DECEMBER 2013
H
business elite canada
5
day, the company created in-
teresting menu choices such
as “butter chicken pizza” and
“oven bakes samosas.” The
company prides itself on their
use of high quality food prod-
ucts, like their chicken top-
pings from Maple Leaf. Pizza
Depot was very conscious of
including vegetarian-friendly
options. Their menu offer-
ings include pizzas that are
inspired by Greek, Mexican,
and south Asian cuisine. Ad-
ditionally, their cheese con-
tains no rennet, and their dip-
ping sauces contain no egg.
Mahil admits these atypical
additions were met with skep-
ticism, but they have paid off.
“We are unique and different
and we love competition,”
says Mahil. “We have prod-
ucts that nobody else has.”
Though initially going for the
south Asian market for busi-
ness, Pizza Depot has gained
mainstream momentum and
has restaurants all throughout
Ontario and Alberta.
The firm quickly became a
success and they began to of-
fer franchise opportunities to
the public. “Since then, we’ve
opened 3-4 stores each year,”
says Mahil. The company
boasts low start-up fees to
those interested in franchis-
ing, as well as comprehensive
training programs, covering
areas such as general store
operations, customer service,
sales support and marketing.
Mahil’s initial experience as a
franchise owner has informed
how he runs his business. “In-
stead of percentage royalties,
we offer flat royalties - after
that they can make whatever
they want to make,” he says.
Pizza Depot takes an active
interest in the community and
often provides sponsorship
to various organizations like
community soccer and hockey
teams. They are passionate
about breast cancer aware-
ness, and contribute their ef-
