Groupex Canada: 40 Years of Helping the Canadian Foodservice Industry

A Conversation with Paul Methot, President and CEO of Groupex

Groupex Canada started in 1984 when a small group of independent Alberta restaurant owners came together to tackle the challenge of competing with national chains by pooling their resources to unlock better pricing and rebates. Today, Groupex has grown into a nationwide supporter of independent foodservice operators, offering a range of exclusive rebate programs covering everything from food and beverages to cleaning products, equipment, and technology solutions. Their contracts with trusted supplier partners such as Gordon Food Service and Diversey allow them to provide these services at incredible value. Even with its expansion, Groupex has never lost sight of its mission: to support independent operators, helping them save time, streamline their operations, and boost profitability. As they celebrate their 40th anniversary this year, it’s still all about staying true to the heart of what started it all—empowering independent restaurants to thrive.

Now owned by Restaurants Canada, Groupex is the only Canadian Group Purchasing Organization that reinvests one hundred percent of its profits back into the foodservice industry. Every dollar goes toward supporting Restaurants Canada’s advocacy efforts. This means, Groupex is not just helping you today, they are also building a stronger future for the entire Canadian Foodservice industry.

We sat down with Paul Methot, Groupex President and CEO, to discuss the company’s evolution, his own journey to leadership, and what the future holds for Groupex. With four decades of experience in the foodservice industry, Paul’s perspective offers insight into the company’s growth, its challenges, and its relentless focus on relationships and service.

A Lifelong Passion for Foodservice

Paul’s foodservice career began in 1984 when he joined a young company that would soon become a staple of Canadian life: Pizza Pizza. Reflecting on his early years, he shared how his introduction to the fast-paced, high-pressure world of foodservice shaped his career.

“I started with Pizza Pizza back in the early days, working directly with the amazing entrepreneur who founded the company,” Paul recalls. “I was quite young at the time and didn’t necessarily know what I’d be doing long-term, but I dove into any role that came my way. I gained a deep appreciation for growing a business, saving money, and driving revenue. We were rapidly expanding across Canada, and I was at the centre of that growth. It was exciting—hundreds of restaurants opened, and I got to play a key role in that.”

Paul’s experience at Pizza Pizza laid the foundation for his current leadership role at Groupex, where he applies his knowledge to help independent operators grow their businesses. “The lessons I learned then—planning, risk-taking and a huge appreciation for the people behind the business—are still guiding me today,” he says.

Over the years, Paul’s role in the foodservice industry has evolved from working within a single company to helping the industry as a whole. His transition from company executive to industry leader came as a natural progression when he began addressing challenges that went beyond just one brand. “I realized early on that many of the issues we were facing as a business—government regulations, labor shortages, credit card fees, supply management cost—were challenges shared by the entire foodservice industry. That’s when I got involved with organizations like Restaurants Canada, and later with Groupex,” he explains. “It became clear that by working through a larger association, I could help address these issues not just for one company, but for many operators across the country.”

This broader perspective eventually brought him to lead Groupex, where he’s been key to helping independent foodservice operators access the resources and scale typically reserved for larger chains. “What we do at Groupex is level the playing field. We have an amazing team of experienced professionals who work directly with our members. We provide independents with cost savings, creative solutions, and operational support so they can focus on running their businesses,” he says. “The partnerships we’ve built over the years are one of the most significant benefits we offer. These partnerships open doors for independent operators that would typically be out of reach if they were negotiating on their own. Through Groupex, our members gain access to exclusive programs and pricing that provide substantial savings and value.”

Building on Groupex’s Core Mission

For Groupex, the mission has always been simple: to help their members. “We listen to our members and understand their needs,” Paul explains. “Many independent restaurant owners don’t have the time or resources to deal with pricing concerns or service issues, so we take that burden off their shoulders.
We leverage our knowledge and negotiate programs that offer lower, consistent pricing and reliable service, helping them save significantly and build their business.”

Over the last 40 years, through successive waves of growth, challenge and evolution across the industry, the company has grown to become a key supporter of the Canadian foodservice industry, but its core values have remained the same. Paul recalls an anecdote that perfectly illustrates the company’s
approach: “I was on a sales call with a potential customer, and it was clear that they needed more than just product and pricing support—they needed help organizing their business, and I knew the right people to connect them with. It wasn’t about the sale; it was about helping them grow their
business.”

“What we do is stay close to our members. We don’t see them as just a number,” Paul emphasizes. “We take the time to understand their specific needs, offer personalized solutions, and build real trust. That’s what sets us apart from the competition.”

Even with all the growth and change that comes with expansion, Groupex’s focus on service hasn’t changed. “We’ve doubled our membership in the last four years, but we’re still focused on delivering the same high-touch, personalized service and helping members save money. Their business is our business.”

The Future of Groupex: Service, Innovation and Growth

For Paul, one of the most exciting aspects of the foodservice industry is its constant potential for growth. Throughout his career, he’s always been drawn to opportunities to innovate. “I’ve always enjoyed the growth aspects of this industry,” he says. “You have to break the mold and come up with new ideas to stay ahead. One of the best parts of my job is working with our team to help our members grow, whether it’s through cost savings, partnerships, or new ways to provide value.”

Over its 40 years of evolution, Groupex has expanded to help independent restaurants nationwide, and Paul sees plenty of opportunity for Groupex to continue to grow alongside the industry. “We’re always looking two to three years down the road to anticipate what our members will need. The industry is changing rapidly, and we need to stay on top of those changes,” he explains. “What we’re offering today may not be what we need to offer tomorrow. We have to be ready to adjust and provide new solutions.”

“The numbers are bigger now, but the challenges remain the same: competition, economic changes, and government regulations. We’re here to provide solutions to those challenges at a scale that works for independents,” Paul says. “We’ve always had a high level of customer care, and we’re committed to nurturing that even as we grow. Being part of Groupex means being part of a community where we take care of each other. From day one, our members have a dedicated sales rep by their side, helping them find ways to save money without compromising on their products. Our reps bring them programs that increase their rebates or offer special promotions, ensuring they’re always informed and accessing the best pricing available. We believe in being transparent, so we spell out the savings clearly, providing members with a full statement every month.”

When asked what the future holds for Groupex, Paul is optimistic. “The best is yet to come,” he says with a smile. “We’re constantly evolving, constantly looking for new ways to help our members. Whether that’s through regional growth, new partnerships, or innovative programs, we’re committed to continuing our mission of service.”

For Groupex, the journey continues. As the company looks toward the future, it does so with the same dedication to service, growth, and innovation that has defined it for the past four decades and they approach the next leg of the journey with a message of gratitude and optimism to members, partners and the Groupex team. “Thank you for your loyalty, your trust, and your partnership over the years. We’re committed to serving you for the next 40 years and beyond.”

Established in 1984 by a small group of independent restaurants, Groupex is a Canadian Foodservice Buying Group that understands the needs of foodservice operators. They negotiate directly with suppliers on their behalf, helping them access volume pricing and higher rebates. Their programs and partnerships help members save on major brands of food, beverage, equipment, cleaning and technology.

Learn more at: groupex.com