Case Study
MBI Brands: Driving Franchise Growth Through Inclusion, Trust, and Team Empowerment
MBI Brands, one of Canada’s largest privately held restaurant groups, is the force behind two iconic quick service restaurant (QSR) brands: Mary Brown’s Chicken and Fat Bastard Burrito. With more than 350 locations nationwide and ambitious expansion underway, MBI Brands is not only shaping the QSR landscape but also raising the bar on what it means to be a great workplace.
With its, Great Place to Work® Certification, MBI Brands is reinforcing a culture of fairness, safety, and franchise-wide inclusion—ensuring every team member, from kitchen to corporate, is supported by values-driven leadership and actionable feedback.
Meet MBI Brands 
Employees
568 Employees
Industry
Hospitality
HQ Location
ON, Canada
At MBI Brands, culture isn’t a side note—it’s central to the organization’s identity and operational strategy. Insights from the Trust Index™ survey reflect a workplace where fairness, belonging, and enablement are embedded in everyday experiences.
The Values That Set MBI Brands Apart
Fairness Embedded in Everyday Operations+
93% of employees say "people are treated fairly regardless of their position." MBI’s consistent focus on equity makes fairness not just a value, but a daily reality.
A Culture of Safety and Security+
With a 91% score for "This is a physically safe place to work," employees trust that MBI Brands prioritizes both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Welcoming People from Day One+
89% agree "When you join the company, you are made to feel welcome." This focus on inclusion starts with onboarding and carries through every location and role.
Tools and Support to Succeed+
From kitchen to head office, 89% of employees feel "they are given the resources and equipment to do their job." MBI’s operational excellence begins with team enablement.
The Cultural Foundation Behind MBI Brands’ Success
MBI Brands proves that scaling a franchise system doesn’t require sacrificing employee voice. In fact, trust and fairness have become key drivers of growth. By focusing on psychological safety, clear leadership, and equitable practices, MBI is building more than restaurants—it’s building a culture that resonates from head office to every front counter.
Through leadership workshops, professional development, and a consistent focus on employee experience, both Mary Brown’s Chicken and Fat Bastard Burrito locations are equipped not just to serve—but to succeed together.
83% of employees say people are treated fairly
compared to 60% at a typical company in Canada.
“We're thrilled by this recognition, highlighting our commitment to a thriving employee culture, ensuring premium guest experience.”
Hadi Chahin, CEO, MBI Brands
Cultural Achievements
| Dimension | Average Score | Employees Agree | Cultural Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairness | 93% | “People here are treated fairly regardless of their position.” | Reinforces equity and organizational integrity across all locations. |
| Respect | 91% | “This is a physically safe place to work.” | Builds psychological safety and frontline confidence. |
| Camaraderie | 89% | “When you join the company, you are made to feel welcome.” | Drives early engagement and inclusion during onboarding. |
| Credibility | 89% | “I am given the resources and equipment to do my job.” | Strengthens operational trust and individual performance. |
| Pride | 90% | “People here are treated fairly regardless of their race or ethnicity.” | Elevates cultural pride and a sense of shared belonging. |
Turning Insights into Action MBI Brands’ Journey
Trust Index™ Survey insights
Trust Index™ results gave MBI Brands visibility into what matters most in a multi-location workplace—equity, communication, and operational trust. These insights continue to shape leadership development programs, guide inclusive policies, and influence decisions at every level.
From franchisee onboarding to corporate planning, survey results are used not just for reflection—but for action. By turning data into strategy, MBI Brands ensures its values remain visible in every location and every role.
Conclusion: Where Franchise Growth Meets Workplace Trust
MBI Brands proves that franchise growth can go hand in hand with a strong, trust-based culture. Its high scores across all five Trust Dimensions reflect a workplace rooted in purpose, inclusion, and fairness. By investing in people-first practices, MBI is not only expanding its footprint—it’s building a community of empowered teams and shared success.
Tools & Resources
Trust Index™ Survey
This employee feedback tool gave MBI Brands the visibility it needed to identify what’s working, uncover opportunities, and build culture at scale.
Great Place To Work® Certification™
Certification gave MBI Brands credibility as an employer of choice, reinforcing its people-first values to franchisees, staff, and the broader market.