Meet the Enterprising Owner-Operator Behind Ottawa’s First Chick-fil-A’s Restaurant – urbangeekz

Nigerian-born Ibukun Olubiyi is the enterprising owner-operator behind Chick-fil-A’s first franchise in Canada’s capital, Ottawa.

Chick-fil-A, the third-largest fast-food restaurant in the U.S., began expanding to Canada in 2019. It comes as the popular food chain steps up its international expansion plans.

“I look forward to introducing the city of Ottawa to Chick-fil-A, developing great leaders in my Restaurant, and having the opportunity to positively influence our local community,” said Olubiyi.

Ibukun Olubiyi’s Path to Ottawa and Chick-fil-A

A native of Lagos, Nigeria, Olubiyi was raised in Lagos, London, and Dublin before moving to Canada to complete a bachelor’s degree in sociology at McMaster University. 

During her final year in 2012, she traveled with about 50 students to New Orleans, Louisiana. They collaborated with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for displaced residents still suffering from Hurricane Katrina.

“During our 27-hour drive, we stopped to eat at Chick-fil-A,” she explained. “To be honest, what stood out to me more than the food was the impeccable customer service, especially the Team Members who were extremely courteous as they took my order.”

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Olubiyi moved to Ottawa after graduating in 2012 and obtained a human resources management certificate from Algonquin College. She added an MBA from Loughborough University in the U.K. while still a resident in Ottawa.

Making a difference in Canada

When she heard that Chick-fil-A was expanding across Canada, Ibukun sensed an opportunity to create a true legacy in her local community. 

“Legacy is important to me because I have seen the rewards of a great legacy in my family, where integrity was always at the centre of everything my family did and ultimately set me up for success,” Olubiyi says. 

“I am grateful for the many opportunities I have had in Ottawa after graduating from university, most of which were a result of people taking a chance on me and developing my leadership abilities. I want to be able to do that for other young people in the city.”  

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Ambitious plans for her franchise

Olubiyi intends to prioritize higher wages, mentorship, and life coaching opportunities, such as providing immigration information sessions and financial planning support. 

Beyond supporting her more than 100 Team Members, she looks forward to giving back to the local community through the Chick-fil-A Shared Table™ food donation program, joining local community boards, and getting involved in Ottawa business organizations.

“My vision for my Restaurant is to be a positive influence on everyone we come in contact with in the city of Ottawa,” she says. “Not only do I want to win the hearts of the Kanata community through an exceptional Chick-fil-A experience, but I also want to be a part of the solution for any challenges facing my local neighbourhoods.”

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Chick-fil-A, Inc., is the third largest quick-service restaurant company in the United States. It is known for its freshly prepared food, signature hospitality, and unique franchise model. Independent owner-operators employ more than 200,000 Team Members in more than 3,000 restaurants across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

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