Ibukun Olubiyi has become a trailblazer in Canada’s capital by opening the first Chick-fil-A restaurant in Ottawa, Ontario.
Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, Olubiyi’s journey from international student to successful entrepreneur highlights the power of perseverance and community impact.
Olubiyi’s path to ownership began with her move to Canada to study at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. In 2012, during a volunteer trip with Habitat for Humanity, Olubiyi had her first encounter with Chick-fil-A while traveling through the United States.
The experience left a lasting impression on her—not just for the food, but for the exceptional customer service.
“During our 27-hour drive, we stopped to eat at Chick-fil-A… 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,” Olubiyi recalled during a recent interview.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in sociology, Olubiyi continued her education at Algonquin College in Ottawa, where she obtained a human resources management certificate.
She later added an MBA from Loughborough University in the U.K. and settled in Canada’s capital, where she decided to pursue a career that would allow her to make a positive impact on her community.
When Chick-fil-A announced plans to expand its presence in Canada, Olubiyi was eager to be part of that growth. Her Ottawa location officially opened in July 2024, marking a significant milestone as the first Chick-fil-A in the city.
“Legacy is important to me because I have seen the rewards of a great legacy in my family, where integrity was always at the center of everything my family did and ultimately set me up for success,” Olubiyi shared in a news release. “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.”
Olubiyi’s vision for her restaurant goes beyond serving meals. She plans to implement higher wages, mentorship programs, and life coaching opportunities that include immigration support and financial planning resources for her employees.
Additionally, she will integrate Chick-fil-A’s Shared Table food donation program, which aims to address food insecurity by donating surplus food to those in need.
“My vision for my restaurant is to be a positive influence on everyone we come in contact with in the city of Ottawa,” Olubiyi said. “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 neighborhoods.”
With her leadership and commitment to community development, Olubiyi sets a new standard for entrepreneurship in Canada’s food service industry, making history while paving the way for future generations.
