American food brands expanding in Canada despite trade war
Posted Jul 28, 2026 7:40 pm.
Last Updated Jul 28, 2026 8:57 pm.
Despite the trade war between Canada and the United States, American food brands are expanding their presence here in the country.
A line-up to enter Calgary’s newest and now seventh Chipotle location at Westhills Towne Centre.
“I go to Florida for boarding school, and Chipotle is a big thing there, so I really have been craving it, because I’ve been in Europe all summer,” said one Calgarian.
Another said, “Last time I was in Chipotle it was like 10 years ago when I worked in America, and I loved it.”
Chipotle says despite the trade uncertainty, they plan on growing in Alberta, with the province its fastest-growing market in the country.
Tuesday’s restaurant opening represents their 15th location in Alberta, with the company saying not only has the trade dispute had no bearing on their operations, but they are on track to reach 20 locations in the province by the end of the year.
“A few years ago we had no restaurants in Alberta, and now we are at 15. We believe that Alberta, particularly the Calgary and Edmonton area, is a very attractive market because of the strong population growth,” said Anat Davidzon, the managing director of Chipotle International.
An example of American food brands moving to and growing in Canada is right here a stretch of Macleod Trail. Chick-fil-A opened its first restaurant in Calgary in 2024, and right beside it is Shake Shack, which is working right now to open its first drive-thru location in Calgary. Then further down the road is Krispy Kreme, which returned to the city in 2025.
Restaurant consultant David Hopkins says while the trade dispute has come up in some conversations with clients, he says companies are thinking long-term and believe the rift is simply a blip.
“If you’ve already expanded across the US and you’re looking, where do I go? Next way easier to come into the Canadian market where it’s a very similar marketplace, similar buying habits, similar demographic, similar in many ways,” said Hopkins.
With even more American brands migrating north of the border, like the return of Dunkin Donuts, Albertans say they’ll greet those brands with open arms, or at least in this case open mouths.
