GRANDE PRAIRIE — Yesterday, a new local restaurant has officially joined Grande Prairie’s business community, but for Express Pizza + Donair, the opening marks more than just another location. It’s a continuation of a people-first approach that has defined the brand from the beginning.

Community members, local leaders, and supporters gathered to celebrate the grand opening, welcoming the business with the same energy that founder Salman Arabi says has fueled every step of the company’s growth.

“On behalf of the board and staff, it is our pleasure to celebrate the grand opening for Express Pizza + Donair,” representatives shared during the event, highlighting the restaurant’s “fresh, flavor-packed varieties” and its impactful addition to the local food scene.

From Long Hours to Lasting Development

Arabi’s journey into business was arduous and demanding. In 20o4, Sal and Sara Arabi started with a dream. Alongside the help of the Lakeland community, 2024 marked 20 years of a thriving business that now has five shops open across Alberta.

“I started the first location in Bonnyville… 23 years old,” he said. “After hard work in kitchens for 18 hours, I decided to open my own business.”

The early days required sacrifice, patience and perseverance. Starting a new business takes time, but Sal and Sara were up for the challenge.

“We did work 16, 17 hours for the first year… on weekends, we used to open till four in the morning.”

That level of commitment laid the foundation for what would become a growing franchise, built not just on food, but on consistency and relationships. From the beginning, the business has been centered around community and the customers consuming the product.

“Bonnyville was amazing,” Arabi said. “The same feel we get, every community we go through is the same—welcoming, with an open heart.”

Following success in Bonnyville, the brand expanded into Cold Lake in 2015, Vermilion in 2016, and St. Paul in 2020—each location reinforcing the same community-driven model now being introduced in Grande Prairie.

A Family-Driven Expansion

The company’s growth has also become a family effort. Arabi now works alongside his son, Michael, who has played a key role in shaping the next phase of the business.

“During COVID… my son Michael said, ‘Dad, why don’t we buy that one, flip it… and let’s go,’” Arabi explained. “I believed in him… and we made it.”

That decision led to the company’s first franchise model—something that continues to guide its expansion strategy today.

At the Grande Prairie opening, Michael emphasized appreciation and long-term commitment.

“We really appreciate all the support that we’ve been getting from the community so far,” he said. “It’s a wonderful community, and we look forward to… giving it everything.”

Local Ownership at the Forefront

The Grande Prairie location is led by franchisee Kumar, a long-time resident of the city who sees the business as both an opportunity and a responsibility.

“I’ve been living in Grande Prairie for almost more than 15 years,” he said. “This is like my second hometown.”

Kumar emphasized the importance of community support—and giving back in return.

“I request the Grande Prairie community to support me,” he said. “I will find my ways to support giving back to the community at the same time.”

That approach aligns directly with the company’s expectations for its franchisees.

“It’s in our franchise agreement that you have to give back at least… 2% to the community you’re in,” Arabi noted. “We’re not a big franchise, but we’re a big, proud family.”

More Than a Restaurant

While Express Pizza + Donair offers a wide menu that includes pizza, donairs, pasta, wings, and salads, the focus of the brand extends beyond food. Its growth has been shaped by community relationships, local ownership, and a commitment to reinvesting in the places it operates.

Upon celebrating 20 years in 2024 Sal shared, “The biggest thing was the support from our communities. That’s why we’re very honored, and we’re very thankful for the Lakeland area in general. Bonnyville, Cold Lake, St. Paul, Vermilion, I could not ask for anything better.”

As Grande Prairie welcomes its newest location with , that same model is expected to take root—one built on consistency, connection, and long-term presence.

For Arabi and his team, the formula remains simple. Show up, work hard, and stay connected to the people who make the business possible.