MBI Brands Taps New President to Lead Next Phase of Strategic Growth and Global Expansion
Karen Tam steps in to scale Mary Brown's Chicken and Fat Bastard Burrito into new markets and elevate the brands' commitment to operational excellence and the guest experience
TORONTO, April 8, 2026 /CNW/ - MBI Brands (MBIB), the parent company of Mary Brown's Chicken and Fat Bastard Burrito, is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Karen Tam as President. Tam, who previously served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Development Officer, has assumed responsibility for the company's overall strategic direction and day-to-day operations across the MBIB portfolio.
With more than two decades of senior financial and operational leadership experience, Tam joined MBIB in July 2025 and has played a pivotal role in strengthening the company's infrastructure and operating models that power our brands. Her approach brings together financial rigour, operational discipline, and a clear focus on real estate and franchise development, positioning MBIB for sustainable, long-term growth as one of Canada's leading Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) companies.
"Karen's contribution to MBI Brands has been transformative," said Gregory Roberts, CEO and Owner of MBI Brands. "Her ability to navigate complex global markets while maintaining a deep commitment to our Canadian franchisees and guests makes her the natural choice for President. She is a disciplined leader who understands that our growth is built on a foundation of operational excellence and community trust."
Before joining MBIB, Tam held an executive leadership role at Choice Hotels Canada, where she served as CFO and Corporate Secretary, honing her expertise in the hospitality franchising model. Her successful career also includes senior positions at Four Seasons Hotels, Telus Health and the Global Risk Institute, as well as early career experience with KPMG LLP.
As President, Tam will lead the continued integration and expansion of Fat Bastard Burrito, advance the company's digital transformation initiatives, and support the domestic and international growth of Mary Brown's Chicken. Her focus will be on execution, alignment, and ensuring that growth is backed by strong operational fundamentals.
"I am incredibly honoured to take on this role at such an exciting time for our company," said Tam. "This is a company built on strong partnerships with franchisees and a clear sense of identity as a Canadian brand. My focus will be on empowering our teams and franchisees to deliver the highest quality experience for our guests, while continuing to adapt our menu and innovate our store formats for a changing global market."
Tam is a CPA, CA, and CFA charter holder and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Queen's University. She remains active in the broader community, currently serving on the Board of Directors for Metrolinx and the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM).
About MBI Brands
MBI Brands Inc. is one of Canada's largest privately held multi-brand restaurant companies. The Company currently franchises and/or operates two premium QSR brands: Mary Brown's Chicken and Fat Bastard Burrito. Both brands have established MBI Brands as a nationally recognized franchisor of choice, with Mary Brown's Chicken having won the Canadian Franchise Association's Franchisees' Choice Award a remarkable 15 consecutive years. MBI Brands Inc. has over 400 restaurants in Canada with continued expansion plans. In addition, there are international locations within Northern Ireland, Mexico, India and Pakistan. The company has been awarded Canada's Best Managed Company Platinum Status for seven consecutive years (2019-2025).
Connect with MBI brands on socials!
LinkedIn: @mbibrands
Instagram: @marybrownsofficial
Facebook: @marybrowns
TikTok: @marybrownschicken
YouTube: @marybrownsofficial
LinkedIn: @marybrownschicken
Instagram: @bastardburrito
Facebook: @fatbastardburrito
Twitter: @bastardburrito
TikTok: @bastardburrito
LinkedIn: @fatbastardburrito
SOURCE Mary Brown's Chicken
For further information: Natalie Homewood, [email protected]
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