7 Canadian Restaurant Chains That Desperately Need to Open in America

Here in the United States, we have a wide range of restaurant chains to choose from. Are you in the mood for delicious Mexican cuisine? What about Chinese or classic American burgers? Chances are, you can find something to meet those cravings in most towns. But what about Canadian cuisine? Is there such a thing? Canadian cuisine is often described as encompassing a wide range of multiethnic and multicultural influences.

Therefore, the restaurants on this list all do an excellent job of capturing the spirit of Canadian favorites. That is why these seven Canadian restaurant chains desperately need to open in America.

This post was updated in March 2026 to include additional information on Canadian restaurant chains.

• About 53 Triple O's locations in Canada

Are you in the mood for a classic, delicious burger? Then Triple O's is the place to visit. It is touted as the best place to get a burger in Canada, with locations in Asia as well. This is one Canadian restaurant chain that needs to come to America.

Americans love a good burger; there's really no getting around it. Triple O's tops theirs off with Canadian cheddar, smoked bacon, and Triple O sauce that makes every bite worth it. The meal is also served with tasty, thick-cut fries. What could be more geared toward Americans than this classic combo? Want to add something sweet to your meal? Order a hand-scooped milkshake to top it all off.

• About 23 locations of The Works Craft Burgers & Beer in Canada

Speaking of burgers, The Works is the place to buy gourmet burgers. Here you can choose from 50 different options. Additionally, there are more than 60 toppings to custom-make the meal of your dreams.

The Works is an award-winning franchise. While you can customize the gourmet burger for your meal, those aren't the only options. This chain also serves craft beers and wines, starters like wrecking balls, salads, and shakes. America can never have enough delicious burger joints to choose from.

• About 52 Kelsey's Original Roadhouse locations in Canada

Kelsey's Original Roadhouse was started by brothers Paul, Peter, and Perry Jeffery. They would take trips to Chicago and were inspired by the Roadhouse menu. Unfortunately, these were options that weren't found in Canada quite yet. Therefore, the brothers dreamed up starting a restaurant that offered these menu options. In 1978, the first Kelsey's Original Roadhouse was opened, and it quickly grew throughout Canada.

Sure, we have roadhouse grills and bars, but having Kelsey's in America would bring a unique new chain to enjoy. Kelsey's offers customers options like the delicious steak and blues salad or the smash burger quesadilla. Furthermore, if you are a fan of the show Cheers, you will love stepping foot into one of these restaurants because they modeled their atmosphere after the television show.

• About 180 Swiss Chalet locations in Canada

The very first Swiss Chalet opened its doors in 1954. Here, the inspiration was drawn from the Swiss cooking methods. Starting with chickens, the Swiss Chalet also developed a special sauce that was an instant success. From here, the restaurant only expanded in locations and in menu items.

Swiss Chalet has a unique and rich history that Americans should get to experience through its delicious menu items. Here, customers can try their new chicken parm sandwich, rotisserie chicken poutine, BBQ back ribs, and so many other unique menu items that only the Swiss Chalet can make as mouthwatering.

• About 295 locations in Canada

For 67 years, this restaurant chain has been offering delicious burgers geared towards what you are craving. There's a Harvey's location in nearly every province in Canada, except for British Columbia.

Are you craving a loaded Angus burger with all the toppings? What about a veggie burger that gives you the taste you desire without the animal meat? Harvey's doesn't stop there. They also have tasty, crispy chicken sandwiches, chicken salads, wraps, and mouthwatering poutines to choose from. America is missing out by not having our Harveys to run to after work.

• About 40 Milestones locations in Canada

Milestones is an upscale restaurant that was opened in 1989. Here, the priority is developing an inviting atmosphere. Furthermore, the mantra here is all about hitting that milestone. The one where you know exactly what you like and who you are. At Milestones, you can enjoy a delicious meal in the restaurant that is set apart from all other restaurants.

Fast food is great, but the more sit-down restaurants we have, the more we can truly enjoy the company of those we are with. While also slowing down and taking a break from the reality of life. At Milestones, the menu is exceptional with favorites like the portobello mushroom chicken or the 7-ounce filet mignon. Making it the perfect restaurant for a girls' night out or a romantic date night.

• About 775 Pizza Pizza locations in Canada

Pizza Pizza is a popular franchise with restaurants throughout Canada, with over 750 locations. The first restaurant opened in 1967 with the commitment to quality. This includes using chickens that were raised without antibiotics, simple ingredients, and also taking a strong stance on animal treatment.

Pizza Pizza is popular throughout Canada for a reason. Not only are they committed to quality, but also to nutrition and offering fresh ingredients. The atmosphere at Pizza Pizza is boasted as friendly and warm. Since pizza is one of the most popular foods in America, we can always use more quality places for our next pizza movie night.

Finding a quality and delicious restaurant to eat at can be challenging. Sometimes the quality isn't great, or the food options are limited. However, these seven Canadian restaurant chains should come to America for several reasons. Additionally, the commitment to quality, fresh ingredients, amazing atmosphere, and delicious food are all excellent reasons for Americans to experience each of them. (Read: Iconic 1970s Restaurants That Faded Away.)