Is Harvey’s Canadian Owned?
Harvey’s, a well-known Canadian fast-food chain, has been a staple in the Canadian culinary landscape for decades. With its iconic red and white sign and a menu filled with classic Canadian dishes, Harvey’s has become synonymous with Canadian culture. However, there has been much debate over the years regarding whether Harvey’s is truly Canadian-owned. In this article, we will delve into the history and ownership of Harvey’s to determine if it is indeed a Canadian-owned brand.
Harvey’s was founded in 1947 by brothers Frank and Harry Harvey in Edmonton, Alberta. The brothers started with a single restaurant and quickly expanded their business, opening more locations across Canada. Over the years, Harvey’s has become a symbol of Canadiana, with its focus on traditional Canadian dishes such as the Harvey Burger, Poutine, and the iconic Canadian breakfast.
The question of whether Harvey’s is Canadian-owned arises from the fact that the company has changed hands several times over the years. In 1990, Harvey’s was acquired by the American company Wendy’s International, which owned it until 2004. During this period, there was a significant amount of controversy surrounding the brand’s Canadian identity, with some Canadians feeling that the American ownership was diluting the brand’s Canadian roots.
In 2004, Harvey’s was purchased by the Canadian company Cara Operations, which has since become the largest Canadian-owned and operated quick-service restaurant company. This acquisition was seen as a positive step for Harvey’s, as it returned to Canadian ownership and allowed the brand to maintain its Canadian identity.
So, is Harvey’s Canadian-owned? The answer is yes. With Cara Operations at the helm, Harvey’s has once again become a Canadian-owned and operated brand. The company has continued to support local suppliers and invest in Canadian agriculture, reinforcing its commitment to the Canadian market.
While the brand has experienced changes in ownership, Harvey’s has always remained true to its Canadian roots. The iconic red and white sign, the classic Canadian dishes, and the strong connection to Canadian culture are all elements that have contributed to Harvey’s success as a Canadian-owned fast-food chain. As Canadians, we can take pride in the fact that Harvey’s is indeed Canadian-owned and continues to be a cherished part of our culinary heritage.
