Meet The
LEGENDS
Yazan El-Shalabi
Co-Founder / CEO
Yazan is continuously evolving the business and creating growth opportunities for investors in the communities across Canada. He is active in all components of the business, from menu design, to site location and daily operations.
As a recent college graduate, Yazan began work immediately in his field of construction management. After several years of work, his interests shifted completely. Yazan opened the first Shelby’s restaurant in 2015 and now works closely with entrepreneurs to run a successful Shelby’s franchise.
Yazan enjoys participating in soccer and assisting communities in need. He took it upon himself to kick off the campaign for the fire relief of Fort McMurray, feed the front-line workers, and sponsor youth team activity.
Yazan can be reached by email: yazan@shelbys.ca
Ahmed Badra
Brand Manager
Ahmed is behind the strategic development of Shelby’s brand. He has worked in several global branding and advertising agencies in the past 8 years. Ahmed completed his bachelor’s degree in Visual Communication from Limkokwing University in Malaysia and received a postgraduate diploma in marketing management from Fanshawe College.
Ahmed is passionate about innovative food and beverage concepts and works to apply his diversified experience to Shelby’s brand.
You can reach out to Ahmed at
Yasser Ali
Co-Founder /
Director of Marketing
Yasser has been in the restaurant industry for 18 years. From bus boy to kitchen chef, he has worked every job there is in a restaurant. Today he is best known as the face of Shelby's. He co-founded Shelby's in 2015.
Yasser’s unique outlook on fusion foods is essential in the development and evolvement of the Shelby’s menu.
Yasser holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology in psychology from the University of Toronto and a diploma from Fanshawe College in Business Purchasing and Supply Chain management.
His multi-level experience in the restaurant industry and his creativity when it comes to food is what helped Shelby's distinguish itself from other restaurants.
You can reach out to Yasser at
Bradley Cowen
Director of Operations
Bradley has an active role in menu development, customer service, staff training and is the liaison for franchisees and managing partners. He has learned and developed his skill set over the last 30 years working with Keg Restaurants, Milestones Bar and Grill, Texas Roadhouse and Pickle Barrel restaurants in both corporate and franchise settings.
Bradley recognizes people and how they contribute to the business as the most important asset to any company. He works with and for his team, with an open mind to grow the company in a team atmosphere.
You can reach out to Bradley at
Andrew Kirkwood
District Manager
Andrew has an extensive restaurant background, working in leadership roles in both Franchised and corporate settings, his belief that the most important part to successful food service comes down to 2
things; food quality and exceptional customer service dovetails perfectly with Shelby’s business model:
to provide quality fresh ingredients in a fun, friendly setting.
Having had the opportunity to open new restaurants with Cara, Prime Restaurants and Boston Pizza gives him the right tools to ensure consistency, food quality and great service throughout our brand.
Please reach out to Andrew at
Partners At
ANYTIME
American Restaurant Service
Software Solutions
One of North America's most successful restaurant cleaning providers.
Cintas
Cleaning Products Supplier
Providers of a range of products and services to businesses including uniforms, mats, mops, cleaning and restroom supplies, first aid and safety products
Mealsy
Software Solutions
Mealsy supports us with our POS and website development and online ordering system in addition to the Gift Cards and Rewards programs.
PepsiCo Canada
Retail Company
All of our cold beverages been supplied by our partners PepsiCo Canada
York Developments
Real Estate Developer
York Developments is a highly successful regional developer whose partners have combined over 100 years of real estate development experience.
Royal Bank
of Canada
Banking Services
RBC is a Canadian multinational financial services company and the largest bank in Canada by market capitalization.
CBRE Canada
Real Estate Services
CBRE Group is the world's largest commercial real estate services and investment firm.
Paystone
Payment Processing
A leading Canadian payment solutions company based in London, Ontario
KMB
Law Firm
Over 40 years of experience providing legal solutions that are responsive, practical and efficient in all areas of business law.
Sysco Canada
Food Service
Sysco is Canada’s leading foodservice distributor. They supply us with the greatest selection of fresh produce, meat, and all essential supplies for restaurants.