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Country Style in Toronto

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Country Style in Richmond Hill

Country Style Food Services, Inc., formerly Country Style Donuts, is a fast/casual chain of coffee shops operating primarily in the Canadian province of Ontario which serves oatmeal, soup, sandwiches, salads, baked goods including donuts, and coffee. The chain is based in Richmond Hill, Ontario.

Organization

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In January 2006, there were 120 "traditional" locations in Ontario. There are over 420 "non-traditional" locations embedded in other stores such as gas stations, convenience stores, arenas and movie theatres. Over 70% of customer purchases in 2001 were coffee. In total, Country Style has over 1,000 locations in Ontario, Western Canada, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick under the Country Style/Bistro name.

History

[edit]

Country Style has been in business since 1963 when it opened its first location in Toronto. Country Style experienced a lot of growth early on, opening 100 stores in the first 15–20 years of existence. It had 50 outlets in 1974 when it was the leading coffee and donut establishment in Canada above Tim Hortons (which passed it two years later). It began to expand into Western Canada in the 1970s (including Vancouver and Calgary) and the East in the early 1980s. Poor results caused the franchise to withdraw from these regions: locations in Alberta were the only ones to survive into the 1990s, while in the East, it was ones in Nova Scotia and PEI.[2]

By 2001, Country Style had been forced to close a quarter of its stores due to decreasing market share in an increasingly competitive Canadian market. Since then, it has opened many new stores and now ranks third behind Tim Hortons and McDonald's in the Canadian coffee market. On November 1, 2011, its parent company, MTY Food Group, bought Mr. Sub for $23 million merging it with Country style to become Country Style Food Services Holdings Inc.

In the mid-1990s, the Country Style logo was changed to use a font similar to Palatino instead of its former handwriting font.

A Country Style location in Milton, Ontario, with mid-1990s branding

In 2006, Country Style changed its image to a more upscale style: "Country Style Bistro Deli". The new image includes a new logo, a new website, and an enhanced branded deli menu that will be phased into all stores. The logo still uses the Palatino style font and will also be phased into all stores. New stores will feature more modern design features, somewhat similar to Starbucks, and provides wide range of wraps, smoothies, breakfast, salads and sweets. In 2009, the brand rights to Country Style, used at 900 locations, were purchased by MTY Food Group of Montreal for $14.6 million in cash and debt.[3]

In 2017, the stores in the Philippine franchise were rebranded to "New Bistro Deli".

Charity work

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In April 2003, Country Style partnered with the Make a Wish Foundation as its corporate charity of choice.[citation needed]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Country Style

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from Grokipedia
Country Style is a Canadian fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in , baked goods, and quick-service meals, with a focus on freshly ground made from a secret blend of 100% premium beans, a variety of and pastries, and all-day and lunch sandwiches. Founded in 1963 in , , the chain began as a shop offering over 50 varieties alongside and has since expanded its menu to include broader items, hot and cold beverages, and deli-style options like clubhouse sandwiches and soups. Over its more than 60-year history, Country Style has grown to operate nearly 350 locations, predominantly in Ontario but also in Western and Atlantic Canada, through a mix of company-owned and franchised outlets in formats such as free-standing stores, strip plazas, malls, and gas station convenience sites. The brand emphasizes a cozy, welcoming atmosphere and consistent quality, with its original coffee recipe unchanged since inception to deliver notes of citrus and caramel in a medium-bodied brew. Acquired by MTY Food Group Inc. in 2009, Country Style operates as a wholly owned subsidiary, enabling further franchising opportunities and integration with MTY's portfolio of quick-service concepts.

History

Founding and early development

Country Style was founded in 1963 by Alan Lowe in , , as a modest doughnut shop centered on freshly baked goods and . The venture began with a single location offering high-quality, handcrafted products to appeal to local customers seeking affordable, convenient treats. From its inception, the menu focused on an array of over 50 varieties of doughnuts alongside simple, freshly brewed , creating a welcoming atmosphere that emphasized quality and freshness. This straightforward approach resonated rapidly in the community, fostering local popularity and prompting the expansion to approximately ten outlets by 1966. The chain's emphasis on baked-in-store doughnuts and hot distinguished it in a market dominated by less specialized eateries, driving steady growth through franchising starting that same year. By the mid-1970s, Country Style had grown to dozens of locations primarily in , solidifying its position as a frontrunner in the Canadian coffee and doughnut sector ahead of competitors like , which saw accelerated national prominence later in the decade. This era marked the establishment of its core business model: franchise-driven operations prioritizing fresh, made-to-order baked items in community-oriented settings. The early development was not without hurdles, as the chain navigated fierce competition from U.S.-based entrants like and , alongside growing market saturation in urban that pressured profitability and site selection. These challenges underscored the need for innovative and localized to maintain momentum in a rapidly evolving quick-service .

