The newly launched Canadian Franchise Directory is the latest and greatest online Web directory solution focused exclusively on making it easier, faster and smarter than ever for Canadians to shop for the perfect franchise opportunity.

Unlike most franchise directories that take a 'portal approach' to their Website, the Canadian Franchise Directory uses a ‘search-centric approach.’

The difference is a more people-friendly experience that gets you the search information you are looking for quickly, while providing the additional research resources you need to get started on the road to franchise success!

Michael Donato
Founder & President

Michael is the youngest son of a genuine, Canadian franchise family.

His father, Michael Donato Sr., was a hairdresser and owner of four salons he operated with his wife and two eldest hairdressing sons, Lou and John. In 1981, Michael Sr. was approached by one of his landlords to open an ‘Italian eatery.’ The Donato family responded and launched Mrs. Vanelli’s.

In 1983, with 20 locations in Canada, the Donato’s ‘franchised’ their operation and were soon the largest Italian fast food franchise in shopping mall food courts in Canada.

Brother Lou felt food court patrons were ready for something radically new. In 1986, the Teriyaki Experience franchise opened in Toronto with equally sizzling success.

Between 1995-2001, Michael Jr. relocated to Italy to spearhead international development for the family’s two franchises. This is when he identified the intrinsic role the Internet could play in revolutionizing the franchise industry.

By taking the traditional trade show online, franchisors gain national exposure at minimal cost, while affording prospective buyers the convenience of shopping franchise opportunities from the comfort of their home.

In 2001, Michael Jr. returned to Canada and launched ISQ Solutions, a full-service hosting company that has grown into a national industry leader.

Today, Michael is focused on making the CANADIAN FRANCHISE DIRECTORY™ the number one choice for Canadians pursuing franchise opportunities. Phil Falcone
Vice President Marketing & Sales

Phil has over 15 years agency experience servicing some of the biggest companies and brands in the world, including eBay, MSN, Samsung, Unilever, P&G, Intrawest and TD/Canada Trust.

Originally schooled as a copywriter, Phil embraced the new World Wide Web in 1999 and emerged himself in projects in which he could leverage the best of traditional media and integrate them with the revolutionary powers of new digital media.

Since then he has provided strategy, planning and creative direction for a number of boutique agencies, including Holmes Creative Communications, N5R and Mindblossom.

Before joining the CANADIAN FRANCHISE DIRECTORY™, Phil was the Digital Creative Director for Capital C, and spearheaded a number of high profile interactive projects for Dove, Dove Hair, and the popular SCENE loyalty program.

For Immediate Release

October 1, 2008
Canadian Franchise Directory Launches
‘The Smarter Way to Shop for Franchise Opportunities’

(Toronto) – Franchise veteran Michael Donato today announced the launch of the Canadian Franchise Directory as the newest and smartest way for Canadians to shop for Canadian franchise opportunities online.

“The Internet has made it easy for people to search and inquire about franchise opportunities, but most of these solutions take a portal-style approach and overwhelm consumers with more information than they want or can handle,” explains Michael Donato, Founder and President of the Canadian Franchise Directory,

“We represent the next generation of directory Website solutions by offering Canadians an extremely, people-friendly ‘search’ approach that is that quickly gives you the information you are looking, while providing the additional research resources you need to get started on the road to franchise success!”

Canadians interested in potential franchise opportunities can conduct a simple search based on business categories such as Automotive, Retail, and the very popular Fast Food and Full-Service Restaurants, as well as investment levels and location.

Each search produces a list of relevant results that link to a Profile page that details valuable investment information.

To complete the process, Canadians sign-up for free online to immediately contact franchises about their interest, download a franchise brochure or view the franchise Website.

Creating even more confidence in your investment decision is a downloadable Franchise ‘How-to-Get-Started’ Guide and a Franchise Supplier Directory of all the professional service organizations you’ll need including lawyers, accountants and financing companies.

“In times of economic uncertainty such as these, franchises continue to prove their worth by significantly outperforming all other means of private enterprise,” adds Donato. “The Canadian Franchise Directory is a simple, private and easily accessible tool Canadians should consider when planning their next career or business choice.”

Based in downtown Toronto, the Canadian Franchise Directory is available online for Canadians to access 24/7. Franchises interested in listing should click on the Advertise link to complete a profile page and online registration form. For more information, contact:

Lisa Dobson
National Sales Manager
416.703.9622 x2X
lisa@franchisedirectory.ca