A group of Ontario corporations tied to Popeyes franchise operations under Irfan Memon is now under an interim receiver. Court records show Meridian Credit Union sought the order after defaults and unresolved payroll issues. The court appointed BDO Canada Limited on Oct. 10, 2025, while parties work to preserve value and arrange sales to new operators.
What happened – the key timeline (Ontario)
Jan–Sept 2025: Franchisor/franchisee issues escalate, including notices and alleged wage arrears. (See court endorsement for references to unpaid wages and terminations.)
Oct. 8, 2025: Meridian Credit Union applies in the Ontario Superior Court (Commercial List) for an interim receiver.
Oct. 10, 2025: Justice Osborne appoints BDO Canada Limited as Interim Receiver over the franchise corporations. The order runs to Nov. 14, 2025, with a comeback date set for Nov. 12, 2025. The endorsement notes the companies ceased operating, franchise agreements were terminated, and that there were significant unpaid amounts, including wages and remittances. Total indebtedness to Meridian as of May 6, 2025 was about $10.83M.
Oct. 14, 2025: BDO posts the engagement page listing the corporate entities now under receivership.
What “interim receivership” means
Receivership is a court-supervised process that puts an independent firm in charge of a debtor’s business assets. The receiver safeguards property, may run or wind down operations, and typically markets the assets to new operators to maximise recovery for creditors. In this case, the court appointed BDO as interim receiver to stabilise the situation pending next steps; the endorsement expressly flags the goal of facilitating sales to new operators.
Which companies are covered right now?
BDO lists multiple Ontario corporations (each operating a Popeyes location) that are subject to the order, including 2225909 Ontario Inc., 2397495 Ontario Ltd., and others (full roster on BDO’s page). If you worked at or supplied one of these entities, check the BDO engagement link for confirmation.
Are food-safety allegations part of this story?
Separately, a May 2025 lawsuit by former supplier ADP Direct Poultry Ltd. alleged certain Ontario franchisees purchased chicken from an unauthorised supplier; none of those allegations are proven in court. Popeyes’ communications have stated the company found no evidence after an internal review. (Context from a Canadian law-firm analysis summarising the claim and denials.)
Note: The receivership order itself focuses on defaults, debt and operational shutdowns; it is not a ruling on those food-safety allegations.
If you’re an employee owed wages, here’s what to do
Ontario has a clear process for employment standards claims—even if your employer is insolvent.
Checklist (5 steps):
- Gather records: pay stubs, schedules, timesheets, ROE, texts/emails. Keep your manager’s/name of corporate entity if you have it.
- Read the ESA guide: confirm what counts as wages, overtime, vacation pay.
- File your claim online with the Ministry of Labour (Employment Standards): start at the ESA claim portal.
- Know timelines: generally up to 2 years to file an ESA wage claim; sooner is better.
- If the employer is insolvent: Ontario provides guidance for unpaid wages in bankruptcy/receivership situations—review this page and follow the Ministry’s instructions.
Mini example:
You worked 4 weeks at $17/hour for 20 hours/week but weren’t paid. That’s $1,360 before deductions (17×20×4). Your ESA claim would itemise dates, hours and rates; attach screenshots of schedules and any messages confirming shifts.
What’s next for the restaurants?
The court noted an expectation to preserve assets and expedite franchise sales; interim receivership is in place until Nov. 14, 2025, with a Nov. 12 comeback hearing scheduled. That timeline signals a push to identify buyers and transfer operations.
FAQs
Is this bankruptcy?
No. It’s an interim receivership. A receiver is appointed to protect assets and, where possible, arrange sales. Different insolvency tools exist under Canada’s BIA; the court picked interim receivership here.
How much debt is involved?
The court endorsement records about $10.83 million owed to Meridian as of May 6, 2025.
Are allegations about “unsafe chicken” proven?
No. They’re untested claims from a separate lawsuit. Popeyes has said it found no evidence of those allegations after an internal review.
Will locations reopen under new owners?
The receiver and lender are working toward sales to new operators; outcomes vary store-by-store.
Key takeaways
- A group of Ontario Popeyes franchise corporations under Irfan Memon are in court-appointed interim receivership until Nov. 14, 2025.
- The court cites operational shutdowns, terminated franchise agreements and unpaid amounts (including wages).
- About $10.83M is owed to Meridian Credit Union (as of May 6, 2025), per the endorsement.
How: Reviewed the court endorsement and order (Oct. 10, 2025) and BDO’s engagement page; consulted Ontario ESA guidance for the wage-claim steps.
