Julia Calandra, the new owner-operator of Chick-fil-A in Newmarket, is excited to open the restaurant on November 14 at 1111 Davis Drive. She aims to create a strong sense of community through her work at the fast-food chain.
Calandra, who holds dual Canadian-American citizenship, initially dreamed of becoming a teacher. However, after working at Chick-fil-A, she realized she could achieve her goal of helping others grow by becoming a restaurant owner. While studying at a university in Florida, she sought to make her restaurant experience educational.
“My goal is to lead with a servant heart and encourage continuous learning,” Calandra said in a news release. “I look forward to living that out every day as a local business owner.”
Chick-fil-A has been expanding in Canada and will have 20 locations by the end of the year. The chain is known for its chicken sandwiches, waffle fries, and salads. Calandra previously served as a grand opening trainer for new Chick-fil-A restaurants in Canada, including one in Kitchener. She is the first Canadian team member selected as a local owner-operator.
“Helping to open the first free-standing Chick-fil-A restaurant in Canada was very exciting,” Calandra said. “Continuing to be part of the brand’s international expansion sparked a new drive in me.”
To celebrate the opening, Chick-fil-A will donate about $34,000 to Second Harvest, a local non-profit organization focused on food rescue. Since expanding into Canada, Chick-fil-A has donated around $2 million to hunger-relief organizations.
The company operates on “Biblical principles” and has faced controversy in the U.S. due to past anti-LGBTQ comments made by former owner Dan Cathy. In 2019, Chick-fil-A announced it would stop donating to anti-LGBTQ causes and instead focus on combating hunger and homelessness.
Calandra is committed to giving back to Newmarket. Her restaurant will donate surplus food to local non-profits through the Chick-fil-A Shared Table program.
“I want people in Newmarket to know how much community means to me,” Calandra said. “I cherish being part of our guests’ and team members’ lives. When guests visit my restaurant, I want them to feel welcomed and cared for. For my team members, I want them to know they have a local owner-operator who will support them and help them achieve their dreams.”
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