“Again, I would give credit to our outstanding partners both franchise owners but also vendor partners. With the ongoing feedback we get from our test market locations, the development and operations team we have at the office and the strong vendor partnerships we have we are constantly being shown opportunities and products that help us innovate while we stick to our roots of Canadian Heritage, generational guest experiences and new opportunities to be today’s choice for families, special events, sporting events, date night and anything else Canadians are looking for from their local Smitty’s.” THE CENTRAL ROLE OF FRANCHISEES Franchise owners have been the backbone of Smitty’s success since its earliest days. Their entrepreneurial energy has kept the brand relevant and responsive. “I would say, the entrepreneurial spirit of our franchisees over the past 65 years is probably the single biggest contributor to the success of the Smitty’s brand for so long,” Kaytor reflects. “Working with our test store group we continue to strengthen our relationship and improve our offering together, while relying on long standing vendor relationships and establishing new ones to continue to drive food and beverage innovation as well as explore new technologies that help our teams deliver on memorable experiences every day.” LOOKING AHEAD As Smitty’s celebrates its 65th anniversary, the company is reflecting on its place in Canadian dining culture. For Kaytor, the brand’s legacy lies in the memories created around its tables. “Looking back on the past 65 years, speaking with franchise owners and long standing guests that span 2 and 3 generations, the thing that sticks out the most is the memories of meals shared at a Smitty’s whether its Tuesday night, your birthday, Mother’s or Father’s day, whatever the occasion I hope that for many more generations we continue to be part of the fabric of the communities we serve.” From pancakes in 1960 to a broad menu serving families today, Smitty’s has enriched Canadian dining for generations. Its combination of tradition, adaptability, and strong franchise partnerships positions it well for continued growth as it enters its next chapter. To Find a Smitty’s near you, please visit www.smittys.ca 93 NOV 2025 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA
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