Ibukun Olubiyi, a dynamic entrepreneur with roots in Nigeria, has made a significant mark in Canada’s capital by opening the first-ever Chick-fil-A restaurant in Ottawa, Ontario. Her journey to this achievement is a testament to her unwavering commitment to creating a legacy centered around community impact, mentorship, and leadership development.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Olubiyi’s life journey has been one of global experiences and educational pursuits. Before moving to Canada, she spent her life in London, England, and Dublin, Ireland, where she pursued her higher education, first earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. During her final year in 2012, Olubiyi participated in a Habitat for Humanity trip to New Orleans, LA, to assist communities still reeling from Hurricane Katrina. This trip marked her first encounter with Chick-fil-A during a stop at one of the chain’s restaurants.
Olubiyi recounted that during their 27-hour drive, they stopped to eat at Chick-fil-A, and what stood out to her more than the food was the impeccable customer service, particularly the team members who were extremely courteous as they took her order. This experience left a lasting impression on her and planted the seeds for her future entrepreneurial journey.
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After completing her degree, Olubiyi remained in Canada’s capital, furthering her education with a human resources management certificate from Algonquin College in Ottawa. She later added an MBA from Loughborough University in the U.K. to her academic achievements, positioning herself as a formidable business and community service leader.
Driven by the desire to be part of Chick-fil-A’s expansion in Canada, Olubiyi pursued the opportunity to open her own location in Ottawa. In July 2024, she officially opened the doors to the city’s first Chick-fil-A restaurant. This milestone marked a business venture and the beginning of her vision to influence the community positively.
“Legacy is important to me because I have seen the rewards of a great legacy in my family, where integrity was always at the centre of everything my family did and ultimately set me up for success,” Olubiyi shared in a news release. Her commitment to this legacy is reflected in her plans for the new restaurant, which go beyond serving food.
Olubiyi has outlined a comprehensive plan for her Chick-fil-A location that includes offering higher wages to her employees, providing mentorship programs, and life coaching opportunities that will encompass critical services like immigration information and financial planning assistance. These initiatives are aimed at empowering young people in Ottawa and helping them navigate their personal and professional journeys.
In addition to supporting her employees, Olubiyi is keen on giving back to the wider community. She plans to integrate the Chick-fil-A Shared Table food donation program at her restaurant. This initiative, created to combat food insecurity, donates surplus food to those in need, further cementing Olubiyi’s commitment to being a positive force in Ottawa.
“My vision for my restaurant is to be a positive influence on everyone we come in contact with within the city of Ottawa,” Olubiyi emphasized. “Not only do I want to win the hearts of the Kanata community through an exceptional Chick-fil-A experience, but I also want to be a part of the solution for any challenges facing my local neighborhoods.”
Ibukun Olubiyi’s entrepreneurial journey is a powerful narrative of perseverance, vision, and dedication to uplifting others. As she continues to build her legacy in Ottawa, she remains focused on creating a lasting impact that will resonate with the community for generations to come.