Introducing Talal Chaudhry: A successful entrepreneur caring for others on both sides of the counter in Toronto 

After immigrating to Canada as a six-year-old, Talal Chaudhry’s journey has taken him from humble beginnings to a unique success story as the Owner/Operator of Chick-fil-A Toronto Eaton Centre.

Learning the restaurant business at an early age

Serving guests in the restaurant industry has been a part of Talal’s life ever since he began working as a teenager while attending Streetsville Secondary School in Mississauga. He’s worked about every job that exists in a restaurant, from server to cook, all the way to Owner/Operator.

“Delivering hospitality in a restaurant came very naturally to me at an early age,” Talal recalled. “At the time, I was working in the restaurant industry to save money and pay for university, but it really did prepare me for the direction of my future career.”

A passion for sports

Before his career in restaurants took off, Talal attended Brock University in St. Catharines, where he graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. During his time at Brock University, Talal continued his passion for his favourite sport, rugby, and was a champion for athletics at the school. He ran a referendum to help secure $1.5 million for the university so they could support athletics, health services, and recreation in the community. Thanks to Talal’s efforts, Brock was able to increase the number of fitness programs available to students, boost mental health services and programming, and elevate competitive clubs to compete for the university against other schools.

A fun fact about Talal: Not only has he had the chance to coach and referee rugby, including serving as a referee at several major international sports events from 2021-2023, he’s also coached other referees from around the world. Talal’s passion for rugby led him to a full-time job as an athletic director at Bill Crothers Secondary School, an institution that has graduated a number of famous athletes, including a women’s professional tennis champion, an international figure skater, and several professional hockey players.

“I had the opportunity to organize play for a wide range of sports, including basketball and hockey,” said Talal. “My time as an athletic director also gave the chance to build relationships with provincial and national sport organizations, relationships I’ve kept up to this day.”

His first taste of Chick-fil-A

Talal’s first Chick-fil-A experience was on a trip to Austin, Texas.

“The Team Member who took my order was incredible, a very hospitable individual,” Talal recalled. “I was just stunned to feel such a sense of genuine care while I was in a drive thru interacting with someone through my car window. It was surreal to me at the time and an experience I will remember forever.”

After a variety of leadership roles with some of Canada’s most famous restaurant brands, Talal felt drawn to continue his career as an Owner/Operator at Chick-fil-A.

Ready to make a difference

Talal says he is excited about the opportunities he has as a Chick-fil-A Owner/Operator to make an impact in Toronto. Talal has lived in the area for 17 years and he and his wife Amna call the region home.

“Toronto is a mosaic of different cultures and one of the most diverse cities in the world,” said Talal. “The team we’re building here at Chick-fil-A Toronto Eaton Centre reflects that. Our Team Members will be from all walks of life and all demographics, working together to provide Torontonians with our signature hospitality and an authentic Chick-fil-A experience.”

In addition to partnering with community organizations that make an impact every day in Toronto, Talal is eager to help people on both sides of the counter.

“My goal for my Team Members at Chick-fil-A Toronto Eaton Centre is to develop leaders and grow their skillsets,” said Talal. “I want to show servant leadership in my role as an Owner/Operator and demonstrate what Chick-fil-A is all about.”

Our growth in Canada

Chick-fil-A will expand its long-term investment in Canada, growing to a total of 20 stores by 2025, with plans to open seven to ten restaurants per year thereafter. The company is looking for people who are passionate about the work of serving great food and providing exceptional hospitality in a fast-paced environment as independent franchised Owners/Operators of Chick–fil–A restaurant businesses. Learn more about franchising opportunities by visiting our Franchising page.

To learn more about Chick-fil-A, visit chick-fil-a.ca and find us on Facebook and Instagram.

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