Osmow’s Celebrates 25 Years, 250 Locations and More Than 50 Million Shawarmas Sold

Since opening in 2001, the family-led company has sold more than 50 million shawarmas and helped introduce the dish to a broader Canadian audience.

“When I opened our first restaurant, I wanted to share food that was familiar to me with the community around us,” said Sam Osmow, Founder of Osmow’s. “I never imagined that 25 years later, we would be celebrating 250 locations and more than 50 million shawarmas sold. This milestone belongs to every customer, employee and franchisee who believed in us.”

Osmow’s began when Sam purchased a small Streetsville sub shop and gradually transformed its menu around the Middle Eastern flavours he prepared for himself and his family. As customers embraced the food, the restaurant developed the modern Mediterranean concept that would become Osmow’s.

The company went on to popularize signature creations including Chicken ON THE ROCKS® and Chicken ON THE STIX®. In 2020, Osmow’s also established National Shawarma Day, now celebrated annually on October 15 as a wider celebration of shawarma and Middle Eastern cuisine.

“National Shawarma Day is our annual Customer Appreciation Day—a chance for us to give back to the customers who have supported us by bringing back original in-restaurant pricing,” said Sam Osmow.

Today, Osmow’s is led by two generations of the Osmow family. Sam’s son, Ben Osmow, serves as Chief Executive Officer, while his daughter, Bernadette Osmow, serves as President.

Together, they oversee operations while maintaining its family-business roots.

“Our father built Osmow’s by listening to his customers, taking risks and remaining closely connected to the community,” said Ben Osmow, Chief Executive Officer of Osmow’s. “As we enter our next chapter, our responsibility is to protect those values while creating new opportunities for our franchisees, employees and customers.”

Although Osmow’s now operates across North America—with established markets in Miami, Michigan, Virginia and New Jersey, along with recent expansion into Ohio and Texas—the company remains headquartered in Mississauga, with nearby manufacturing operations and more than ten restaurants across the city.

Sam’s contribution to the community was recognized in August 2026 when he received the Key to City from the City of Mississauga. Osmow’s has also been recognized among Canada’s Best Managed Companies and received Foodservice and Hospitality’s 2023 Pinnacle Award for Company of the Year. In 2025, Sam was named a recipient of a Top Canadian Immigrant Award.

As Osmow’s looks toward its next years, the company is continuing its commitment to community impact through Osmow’s Hope Fund. Established in 2020, the fund supports food-security initiatives by partnering locally with Second Harvest and internationally with Mary’s Meals.

Customers are invited to visit Osmow’s restaurants on October 15 to celebrate National Shawarma Day and enjoy original in-restaurant pricing.