Canada’s Delivery-Only Food Revolution: Why Virtual QSRs Are the Future, and Why You Should Invest Now!

The Canadian foodservice industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation. As consumer expectations shift toward convenience, speed, and variety, the market is responding with a rapid surge in virtual quick-service restaurant (QSR) brands and delivery-only models. Enabled by third-party delivery apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and SkipTheDishes, and empowered by lean, tech-forward operations, this sector is becoming one of the most compelling investment opportunities in the food and beverage landscape.

In this post, we will explore the trends, numbers, and forecasts shaping this shift, and explain why now is the moment to invest in virtual restaurant brands and delivery infrastructure in Canada.

The Data: Market Trends and Forecasts for Canada’s Online Food Delivery Market

Canada’s online food delivery market has witnessed remarkable growth over the last five years, a trend that shows no signs of slowing. According to Deliverect (a Canadian software integration company), the market reached $8.99B in 2025 and is projected to rise to $28.64B by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7%.

This growth is fuelled by consumer demand for convenience, evolving dietary preferences, and the widespread adoption of delivery platforms. Canadians are not only ordering more, they are becoming more selective, favouring platforms and restaurants that align with their values around health, affordability, and sustainability.

The majority of Canadian restaurant goers are active users of food delivery platforms, with 54% having used Uber Eats and 49% having used DoorDash in the past 12 months.

Foodservice Industry Forecast

In broad terms, Canada’s foodservice market is on a healthy trajectory. According to a 2025 forecast, the industry is expected to grow from $84.1B in 2025 to $135.52B by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 5.43%.

The factors driving this growth include:

• The increased urbanization of major centers and dual-income households

• A growing reliance on mobile ordering and app-based dining, and

• A much higher demand for customizable, healthy, and allergy-friendly meal options

A Paradigm Shift: The Rise of Virtual QSRs

Virtual QSRs, also known as ghost kitchens, cloud kitchens, or delivery-only restaurants, are disrupting the traditional restaurant model by eliminating the need for dine-in real estate. These operations focus exclusively on delivery and pickup, using centralized or under-utilized kitchen spaces and leveraging technology to streamline everything from ordering to fulfillment. If you combine this shift in the way restaurants conduct business, and add them as an option for existing restaurants to expand their business. That is a recipe for success!

Why Virtual QSRs Are So Attractive

1. Lower Startup and Operating Costs

With virtual brands there are no additional rent costs, no large staffing needs, or the overhead associated with front-of-house operations. This means:

• Faster launch timelines (10-14 days)

• Higher profit margins (increases of 30-50%), and

• Lower risk of financial failure (Your business is more sustainable)

2. Agility and Scalability

Want to test a vegan burger brand in Vancouver? Launch a poke bowl line in Calgary? With a virtual model, you can roll out new concepts across markets in weeks, not months or years, and adjust your offerings in real-time based on customer feedback and data analytics.

3. Tech-First Model

From AI-driven order prediction to kitchen automation and delivery optimization, virtual QSRs are built for a digitally native generation. These brands thrive in ecosystems driven by data, automation, and cloud-based logistics.

The Role of Third-Party Delivery Applications

Third-party delivery platforms have become essential infrastructure for virtual QSRs. These apps provide:

• Instant access to large customer bases

• Logistics and last-mile delivery support

• Built-in marketing and promotion tools, and

• Valuable consumer data and trend insights

Platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash and Skip The Dishes, continue to dominate, with increasing investments in white-label delivery solutions and integration services that allow restaurants to plug directly into the ecosystem without needing to build delivery systems from scratch.

Why Now Is the Time to Invest

With the convergence of market readiness, consumer behavior, and operational innovation this one of the most exciting periods to enter the virtual QSR and food delivery space.

Here’s why:

1. First-Mover Advantage Is Still in Play

While the U.S. market has seen saturation in some urban centers, Canada is still in the expansion phase. Operators who move now will secure prime digital territory in underdeveloped delivery zones and build brand equity before the market peaks.

2. Consumer Habits Have Permanently Changed

The pandemic may have accelerated food delivery usage, but it also normalized it. Ordering in is no longer a convenience, it’s a lifestyle. The majority of consumers under 60 regularly order food online and are loyal to brands that offer consistent quality, fast service, and unique menus.

3. Low Capital, High Potential

Compared to traditional brick-and-mortar restaurant investments, virtual QSRs offer:

• Lower capital expenditure

• Faster break-even timelines, and

• Easier expansion through franchising or licensing.

4. High ROI in a Digitally Driven Market

Whether through owning virtual brands, operating commissary kitchens, or investing in the infrastructure, the opportunities for high return on investment are numerous, especially as third-party delivery apps expand into new regions and offer more data-driven monetization tools.

Final Thoughts

The Canadian foodservice and delivery industry is at a pivotal moment. With double-digit growth expected in virtual QSRs, sustained consumer demand for delivery, and a technology ecosystem that continues to evolve rapidly, there has never been a better time to invest.

Whether you’re a restaurateur looking to future-proof your business, an entrepreneur exploring scalable ventures, or an investor seeking high-growth opportunities, virtual delivery-only brands should be on your radar.

About the Author

David Chadwick is the President and Founder of EpiCore Virtual Brands, a virtual QSR restaurant licensing company that is committed to helping restaurants be more successful. David is a 40 year veteran of the restaurant industry who has a passion for ensuring the long term viability of independent restaurants. For more information about EpiCore Brands and how they can help you succeed, please contact us at epicorebrands@gmail.com