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Hero Certified Burgers
Hero Certified Burgers
Canada Parent company: Hero Burgers
Burgers
heroburgers.com
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True North
100%
Capital: Canada
Capital: Canada (profits)
Control: Canada
Control: Canada (decisions)

Hero Certified Burgers maintains a high True North score due to its domestic ownership and strategic operations centered in Ontario. As a Canadian-founded entity, its corporate control and capital flows remain within the country, supported by a supply chain focused on domestic beef sourcing.

Vector Breakdown
Inputs
medium
20 /20
The brand publicly commits to sourcing primary protein inputs from Canadian producers and suppliers.
Capital
Capital (profits)
medium
40 /40
The entity is a privately held Canadian brand with domestic ownership and profit retention.
Control
Control (decisions)
high
20 /20
Strategic management and corporate decision-making are headquartered in Toronto, Ontario.
Operations
high
20 /20
The brand maintains a significant physical footprint and employee base across the Canadian market.
True North Summary

Hero Certified Burgers maintains a high True North score due to its domestic ownership and strategic operations centered in Ontario. As a Canadian-founded entity, its corporate control and capital flows remain within the country, supported by a supply chain focused on domestic beef sourcing.

Checked: 2026-01-21
Confidence: High
What Would Change This Score
  • Acquisition by a foreign parent entity
  • Relocation of corporate headquarters outside of Canada
  • Shift toward international protein sourcing
Research Details
Availability
Checked: 2026-01-23
Canada confirmed
Yes
Store locator
Found
Store locator
Province availability Found
Ontario flag
Ontario
Quebec flag
Quebec
The brand's history and current location listings confirm operations in Ontario and Quebec. While marketing materials mention 'coast to coast', no specific locations were found in other provinces as of the audit date.
Stores nationwide
50
The official website states approximately 50 locations. Third-party sources like Wikipedia and ScrapeHero report higher counts (61-62), primarily concentrated in Ontario.
Sources
  • "100% CANADIAN OWNED & OPERATED. We're 100% Canadian-operated, serving up premium, locally sourced ingredients with a passion for great taste. From coast to coast, we stay true to our Canadian roots—because nothing tastes better than home!"
    Source
  • "Our Locations. Hero Certified Burgers. Hero Virtual Kitchen. ... City/Postal code. Search radius."
    Source
  • "John F. Lettieri opened the first Hero Certified Burgers at Hazelton Lanes in the Yorkville district of Toronto, Ontario... Bonjour! Hero Certified Burgers is excited to announce its newest location: Hero Certified Burgers MTL, Montreal, Quebec, 2019 Bishop St., Montreal, Quebec H3G 2E8."
    Source
  • "Hero Certified Burgers ... 2019 Rue Bishop, Montréal, QC, CA."
    Source
  • "There are approximately 50 restaurants (and counting) in Canada."
    Source
Allergen Guide
Checked: 2026-01-23
Allergen guide
Found
Guide link
Guide last updated
2024-06-01
Priority allergens listed
Yes
Cross-contact disclaimer
Yes
Fryer status
Unknown
Sources
  • "Hero Certified Burgers is a Canadian-owned company that sells beef, veggie, chicken, turkey and salmon burgers."
    Source
  • "To get more information on our allergen guide, please view Hero Allergen Guide PDF to check common allergens present in our food."
    Source
  • "Hero Certified Burgers Allergen Guide. June 2024."
    Source
  • "To get more information on our allergen guide, please view Hero Allergen Guide PDF to check common allergens present in our food. These are also known as priority food allergens. To obtain further information and knowledge on food allergens, please visit Common food allergens – Canada.ca."
    Source
  • "Hero Certified Burgers takes all necessary precautions to reduce any potential contact or cross-contact with certain allergens. However, Hero Certified Burgers advises its customers to please take caution and to inform themselves of the contents of any prepared foods served and that Hero Certified Burgers cannot guarantee against any form of cross-contamination of allergens within our kitchen space."
    Source
  • "Our fryer oil contains: 100% canola oil, NO ADDITIVES."
    Source
View
Simple focuses on the decision; detailed shows evidence and scoring.
Sensitivity mode
Adjusts penalty strength for missing controls; evidence stays the same.
Gluten (GF)

