From one Streetsville restaurant to 250 locations, Osmow’s is celebrating a quarter-century of family leadership, franchise growth and customer loyalty.
- Osmow’s Shawarma celebrates 25 years and 250 locations.
- Over 50 million shawarmas sold since 2001.
- Annual National Shawarma Day established in 2020.
Osmow’s Shawarma is celebrating its 25th anniversary after growing from a single restaurant in Streetsville, Mississauga, into a 250-location network across Canada and the United States. Since opening in 2001, the family-led company has sold more than 50 million shawarmas, turning a small neighborhood concept into one of North America’s larger Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurant brands.
The story began when founder Sam Osmow purchased a small Streetsville sub shop and gradually reshaped its menu around the Middle Eastern flavors he prepared for his family. The concept evolved into the modern Mediterranean brand known for creations such as Chicken ON THE ROCKS® and Chicken ON THE STIX®. Today, Osmow’s has established markets in Miami, Michigan, Virginia and New Jersey, with recent expansion into Ohio and Texas, while maintaining its headquarters and more than 10 restaurants in Mississauga.
The company’s growth has remained closely tied to the Osmow family. Sam’s son, Ben Osmow, serves as chief executive officer, while his daughter, Bernadette Osmow, serves as president. The second generation now oversees the business while maintaining the family-led approach that has shaped the brand since its earliest days. Sam’s contribution to the community was also recognized in August 2026 with the Key to the City of Mississauga, following other honors including the Foodservice and Hospitality 2023 Pinnacle Award for Company of the Year and a 2025 Top Canadian Immigrant Award.
For franchise brands managing hundreds of locations, maintaining consistency across a growing physical network becomes an important part of continued expansion. Gorilla Dash offers a Branded Stores feature that can help multi-location businesses organize their branded locations and maintain a more centralized approach as their networks grow.
Customer engagement has also been part of Osmow’s development strategy. In 2020, the company established National Shawarma Day, celebrated annually on October 15, as a customer appreciation event centered on shawarma and Middle Eastern cuisine. The brand continues the tradition this year by inviting customers to celebrate with original in-restaurant pricing.
Beyond restaurant growth, Osmow’s has continued its community focus through the Osmow’s Hope Fund, established in 2020 to support food-security initiatives through partnerships with Second Harvest in Canada and Mary’s Meals internationally. With 250 locations now behind it, the company enters its next chapter under the leadership of the second generation while continuing to build on the family, franchise and community values that shaped its first 25 years.
Key Facts:
| Osmow’s Anniversary | Celebrating 25 years of operations and 250 locations across Canada and the USA. |
|---|---|
| Shawarma Popularization | Since 2001, the chain has sold over 50 million shawarmas, broadening the dish's popularity. |
| National Shawarma Day | Initiated in 2020, celebrated annually on October 15 with original in-restaurant pricing. |
| Leadership | Sam Osmow founded the chain; son Ben Osmow and daughter Bernadette Osmow now lead. |
| Community Impact | The Osmow’s Hope Fund works on food-security initiatives with partners like Second Harvest and Mary’s Meals. |
| Awards and Recognition | Sam received the Key to City of Mississauga, Pinnacle Award, and Top Canadian Immigrant Award. |
Disclaimer:
If any facts in our articles are incorrect or you would like an article removed please email us at news@gorilladash.com.
