Sotos Franchise Lawyers Contribute to Award-Winning Tariff Wars Series
Sotos LLP is pleased to share that Foodservice and Hospitality Magazine’s Tariff Wars series has received a Silver Medal at the 2026 National Magazine Awards.
The award-winning series includes “Tariff Turmoil: U.S. tariffs and Canadian counter tariffs will have an impact on the franchise industry,” written by Sotos lawyers Peter Viitre, Jason Brisebois and Nicole Perez.
The National Magazine Awards recognize excellence in Canadian trade, professional and association publishing. The 2026 awards were judged by industry professionals who evaluated hundreds of submissions from across Canada.
Sotos LLP is credited as one of the writers of the Silver-winning Tariff Wars series alongside contributors from Foodservice and Hospitality Magazine.
Published in the May 2025 issue of Foodservice and Hospitality Magazine, Peter, Jason and Nicole’s article examines the potential impact of U.S. tariffs and Canadian counter-tariffs on franchisors and franchisees operating in Canada.
Tariffs can create challenges throughout a franchise system, particularly where businesses rely on cross-border supply chains, imported food products, equipment, materials or other goods. Increased costs can affect both franchisors and franchisees and may require businesses to reconsider sourcing, pricing, operational practices and contractual arrangements.
The article discusses several considerations for Canadian franchise systems responding to changing trade conditions, including:
- reviewing supply chains and considering alternative sourcing strategies;
- identifying operational efficiencies that may help offset increased costs;
- assessing whether franchise disclosure documents and franchise agreements adequately address tariff-related risks and changing economic conditions; and
- ensuring that marketing claims such as “Made in Canada” and “Product of Canada” comply with applicable Canadian laws and regulatory requirements.
For franchise systems operating across Canada and the United States, rapidly changing trade measures can have legal and commercial consequences that extend beyond the immediate cost of imported goods.
About the Authors
Peter Viitre advises franchisors and franchisees on franchise law and the commercial and regulatory issues affecting franchise systems. His practice includes franchise agreements, franchise disclosure and other matters involving the operation and growth of franchise businesses.
Jason Brisebois is a corporate and commercial lawyer whose practice includes franchise law, mergers and acquisitions and commercial transactions. He advises businesses on transactions and commercial arrangements across a range of industries.
Nicole Perez advises clients on franchise and commercial matters, including legal issues affecting franchisors, franchisees and businesses operating within franchise systems.
Read “Tariff Turmoil: U.S. tariffs and Canadian counter tariffs will have an impact on the franchise industry” in the May 2025 issue of Foodservice and Hospitality Magazine: https://digital-issue.foodserviceandhospitality.com/may-2025/page-26.