Checked: 2026-01-23

GF verdict
GF options listed, but no published prep protocol — high cross-contact uncertainty. If you have celiac, confirm procedures with staff.
Weak (5/100)
Evidence confidence: Medium
Measures disclosure & controls, not a guarantee.
Top drivers
  • No GF prep protocol published
  • No cross-contact warning published
  • Fryer policy not addressed
Ask staff
  • Can a manager confirm your gluten-free prep protocol (separate surfaces/utensils)?
  • How do you prevent cross-contact with gluten during prep?
  • Are fries cooked in a dedicated fryer with dedicated oil?
Why this verdict
Evidence found
  • GF menu/page found
  • Allergen guide last updated date found
Missing controls
  • GF cross-contact warning not stated
  • GF prep protocol not stated
GF menu or page: Found GF prep protocol: Not stated Cross-contact warning: Not stated Fryer/shared equipment: Not stated
Questions to ask
  • Can a manager confirm your gluten-free prep protocol (separate surfaces/utensils)?
  • How do you prevent cross-contact with gluten during prep?
  • Are fries cooked in a dedicated fryer with dedicated oil?
Evidence & sources
GF menu or page
Found
GF page
GF prep protocol
Not stated
GF cross-contact warning
Not stated
GF certified language
Not stated
Fryer status
Unknown
  • "GLUTEN-FREE. In keeping with our rigorous standards, you will find below a list of gluten-free products from our menu."
    Source
  • "Hero Certified Burgers takes all necessary precautions to reduce any potential contact or cross-contact with certain allergens. However, Hero Certified Burgers advises its customers to please take caution and to inform themselves of the contents of any prepared foods served and that Hero Certified Burgers cannot guarantee against any form of cross-contamination of allergens within our kitchen space."
    Source
  • "Our fryer oil contains: 100% canola oil, NO ADDITIVES."
    Source
Scoring details
  • GF menu/page found (+25)
  • Allergen guide last updated date found (+5)
  • GF cross-contact warning not stated (-25)
  • GF prep protocol not stated (cap at 40)
Safety notes
  • Scores measure published evidence and stated controls, not guaranteed safety.
  • “Not stated” means an official page was found but didn’t mention the item.
  • Policies vary by location and over time; confirm with staff.
GF verdict
GF options listed, but no published prep protocol — high cross-contact uncertainty. If you have celiac, confirm procedures with staff.
Weak (10/100)
Evidence confidence: Medium
Measures disclosure & controls, not a guarantee.
Top drivers
  • No GF prep protocol published
  • No cross-contact warning published
  • Fryer policy not addressed
Ask staff
  • Can a manager confirm your gluten-free prep protocol (separate surfaces/utensils)?
  • How do you prevent cross-contact with gluten during prep?
  • Are fries cooked in a dedicated fryer with dedicated oil?
Why this verdict
Evidence found
  • GF menu/page found
  • Allergen guide last updated date found
Missing controls
  • GF cross-contact warning not stated
  • GF prep protocol not stated
GF menu or page: Found GF prep protocol: Not stated Cross-contact warning: Not stated Fryer/shared equipment: Not stated
Questions to ask
  • Can a manager confirm your gluten-free prep protocol (separate surfaces/utensils)?
  • How do you prevent cross-contact with gluten during prep?
  • Are fries cooked in a dedicated fryer with dedicated oil?
Evidence & sources
GF menu or page
Found
GF page
GF prep protocol
Not stated
GF cross-contact warning
Not stated
GF certified language
Not stated
Fryer status
Unknown
  • "GLUTEN-FREE. In keeping with our rigorous standards, you will find below a list of gluten-free products from our menu."
    Source
  • "Hero Certified Burgers takes all necessary precautions to reduce any potential contact or cross-contact with certain allergens. However, Hero Certified Burgers advises its customers to please take caution and to inform themselves of the contents of any prepared foods served and that Hero Certified Burgers cannot guarantee against any form of cross-contamination of allergens within our kitchen space."
    Source
  • "Our fryer oil contains: 100% canola oil, NO ADDITIVES."
    Source
Scoring details
  • GF menu/page found (+25)
  • Allergen guide last updated date found (+5)
  • GF cross-contact warning not stated (-20)
  • GF prep protocol not stated (cap at 50)
Safety notes
  • Scores measure published evidence and stated controls, not guaranteed safety.
  • “Not stated” means an official page was found but didn’t mention the item.
  • Policies vary by location and over time; confirm with staff.
GF verdict
GF options listed, but no published prep protocol — high cross-contact uncertainty. If you have celiac, confirm procedures with staff.
Weak (20/100)
Evidence confidence: Medium
Measures disclosure & controls, not a guarantee.
Top drivers
  • No GF prep protocol published
  • No cross-contact warning published
  • Fryer policy not addressed
Ask staff
  • Can a manager confirm your gluten-free prep protocol (separate surfaces/utensils)?
  • How do you prevent cross-contact with gluten during prep?
  • Are fries cooked in a dedicated fryer with dedicated oil?
Why this verdict
Evidence found
  • GF menu/page found
  • Allergen guide last updated date found
Missing controls
  • GF cross-contact warning not stated
  • GF prep protocol not stated
GF menu or page: Found GF prep protocol: Not stated Cross-contact warning: Not stated Fryer/shared equipment: Not stated
Questions to ask
  • Can a manager confirm your gluten-free prep protocol (separate surfaces/utensils)?
  • How do you prevent cross-contact with gluten during prep?
  • Are fries cooked in a dedicated fryer with dedicated oil?
Evidence & sources
GF menu or page
Found
GF page
GF prep protocol
Not stated
GF cross-contact warning
Not stated
GF certified language
Not stated
Fryer status
Unknown
  • "GLUTEN-FREE. In keeping with our rigorous standards, you will find below a list of gluten-free products from our menu."
    Source
  • "Hero Certified Burgers takes all necessary precautions to reduce any potential contact or cross-contact with certain allergens. However, Hero Certified Burgers advises its customers to please take caution and to inform themselves of the contents of any prepared foods served and that Hero Certified Burgers cannot guarantee against any form of cross-contamination of allergens within our kitchen space."
    Source
  • "Our fryer oil contains: 100% canola oil, NO ADDITIVES."
    Source
Scoring details
  • GF menu/page found (+25)
  • Allergen guide last updated date found (+5)
  • GF cross-contact warning not stated (-10)
  • GF prep protocol not stated (cap at 60)
Safety notes
  • Scores measure published evidence and stated controls, not guaranteed safety.
  • “Not stated” means an official page was found but didn’t mention the item.
  • Policies vary by location and over time; confirm with staff.
Nuts (peanut + tree nut not distinguished yet)

