Triple O’s entry into Ontario reflects a bold vision to bring their great tasting 100% Canadian beef burgers to more Canadians.
With a loyal customer base that has been steadily growing since 1997, Triple O’s now has 71 restaurants in Canada and abroad in Asia.
“I can’t tell you how many times guests, potential franchisees and even famous expats living in Ontario ask us when we plan to open a restaurant in the province,” said Triple O’s and White Spot President Warren Erhart. “Well, that day has come in a major way. This is a competitive burger market, but we stand by our unparalleled taste that has converted legions of burger lovers alike.”
A Canadian story: A history of firsts
Triple O’s is a spin-off of White Spot Restaurants, Canada’s longest-running restaurant chain and the country’s first chain of burger restaurants. Founder Nat Bailey started White Spot in 1928 as a traveling lunch counter in the back of his Model T Ford. He then opened Canada’s first drive-in in Vancouver in 1928. White Spot was at the dawn of a change brought on by the automobile. It was the “Roaring Twenties” and the car was transforming society, making it easier and quicker to get to a destination. Nat pioneered the ‘car hop’ – waiters who would ‘hop’ to it and deliver food to guests in their vehicles.
What’s in a name? (Or two names to be exact)
Nat was so committed to having the cleanest spot in town that he named his restaurant ‘White Spot’, where spotlessly clean restaurants became known as the go to spot for everyone. According to legend, the name for Nat’s secret Triple ‘O’ Sauce came from shorthand used by the carhops filling out order slips. Guests could choose from several toppings. An X meant hold, an O meant extra, and Triple ‘O’ meant plenty of sauce!
Persevering through a pandemic
Triple O’s was set to open in Ontario in the summer of 2020 but pushed its plans back by six months due to COVID-19.
“Nobody’s business plan included a pandemic, and we had to adjust our timing and market entry,” said Erhart. “However, what we’ve learned in the ensuing time is invaluable. People want taste and quality but also safety and convenience. They are more comfortable going to a drive thru or using food delivery services for safety. That’s what we are offering – a better burger experience, but with quick-service speed, enabled by technology.”
After the first two restaurant openings in Mississauga and Vaughan this winter, subsequent restaurants will be in Toronto, as well as a second restaurant in Vaughan, and a Hamilton location. The company will also be operating its On The Go Truck, a 30-foot mobile restaurant serving its famous offerings. Triple O’s quick-serve restaurants will offer drive-thru, curbside pickup using the Triple O’s mobile app, dine-in service (once restrictions end), and delivery through SkipTheDishes and DoorDash.