Expansion across Canada

Following its early success in Ontario, Country Style began expanding westward in the 1970s, opening locations in major cities such as and to tap into growing suburban and urban markets. This move aligned with the chain's strategy to leverage automobile culture and franchise networks, particularly among immigrant entrepreneurs, resulting in approximately 20 stores by and steady growth to 63 outlets by 1977. By 1980, the chain had reached 135 locations, establishing a stronger presence in while attempting broader national scaling. In the early 1980s, Country Style ventured into , entering the Maritime provinces including , , and to diversify beyond its base. However, these eastern outlets faced operational challenges and poor financial performance, leading to closures within two years of opening and a partial withdrawal from the region. Concurrently, the chain renewed its western push, maintaining a consistent presence in through the , though it similarly scaled back unprofitable sites in and due to market saturation and competition. These regional efforts highlighted the difficulties of adapting a Toronto-centric model to diverse provincial economies, prompting a focus on core operations. Country Style held market leadership in Canada's coffee and segment through the early , boasting 50 outlets by 1974 and outpacing rivals like . This position shifted in 1976 when surpassed it in the number of locations, capitalizing on rapid and larger store formats to dominate nationally. Despite the setback, Country Style sustained , reaching 199 locations by 1994—primarily in with limited western holdings—solidifying its role as a key secondary player in the industry amid increasing competition.

Acquisitions and modern era

In 2001, Country Style Food Services faced significant economic pressures, leading to the closure of 50 underperforming stores—approximately 25% of its total footprint—as part of a effort under court-ordered protection. This reduced the chain's locations to 150 franchised and corporate outlets, with financial support from principal shareholder CAI Capital Partners to stabilize operations. The company's trajectory shifted in May 2009 when acquired Country Style Food Services Holdings Inc. for $16.5 million in cash, establishing it as a wholly owned and bolstering MTY's presence in Ontario's quick-service sector. This transaction encompassed approximately 470 locations, including 110 conventional stores and 360 non-traditional kiosks embedded in gas stations and convenience outlets. In November 2011, MTY further expanded its portfolio by acquiring Mr. Submarine Limited for $23 million and merging it with Country Style to form an integrated entity under Country Style Food Services Holdings Inc., enhancing menu diversity with sandwich offerings alongside baked goods and coffee. By 2023, Country Style maintained a robust network of nearly 350 locations across , , and select eastern provinces, with a significant portion in non-traditional formats. No major corporate transactions, rebrandings, or expansions specific to the brand have been reported through 2025, reflecting steady operations within MTY's broader portfolio of more than 7,000 units.

