As a Chef, I’ve spent 40 years behind the line, and you start to develop a certain appreciation for the “ingredients” that build a business. I’m always curious about the brands that got their start right here in Alberta—those companies that launched from our local soil and grew into national, or even international, household names. It’s pretty fascinating to see how a simple concept in a local market can turn into a legacy.
Here is a look at some of the most famous businesses that trace their roots back to our province.
Starting with Calgary
- Edo Japan (1979): Founded by Reverend Susumu Ikuta, this chain brought Teppan-style Japanese cuisine to the masses, starting in Calgary’s Southcentre Mall.
- Moxies (1986): Originally launched in Calgary, this concept evolved from a casual neighborhood spot into a polished, upscale-casual dining fixture across the country.
- Good Earth Coffeehouse (1991): Founded by Nan Eskenazi and Michael Going, this brand began as a small shop in Calgary’s Connaught district with a focus on wholesome food and sustainability.
- Joey Restaurant Group (1992): Established by Jeff Fuller, this group emerged in Calgary to offer a high-end, contemporary dining experience. The concept is deeply rooted in industry royalty, as Jeff is the son of Leroy “Bus” Fuller, the legendary founder of Earls Kitchen + Bar, and the group has since expanded across North America.
- WestJet (1996): Started by a group including Clive Beddoe and Donald Bell, this airline disrupted the travel industry by offering low-cost flight options, eventually becoming one of Canada’s two major national carriers.
- Jugo Juice (1998): Founded by Jason Day and Karina Birch, this business pioneered the smoothie and juice bar trend in Canadian shopping centres.
- OPA! of Greece (1998): Founded by Nathaly Archambault, this chain started as a single location in a Calgary food court and grew into a national success known for Greek-style cuisine.
From Edmonton
- PCL Construction (1906): Founded by Ernest Edward Poole as a local builder, it has grown over the last century into one of the largest and most respected construction firms in North America.
- Fountain Tire (1956): Started by Bill Fountain, this company grew from one shop into a massive national network that is a staple for automotive service and tires.
- Boston Pizza (1964): Founded by Gus Agioritis in Edmonton as “Boston Pizza and Spaghetti House.” A key turning point for the brand occurred when Jim Treliving, a former RCMP officer, purchased a franchise and opened his first store in Penticton, British Columbia, in 1968. His partnership with George Melville eventually propelled the brand into one of the most recognizable casual dining and sports bar franchises in the country. ( read the full story here )
- The Brick (1971): Founded by the Comrie brothers (Bill, John, and Fred), this company started as a single warehouse and turned into a national retail giant for furniture and home electronics.
- Earls Kitchen + Bar (1982): Founded by Leroy “Bus” Fuller and his son Stanley, this brand began as a burger and beer joint and evolved into a major upscale-casual dining chain.
- Pizza 73 (1985): Founded by David Tougas and Guy Goodwin, this delivery-focused operation grew rapidly across the province, with a name famously tied to its original phone number.
- Booster Juice (1999): Founded by Dale Wishewan in Sherwood Park, Alberta. This brand was born right in the Edmonton capital region and quickly introduced the concept of fresh, healthy smoothies to the entire Canadian market, expanding rapidly across the country from its local roots.
Alberta Hustle
Looking at this list, it’s clear that Alberta has a unique knack for entrepreneurship. Whether it’s a pizza joint, a local tire shop, or a regional smoothie bar, these businesses show that with the right vision and a lot of hard work, you can start small and grow into something that defines a national identity. As a Chef, I respect that kind of dedication to the craft. It makes you wonder which local startup today is going to be on a list like this 20 or 30 years from now.
Question: Has anyone worked for any of these restaurants or companies? Love to know in the comments below 👇
If I only knew about Jim Treliving while managing Boston Pizza in Penticton, BC, I would have surely worked for him back then. I was a dishwasher at Athen Pizza in Vernon, BC when Jim was with his own Boston Pizza in Penticton. What a miss…
Cheers !
Chef Bari
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