Brampton marked another major milestone in its food-processing and agri-food economy as Maple Lodge Farms officially opened its newly rebuilt Chicken Shop flagship location, representing a $30 million reinvestment by one of the city’s most historic and established employers.
The grand opening was celebrated at 8175 Winston Churchill Boulevard with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and facility tour attended by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, Regional Councillor Gurpartap Singh Toor, Regional Councillor Michael Palleschi, Maple Lodge Farms CEO Fred Marques, and company representatives.
The new 24,000-square-foot flagship facility modernizes and expands Maple Lodge Farms’ longstanding retail operations, transforming The Chicken Shop into a larger food-service and retail destination for Brampton residents and surrounding communities.
The redeveloped location includes expanded prepared food offerings, a full quick-service restaurant with seating areas, a signature retail counter, an expanded butcher shop, and a selection of locally sourced products.
The investment is expected to create 80 new jobs while supporting Ontario farmers, food producers, vendors, and suppliers.
The Chicken Shop has served Brampton and neighbouring communities for more than 50 years and continues to be recognized as both a trusted retail destination and a local gathering space. The newly rebuilt location builds on that legacy while offering a more modern and convenient customer experience.
Founded in 1955 and headquartered in Brampton, Maple Lodge Farms is Canada’s largest independent, family-owned poultry processor. The company employs close to 3,300 people across its operations and remains one of Brampton’s most important private-sector employers.
The new flagship location also reflects Maple Lodge Farms’ ongoing commitment to supporting Ontario’s food economy. The facility features products from more than 25 local vendors and suppliers, strengthening ties between Brampton consumers and Ontario producers.
Mayor Patrick Brown said the project demonstrates continued business confidence in Brampton and its future.
“Maple Lodge Farms’ continued investment in Brampton is a strong reflection of the confidence businesses have in our city and its future,” Brown said. “This new flagship Chicken Shop location builds on a proud local legacy while supporting jobs, local suppliers and Ontario food producers.”
Regional Councillor Gurpartap Singh Toor, Chair of Economic Development, said the investment reinforces Brampton’s position as a leader in food processing and advanced manufacturing.
“Maple Lodge Farms has been an important part of our local economy for decades, and projects like this help strengthen our supply chains, support local employment and create new opportunities for businesses across the region,” Toor said.
Regional Councillor Rowena Santos, Vice-Chair of Economic Development, said Maple Lodge Farms’ continued reinvestment reflects the strength of Brampton’s business environment and workforce.
“The Chicken Shop creates a modern, welcoming space for residents while supporting local vendors, food producers and economic growth across our city,” Santos said.
Regional Councillor Navjit Kaur Brar said Maple Lodge Farms has been part of Brampton’s community fabric for generations and praised the company for continuing to grow locally.
Regional Councillor Michael Palleschi added that the investment shows how established Brampton companies are modernizing and investing in the city’s future.
Maple Lodge Farms CEO Fred Marques said the new Chicken Shop reflects the company’s continued commitment to Brampton, its employees, and the community it serves.
“Maple Lodge Farms has been a proud, leading employer in Brampton for decades,” Marques said. “Our investment in the renewal and expansion of The Chicken Shop reflects our continued commitment to our employees and to the community we serve.”
The grand opening also highlights Brampton’s broader economic growth in food processing, advanced manufacturing, and innovation-driven industries.
City officials say Brampton continues to attract major investments from globally competitive manufacturers and food-processing companies seeking to expand and modernize operations. Recent investments from companies such as Socomec Canada, Coca-Cola Canada Bottling, and Marcangelo Foods have further strengthened the city’s industrial base and local supply chains.
With the opening of its new flagship Chicken Shop, Maple Lodge Farms is not only celebrating its deep roots in Brampton but also reaffirming its confidence in the city’s future as a hub for food production, job creation, and business growth.