Operations

Country Style's menu centers on freshly baked goods and hot beverages, with a strong emphasis on doughnuts and as its foundational offerings. The chain brews a variety of daily, including traditional roast, dark roast, and decaf options, available in sizes ranging from small (10 oz) to extra large (24 oz), prepared to highlight the brand's commitment to quality blends without an extensive lineup. Signature doughnuts form the core of the bakery selection, featuring classics such as glazed (often referred to as honey dip), crème, glazed, raised, and raised, all made fresh in-store to ensure a soft texture and authentic flavors. Beyond doughnuts, the baked sweets category includes muffins like and morning glory varieties, cookies such as chunk and , and or cheese croissants, providing a range of indulgent yet accessible treats. These items underscore Country Style's positioning as a doughnut specialist in the Canadian fast-casual market. In response to evolving consumer preferences following its rebranding under MTY Food Group, Country Style expanded its savory offerings to include made-to-order breakfast and lunch items, emphasizing freshness through on-site preparation. Breakfast selections feature bagel-based sandwiches like the Sunriser (egg, bacon, and cheese) or Western (ham, egg, and peppers), English muffin options with sausage and egg, and wraps such as the Country Wrap with bacon or chipotle varieties. Lunch options comprise sandwiches on ciabatta or baguette, including the Classic Club (ham, turkey, bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and mayo) and Chicken Caesar (grilled chicken, bacon, Swiss, lettuce, and Caesar dressing), alongside wraps like spicy Buffalo chicken and salads for lighter meals. Soups and chili, such as beef chili or broccoli and cheese, complement these as hearty sides. The beverage menu supports the food offerings with a focus on simple, refreshing choices, including hot teas like Orange Pekoe and , alongside cold options such as iced cappuccinos (in flavors like French vanilla or mocha), lemonade, and smoothies made with natural ingredients. Limited seasonal specials, such as apple-infused drinks in fall or berry iced teas in spring, add variety without venturing into alcohol or complex drinks, differentiating Country Style from broader competitors. Regarding dietary considerations, Country Style provides limited options for specific needs, with some beverages like and certain smoothies noted as gluten-friendly and dairy-free, containing no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Comprehensive nutritional and allergen information is available through the parent company , indicating that while vegan or gluten-free baked goods are not prominently featured, customers can select black coffee, plain teas, or select salads to accommodate restrictions; however, cross-contamination risks exist in shared baking environments.

Store formats and locations

Country Style operates a mix of traditional standalone stores and non-traditional outlets embedded within other retail environments. Traditional stores are typically located in high-traffic urban and suburban areas to maximize accessibility and foot traffic, while non-traditional formats include kiosks and counters in gas stations, convenience stores, hospitals, and sports venues. As of September 2025, Country Style maintains 185 locations across . The chain's geographic distribution is heavily concentrated in , which accounts for 87% of locations (161 stores), reflecting its origins and primary market focus. Limited presence extends to , particularly with 4 locations, and the Maritimes, including 7 in , with additional sites in , , and other provinces accounting for the remaining locations. Store designs have evolved to prioritize a welcoming atmosphere conducive to quick service, featuring toned-down lighting, softened interiors, comfortable seating areas, and in some cases, fireplaces to create a cozy bistro-like feel under the rebranded Country Style Bistro Deli concept. Traditional units average 2,000 to 2,400 square feet, an increase from the roughly 1,200 square feet common in the 1960s, allowing for full production facilities and enhanced customer space. Non-traditional outlets are smaller and adapted to host environments, often without full seating. Site selection emphasizes visibility, parking availability, traffic counts, and lease terms suitable for franchise viability. Post-2021 developments include steady operations with some closures, resulting in 185 locations as of September 2025, potentially reflecting a focus on core traditional formats amid varying non-traditional integrations.

Franchise system

Country Style operates predominantly as a franchise-based , a model that has driven its growth since the early days of expansion in the . Following its acquisition by in 2009, the chain has relied on this structure to scale across , with MTY providing centralized , national marketing campaigns, and services to ensure efficiency and brand uniformity among operators. This franchise-centric approach allows for rapid proliferation while minimizing corporate-owned locations, focusing instead on empowering independent operators. Franchise requirements for Country Style include an initial , though specific amounts are not publicly disclosed; industry standards for quick-service restaurants (QSR) in typically range from $10,000 to $50,000. Ongoing royalty structures are similarly not detailed publicly, but align with common QSR practices of 4% to 8% of gross sales, often around 5-6%, plus potential contributions of 1-4%. Prospective franchisees must also demonstrate financial capability, with liquid assets recommended at approximately $200,000, and undergo site approval processes tailored for locations like convenience stores and gas stations. To prepare operators, Country Style offers comprehensive programs, including 5.5 weeks of pre-opening instruction delivered by corporate trainers, covering operations, preparation, and , followed by two weeks of on-site support from the store opening team. This ensures new franchisees can maintain high standards from day one. Support extends beyond to include solutions for store , , fixturing, and sourcing, alongside ongoing field assistance, lease negotiation help, and financing guidance from banks. National advertising funds promote the brand collectively, while operational guidelines enforce consistency in offerings and service quality. The franchise model has played a key role in the chain's scalability, facilitating integrations such as the 2011 merger with under MTY, where combined operations enhanced deli and bakery options in shared locations, and supported optimizations in express formats for non-traditional sites like c-stores.

