The Origin of MB Chicken: Canada’s Beloved Fried Chicken Brand

MB Chicken, originally known as Mary Brown’s Chicken, began its journey in 1969 in St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada. Founded by Pat Tarrant and Cyril Fleming, who purchased the rights to a prized southern fried chicken recipe from Mary Brown Guthrie, the brand was quickly established as a family-owned success story cherished by Canadians for over five decades.

The first Mary Brown’s outlet was launched in a Newfoundland shopping mall, introducing Canadians to hand-breaded, fresh chicken made with 100% Grade A chicken sourced from local Canadian farmers. Unlike many other chains, they committed to never freezing their chicken, preparing every meal fresh daily using a proprietary cooking method that seals in juiciness and flavor.

Growth Across Canada and Beyond

From its humble Newfoundland beginnings, MB Chicken expanded rapidly across Canada, opening stores throughout Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, and British Columbia. The brand became famous for its signature fried chicken, fresh hand-cut Taters, and unique Big Mary® sandwich, celebrated as one of Canada’s best chicken sandwiches.

In 2007, under new ownership by entrepreneur Gregory Roberts, Mary Brown’s accelerated its growth and nearly tripled its store count across Canada within a decade, solidifying its position as Canada’s largest quick-service chicken franchise with more than 250 outlets.

Taking the Leap: MB Chicken’s Expansion to India

In 2024, MB Chicken, branding internationally under the abbreviated name, began its ambitious global expansion, entering new markets including the UK, Mexico, Pakistan, and notably India. With the launch of its flagship MB Chicken India outlet in Chandigarh in April 2025, MB Chicken brought its hallmark of fresh, never-frozen, hand-breaded chicken to Indian consumers who crave premium fried chicken options.

The Indian market welcomed MB Chicken enthusiastically, drawn by its commitment to freshness, premium ingredients, and a unique cooking process that balances flavor and juiciness, setting a new standard in India as a premium fried chicken brand. Soon after, MB Chicken opened its first drive-thru outlet in Doraha near Ludhiana, Punjab, blending fast convenience with quality service.

What Makes MB Chicken a Premium Fried Chicken Brand in India?

MB Chicken’s success in India traces back to the same core values that made it a top Canadian fried chicken brand:

• Freshness from Scratch: Each chicken meal in India is made fresh daily using locally sourced ingredients without any freezing or pre-processing.

• Proprietary Cooking Method: Using patented high-heat cookers, MB Chicken seals in flavor and maintains a golden crispy exterior with juicy interiors in every bite.

• Signature Menu: With items like the MB Signature Chicken, Big Mary® sandwich, hand-cut Taters, and house-made sauces, MB Chicken delivers a crave-able menu that appeals to diverse palates.

• Quality and Authenticity: Staying true to its Canadian roots, MB Chicken emphasizes honest sourcing, customer hospitality, and quality in every aspect of the dining experience.

The Journey from Canada to India is More Than Just Expansion

MB Chicken’s successful transition to India represents a blend of heritage and innovation, delivering Canadian values of quality and freshness alongside local adaptations to taste and dining habits. The growth into India is carefully planned with an eye on expanding to tier-1 cities beyond Chandigarh and Ludhiana helping the brand establish itself firmly as one of the best fried chicken brands in India.

It is the brand’s dedication to maintaining the same high standards whether in Canada or India that allows MB Chicken to build trust and loyalty among new consumers. It is this story of passion, perseverance, and quality that inspires food lovers and franchisees alike.

Conclusion

From a single outlet in Newfoundland, Canada, to becoming a premium fried chicken brand in India, MB Chicken’s journey is a testament to the power of quality food, authentic recipes, and strong brand values. It is no surprise that MB Chicken is recognized as a top Canadian fried chicken brand and is rapidly becoming a favorite in the Indian market.

For those seeking the best fried chicken brand experience, MB Chicken stands as a symbol of excellence, freshness, and innovation across countries and cultures.