Quick answer: There is no single best convenience store franchise in Ontario. The right choice depends on your budget, preferred format (standalone, gas station combo, or vape), royalty structure, training and site support. Compare the franchise fee, total investment, ongoing royalties and franchisor track record, then review the Franchise Disclosure Document with a franchise lawyer before signing anything.
Choosing a convenience store franchise in Ontario is a large financial commitment, and “best” means different things to different buyers. A format that suits a first-time owner with a modest budget can be a poor fit for an experienced operator who wants a gas station combo. This guide explains how to compare your options, what the market looks like, which rules apply, and what to check before you sign. Infinity Mart publishes this guide, so we kept the comparison criteria-based and saved our own details for the end.
What makes a convenience store franchise the best choice for you?
The best franchise is the one whose numbers, support and rules match your goals and your finances. Use the table below to compare any two or three brands side by side.
| Factor | What to look for | Question to ask the franchisor |
| Total investment | Franchise fee, fixtures, inventory, licences, working capital | What is the full cost to open, in writing? |
| Ongoing fees | Royalties, marketing fund, technology fees | What do I pay each month, and how are fees calculated? |
| Store format | Standalone, gas station combo or vape | Which format fits my budget and experience? |
| Training and support | Length of training, help with site selection and opening | Who supports me after opening day? |
| Supplier terms | Required suppliers, pricing, product rules | Can I source products outside the system? |
| Track record | Years operating, number of stores, owner satisfaction | Can I speak with current and former owners? |
| Exit terms | Renewal, transfer and termination conditions | What happens if I want to sell or leave? |
How big is the convenience store market in Ontario?
IBISWorld counted 4,424 convenience store businesses in Ontario in 2026, a number that has slipped by an average of 0.6% a year since 2021. Across Canada, the industry is worth about $11.2 billion in 2026 and includes roughly 10,006 businesses. A 2024 trade report put the number of convenience stores in the province closer to 6,700, so totals vary depending on how each source defines a convenience store.
All of these figures point the same way: the market is mature and steady rather than fast growing. For a buyer, that means location quality and franchisor support matter more than hoping the market grows on its own.
What types of convenience store franchise are available in Ontario?
Most opportunities fall into three formats.
Standalone convenience stores
These are usually leased units in plazas, residential areas or near transit. Startup costs are generally lower than fuel formats, but sales depend heavily on foot traffic and opening hours, and you carry the staffing load.
Gas station and convenience combos
These pair a store with fuel sales, and some add a car wash. They offer more than one revenue stream but usually need more capital, and the fuel supply agreement adds another set of terms to review.
Vape and specialty formats
These stores use a smaller footprint and often a lower entry cost. They are also more tightly regulated, so check which product and licensing rules apply before committing.
How much does a convenience store franchise cost in Ontario?
Costs vary by brand, format and location, so no single figure applies to every franchise. Most buyers should plan for these cost categories:
- Franchise fee
- Leasehold improvements, fixtures and signage
- Opening inventory
- Licences, permits and deposits
- Legal and accounting fees
- Working capital to cover the first several months
Ask each franchisor for a written breakdown of all costs, and ask current owners how their actual costs compared with the estimates. No franchisor can guarantee profit, so treat any promised return with caution.
Convenience store franchise vs. convenience store for sale: which is better?
A franchise gives you a proven brand, supplier pricing and training, in exchange for fees and rules about products, decor and operations. An independent convenience store for sale gives you more freedom and no royalties, but you build the brand, negotiate suppliers and take on more risk.
In both cases, protect yourself with the same steps:
- Have an accountant review the financial statements, not just the asking price.
- Confirm that the lease can be assigned or renewed on workable terms.
- Check inventory, equipment and any licences that come with the sale.
- Ask why the current owner is selling.
What does Ontario law require before you buy a franchise?
Ontario’s Arthur Wishart Act (Franchise Disclosure), 2000 requires a franchisor to give you a disclosure document at least 14 days before you sign any agreement or pay any money. If the document arrives late or does not meet the legal requirements, you may be able to rescind (cancel) the agreement within 60 days of receiving it. If you never receive a disclosure document, that window extends to two years from signing.
Use the 14 days to read every page, and have a lawyer who works in franchise law review it. This section is general information, not legal advice.
What licences and rules apply to an Ontario convenience store?
Selling beer, cider, wine or ready-to-drink beverages requires a convenience store licence from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). Since September 5, 2024, eligible convenience stores have been able to sell these products. Eligible stores generally have 4,000 square feet or less of retail floor space. The LCBO is the sole wholesaler for these products, and display rules require that at least 20% of the beer containers on display come from small breweries. AGCO’s launch materials listed a $500 annual licence fee, so confirm the current amount on the AGCO website.
Tobacco, vape and lottery sales have their own rules and approvals. Ask the franchisor which of these are already in place at a location and what must be transferred to you.
What should you check before you sign? A due diligence checklist
- Read the full disclosure document with a franchise lawyer.
- Speak with at least three current owners and, if possible, one former owner.
- Visit existing stores at different times of day.
- Compare total cost and ongoing fees across two or three franchisors.
- Have an accountant test the sales projections against real owner results.
- Review the lease, including term, renewal and assignment rights.
- Confirm which licences transfer to you and which you must apply for.
- Read the renewal, transfer and termination clauses closely.
Where does Infinity Mart fit?
Infinity Mart is a premium convenience retail and franchise company in Canada established in 2022. It operates 20 locations across Ontario, Manitoba and Quebec, in formats that include standalone stores, gas station combos and vape locations. Its vape franchise opportunities start from about $39,000, with most locations up to $50,000, plus inventory.
We suggest you review any Infinity Mart opportunity with the same checklist above and compare it against other brands before deciding. Current opportunities are listed on our website.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best convenience store franchise to buy in Ontario?
The best option depends on your budget, format and the support you need. Compare total investment, royalties, training and track record, and speak with current franchisees before deciding.
How much does a convenience store franchise cost in Ontario?
Costs vary by brand, format and location. Expect a franchise fee, fixtures, opening inventory, licences and working capital. The disclosure document sets out the fees you must pay.
Is a convenience store franchise profitable in Ontario?
Results depend on location, sales mix and operating costs, and no franchisor can guarantee profit. Ask for financial information and speak with existing owners, since the overall market is mature and steady.
What licences do you need to run a convenience store in Ontario?
Selling beer, cider, wine or ready-to-drink beverages requires an AGCO convenience store licence. Tobacco, vape and lottery sales have separate approvals, and local business licence rules depend on your municipality.
Is it better to buy a franchise or an independent convenience store for sale?
A franchise offers brand recognition, training and supplier pricing in exchange for fees and rules. An independent store offers freedom and no royalties but more risk. The better choice depends on your experience and budget.
What should you ask before signing a franchise agreement in Ontario?
Ask for the disclosure document at least 14 days before signing, have a franchise lawyer review it, and confirm every fee. Also ask about renewal, transfer and termination terms.
Can you buy a convenience store franchise with no retail experience?
Yes, many franchisors provide training. You still need to manage staff, inventory and cash flow, so ask how long training lasts and what support continues after opening.
Final thoughts
The best convenience store franchise in Ontario is the one you can afford, understand and operate well. Compare costs and fees in writing, speak with current owners, and have a lawyer review the disclosure document before you commit. If you would like to see what Infinity Mart offers, you are welcome to browse our current opportunities on our website.