Corporate affairs

Ownership and leadership

Country Style has been a wholly owned subsidiary of MTY Food Group Inc. since its acquisition in May 2009, when MTY purchased Country Style Food Services Holdings Inc. for a total consideration of $13.8 million, consisting of $7.9 million in cash and the repayment of $6.75 million in long-term debt, thereby securing complete ownership of the brand's intellectual property, franchise system, and operational assets. This transaction integrated Country Style into MTY's growing portfolio of quick-service restaurant brands, enhancing MTY's presence in the Canadian coffee and baked goods market. Leadership for Country Style is fully embedded within MTY Food Group's executive structure, with no separate CEO appointed specifically for the brand. Operations are directed by MTY's CEO, Eric Lefebvre, who has led the company since November 2018 and oversees strategic initiatives across all subsidiaries, including brand development and franchise support for Country Style. Supporting Lefebvre are key executives such as Renée St-Onge, who manages group-wide financial strategies impacting Country Style's performance. As a subsidiary, Country Style adheres to MTY's governance framework, with decision-making guided by MTY's board of directors. The board, re-elected at the 2025 Annual General Meeting, is chaired by founder Stanley Ma and includes CEO Eric Lefebvre as a director, alongside independent members like Victor Mandel, Dickie Orr, and Claude St-Pierre; this structure prioritizes diversification and sustainable growth among MTY's quick-service brands. No significant leadership changes specific to Country Style were reported in 2025.

Headquarters and financial overview

Country Style's headquarters is located at 2 East Beaver Creek Road, Building 1, in , , functioning as the central administrative hub for brand management, operations oversight, and strategic planning. This location supports the chain's network of primarily franchised outlets across and select other provinces. As a subsidiary of MTY Food Group Inc. since its acquisition in May 2009, Country Style's financial performance is encompassed within MTY's consolidated financial statements, without standalone revenue or profitability metrics publicly disclosed for the brand. Post-acquisition, MTY's overall revenue expanded considerably; for example, in the third quarter of fiscal 2009, MTY's total revenue rose 61% year-over-year to C$14.84 million, partly attributable to the integration of Country Style's operations. By fiscal 2021, MTY achieved system-wide sales of $3.63 billion across its portfolio, signaling robust recovery in the quick-service sector amid post-pandemic demand resurgence, though Country Style-specific contributions were not itemized. Country Style plays a role in bolstering Canada's fast-casual dining sector, particularly through its focus on coffee and baked goods, amid a broader market projected to expand at a (CAGR) of 5.8% from to 2030. Recent financial data for 2024–2025 remains integrated into MTY's reports, with no isolated profitability or revenue figures available for Country Style, highlighting gaps in brand-level transparency. In Q3 fiscal (ended August 31, ), MTY reported segment profits of $73.2 million, a 2% increase year-over-year, with Country Style's performance integrated into the quick-service segment. While it lags behind dominant players like in market scale, Country Style sustains a specialized presence in non-traditional venues such as gas stations and stores, enhancing accessibility in the competitive landscape.

Philanthropy

Partnerships with charities

In April 2003, Country Style established a partnership with Make-A-Wish as its corporate charity of choice to support wishes for children with critical illnesses. The partnership involved in-store fundraising, such as collections and promotional campaigns, and by 2006, Country Style had raised over $250,000 for the organization. Following its acquisition by in 2009, Country Style's philanthropic activities aligned with the parent company's initiatives. In 2024, MTY launched the MTY Group Foundation to coordinate corporate giving across its brands, including formal partnerships with the Breakfast Club of to address child hunger through school breakfast programs, and the Children’s Hospital Foundation, supporting pediatric care via events like Pedal for Kids. In its inaugural year, the foundation raised over $140,000 through golf tournaments, employee donations, and toy drives. In 2025, the foundation held its second annual golf tournament on September 22 and matched donations to the Breakfast Club of through October 31, continuing support for these partners.

