Ontario fast food chain scraps U.S. expansion plans amid trade war

Amid rising tensions from the trade wars, many in Ontario are opting to buy local products when it comes to their everyday purchases. Even Ontario-owned businesses are considering this when it comes to talks about expansion.

Recently, Ontario-based vegan fast food chain Odd Burger put out a press release stating that it would be halting its U.S. expansion plans due to "escalating political tensions between Canada and the U.S."

"Given the global tariff uncertainty, we are putting the brakes on our U.S. expansion until pricing metrics can be formulated with certainty," said James McInnes, CEO and co-founder of Odd Burger. "We are also seeing increased demand for our products in Canada, and as a Canadian Company, we want to make sure that we focus on our core market at this time."

Additionally, the company added that it believes it can help other Canadian companies transition to plant-based products made in Canada and sees a significant growth opportunity in supporting the Canadian market.

Currently, Odd Burger operates 17 locations across Canada, most of which are located in Ontario. Currently, three locations (one in Alberta and two in Ontario) are listed as "coming soon" on the company's website.

Many other Canadian businesses are also opting to stay local, with many removing menu items like U.S. beer and other U.S.-sourced products.

A number of Canadians are also to stay local, with half a million fewer travellers from Canada heading to the U.S. in February 2025 in comparison to February 2024.

We reached out to Odd Burger for more information.