The Beginning: Vancouver, 1999
In the summer of 1999, the first Freshslice Pizza location opened its doors in downtown Vancouver. Founded by Ray Russell, a pizza enthusiast with a vision, this small shop introduced a revolutionary concept to the Canadian pizza scene: fresh, high-quality pizza with unlimited toppings at one affordable price.
The founding concept was simple but powerful - focus on fresh ingredients, healthier options, and exceptional value for customers. Ray believed that pizza didn't have to be unhealthy or expensive to be delicious. This philosophy resonated with health-conscious Vancouverites looking for better food options.
Early Innovation: 2000-2005
In the early 2000s, Freshslice continued to innovate. We were among the first Canadian pizza chains to introduce multigrain crust options, catering to growing consumer interest in healthier alternatives. We also pioneered the by-the-slice model combined with unlimited toppings, making quality pizza more accessible to students, workers, and families on the go.
By 2005, Freshslice had expanded to 15 locations throughout the Greater Vancouver area. Each new store maintained the commitment to fresh ingredients and customer value that had made the original location successful.
"We never wanted to be just another pizza chain. From day one, our mission was to revolutionize how Canadians think about pizza - as something that can be fresh, healthy, and affordable all at once."- Ray Russell, Founder
Growth and Expansion: 2006-2015
The next decade saw Freshslice experience tremendous growth. In 2006, we launched our franchise program, allowing passionate entrepreneurs to bring the Freshslice experience to their own communities. The response was overwhelming, with dozens of applications from across British Columbia in the first year alone.
By 2010, Freshslice had 50 locations across British Columbia and was recognized as one of Canada's fastest-growing restaurant chains. In 2012, we expanded beyond BC for the first time, opening locations in Alberta and beginning our journey to become a truly national brand.
This period also saw the introduction of gluten-free crusts and vegan cheese options, further cementing Freshslice's reputation as an inclusive pizza option for people with various dietary needs and preferences.
Digital Innovation and Nationwide Presence: 2016-Present
In 2016, Freshslice embraced digital transformation with the launch of our mobile app and online ordering system. This technology allowed customers to customize their pizzas, track delivery, and participate in our loyalty rewards program with ease.
The Smart Deals program was introduced in 2018, offering special promotions and value combinations that quickly became customer favorites. That same year, we opened our 75th location, marking a significant milestone in our growth.
Today, with over 100 locations across Canada from British Columbia to Ontario, Freshslice has become a beloved national brand while staying true to our original Vancouver roots and values. We continue to use 100% Canadian cheese, source ingredients from local farms whenever possible, and offer the unlimited toppings value that made us famous.
Looking to the Future
As we celebrate our journey from a single Vancouver storefront to a nationwide presence, we remain committed to innovation, quality, and value. Our plans for the future include continued expansion across Canada, enhanced sustainability initiatives, and new menu innovations that meet evolving consumer preferences while staying true to our fresh, healthy focus.
Freshslice's success story is ultimately about connecting with communities across Canada through great pizza made with quality ingredients. We're proud of our Vancouver roots and excited to continue growing while maintaining the values that have made Freshslice a Canadian favorite for over two decades.
Experience the Freshslice Difference
Visit your nearest Freshslice location today and discover why we've been a Canadian favorite since 1999.
Find a Location Near You