Community engagement initiatives

Country Style, operating primarily in with expansions into Western and , supports local sponsorships for events, sports teams, and festivals to strengthen regional connections. As part of , the brand contributes to these efforts through financial sponsorships for local fundraisers and active participation in activities, drawing on its over 60 years of Canadian roots to foster enduring ties. Employee volunteer programs at MTY encourage staff from brands like Country Style to engage in regional causes, integrating such participation into the company's framework. Corporate employees logged over 2,700 volunteer hours in 2023, with a dedicated program allowing time toward work obligations to support local initiatives in provinces like . Sustainability efforts within Country Style stores emphasize eco-friendly practices, including waste reduction via an "upon request" policy for single-use items and the use of 100% recyclable across Canadian locations. The brand also incorporates sustainably sourced , with 24% of MTY's total coffee procurement meeting environmental standards in 2023, promoting responsible operations in line with broader group goals.

References

  1. https://countrystyle.com/about/
  2. https://mtygroup.com/en/about-us/
  3. https://torontosun.com/2013/03/25/celebrating-50-years-in-style
  4. https://www.newswire.ca/fr/news-releases/country-style-turns-the-big-50-512120891.html
  5. https://central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.item?id=NQ75205&op=pdf&app=Library&oclc_number=55885570
  6. https://www.erudit.org/en/journals/cuizine/2008-v1-n1-cuizine2503/019386ar/
  7. https://dokumen.pub/the-donut-a-canadian-history-9781442687929.html
  8. https://kids.kiddle.co/Country_Style
  9. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/country-style-closes-25-more-stores/article1035555/
  10. https://mtygroup.com/en/previous-financial-reports/
  11. https://mtygroup.com/wp-content/uploads/pressrelease/ENGLISH/RELEASE_NOV_1_2011_.pdf
  12. https://www.thestar.com/business/mty-food-group-acquires-mr-submarine-for-23m/article_36764f24-dce1-5ec7-840f-70f08f8ea6db.html
  13. https://www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/business/fast-food-franchisor-mty-food-group-on-the-hunt-for-acquisitions-but-not-finding-much/article_de20c24e-3d2a-558b-a43a-980c4e681fc8.html
  14. https://countrystyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CS-NUTRITIONALS_2022.pdf
  15. https://www.doordash.com/en/store/country-style-brampton-23153386/
  16. https://countrystyle.com/menu/lunch-2024/
  17. https://www.ubereats.com/ca/store/country-style-2350-dundas-street/0QYZu8RZVASpQcDeeZyqgQ
  18. https://countrystyle.com/menu/
  19. https://www.betheboss.ca/franchises/country-style
  20. https://mtyfranchising.com/brands/country-style/
  21. https://www.scrapehero.com/location-reports/Country%20Style-Canada/
  22. https://thefranchisemall.com/franchises/details/11272-0-country_style.htm
  23. https://epe.lac-bac.gc.ca/100/205/301/ic/cdc/heirloom_series/volume4/358.html
  24. https://www.mrcalzonefranchise.com/restaurant-franchise-cost/
  25. https://countrystyle.com/franchising/
  26. https://ccentral.ca/tried-and-true-convenience-gas-operators-turn-qsrs-turnkey-foodservice-solutions
  27. https://www.annualreports.com/HostedData/AnnualReportArchive/m/TSX_MTY_2010.pdf
  28. https://mtygroup.com/en/board-committee/
  29. https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/MTY.TO/profile/
  30. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/05/05/3073912/0/en/MTY-Food-Group-Inc-Announces-Results-from-2025-Annual-General-Meeting.html
  31. https://mtygroup.com/en/financial_reports/2025-year/
  32. https://www.cbinsights.com/company/country-style-food-services
  33. https://www.zoominfo.com/c/country-style/30035887
  34. https://mtygroup.com/wp-content/uploads/pressrelease/ENGLISH/RELEASE_OCT_16_2009.pdf
  35. https://mtygroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/MTY_Q4_21_EN_Press-release-FINAL.pdf
  36. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/horizon/outlook/coffee-market/canada
  37. https://mtygroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/08.31.2025-Press-Release_FINAL-EN.pdf
  38. https://www.foodingredientsfirst.com/news/country-style-launches-next-generation-of-coffee-line.html
  39. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/01/13/3008297/0/en/A-Promising-First-Year-for-the-MTY-Group-Foundation-Fondation-Groupe-MTY.html
  40. https://foundationmtygroup.com/mty-golf-tournament/
  41. https://mtygroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/MTY24_NAT_008_SUSTAINABILITY-REPORT_EN.pdf
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