for his Restaurant. He wants to offer employment opportunities that prioritize a supportive and respectful environment for his Team Members, many of whom are residents. Raj’s care for Team Members will come to life by nominating them for the Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures™ scholarship program, in addition to offering financial wellness programs, mentorship opportunities, health insurance and more.

Raj also wants to strengthen his local neighbourhood. “Through community events, charity partnerships and consistent involvement in local causes, I want to contribute to Edmonton's growth while fostering a sense of belonging and care within the community,” he says. Raj already looks forward to donating surplus food from his Restaurant to local non-profits to help feed Canadians in need through the Chick-fil-A Shared Table™ program. 

“My goal is to build meaningful and caring relationships within the community and within my Restaurant,” Raj says. “I am committed to continuing Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy’s legacy in Edmonton, ensuring that the values of hospitality and kindness remain at the heart of everything we do. My hope is that my Restaurant will ultimately serve as a family-oriented community gathering space, where lasting memories are made over shared meals and connections.”

###

Our growth in Canada
Chick-fil-A is expected to open a record eight Restaurants across Ontario and Alberta in 2025, marking the most openings in Canada in any year since Chick-fil-A opened in 2019. 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 local Owner-Operators in more than 3,000 restaurants across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.  

Chick-fil-A opened its first restaurant in the UK in early 2025 with the goal of launching five locations across the UK within the next two years. The first Singapore restaurant is set to open in late 2025, marking the brand's entry into Asia.

Chick-fil-A local 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.