Checked: 2026-01-23

Nut verdict
No published nut policy — assume nuts may be present and cross-contact is possible.
Weak (25/100)
Evidence confidence: Medium
Measures disclosure & controls, not a guarantee.
Peanut vs tree-nut policies aren’t separated for this restaurant yet.
Top drivers
  • No explicit nut policy published
  • Fryer/shared equipment not addressed
Ask staff
  • Do you have a written peanut policy and a separate tree-nut policy?
  • Are fryers shared with nut-containing items?
Why this verdict
Evidence found
  • Cross-contact disclaimer found
  • Allergen guide last updated date found
Missing controls
  • Explicit nut/peanut policy not stated
Explicit nut policy: Not stated Cross-contact disclaimer: Found Fryer/shared equipment: Not stated Last updated date: Found
Questions to ask
  • Do you have a written peanut policy and a separate tree-nut policy?
  • Are fryers shared with nut-containing items?
Evidence & sources
Explicit nut policy
Not stated
Nut-free items claimed
Not stated
Cross-contact disclaimer
Yes
Fryer status
Unknown
  • "Hero Certified Burgers takes all necessary precautions to reduce any potential contact or cross-contact with certain allergens. However, Hero Certified Burgers advises its customers to please take caution and to inform themselves of the contents of any prepared foods served and that Hero Certified Burgers cannot guarantee against any form of cross-contamination of allergens within our kitchen space."
    Source
  • "Our fryer oil contains: 100% canola oil, NO ADDITIVES."
    Source
Scoring details
  • Cross-contact disclaimer found (+20)
  • Allergen guide last updated date found (+5)
  • Explicit nut/peanut policy not stated (cap at 30)
Safety notes
  • Scores measure published evidence and stated controls, not guaranteed safety.
  • “Not stated” means an official page was found but didn’t mention the item.
  • Policies vary by location and over time; confirm with staff.
Nut verdict
No published nut policy — assume nuts may be present and cross-contact is possible.
Weak (25/100)
Evidence confidence: Medium
Measures disclosure & controls, not a guarantee.
Peanut vs tree-nut policies aren’t separated for this restaurant yet.
Top drivers
  • No explicit nut policy published
  • Fryer/shared equipment not addressed
Ask staff
  • Do you have a written peanut policy and a separate tree-nut policy?
  • Are fryers shared with nut-containing items?
Why this verdict
Evidence found
  • Cross-contact disclaimer found
  • Allergen guide last updated date found
Missing controls
  • Explicit nut/peanut policy not stated
Explicit nut policy: Not stated Cross-contact disclaimer: Found Fryer/shared equipment: Not stated Last updated date: Found
Questions to ask
  • Do you have a written peanut policy and a separate tree-nut policy?
  • Are fryers shared with nut-containing items?
Evidence & sources
Explicit nut policy
Not stated
Nut-free items claimed
Not stated
Cross-contact disclaimer
Yes
Fryer status
Unknown
  • "Hero Certified Burgers takes all necessary precautions to reduce any potential contact or cross-contact with certain allergens. However, Hero Certified Burgers advises its customers to please take caution and to inform themselves of the contents of any prepared foods served and that Hero Certified Burgers cannot guarantee against any form of cross-contamination of allergens within our kitchen space."
    Source
  • "Our fryer oil contains: 100% canola oil, NO ADDITIVES."
    Source
Scoring details
  • Cross-contact disclaimer found (+20)
  • Allergen guide last updated date found (+5)
  • Explicit nut/peanut policy not stated (cap at 40)
Safety notes
  • Scores measure published evidence and stated controls, not guaranteed safety.
  • “Not stated” means an official page was found but didn’t mention the item.
  • Policies vary by location and over time; confirm with staff.
Nut verdict
No published nut policy — assume nuts may be present and cross-contact is possible.
Weak (25/100)
Evidence confidence: Medium
Measures disclosure & controls, not a guarantee.
Peanut vs tree-nut policies aren’t separated for this restaurant yet.
Top drivers
  • No explicit nut policy published
  • Fryer/shared equipment not addressed
Ask staff
  • Do you have a written peanut policy and a separate tree-nut policy?
  • Are fryers shared with nut-containing items?
Why this verdict
Evidence found
  • Cross-contact disclaimer found
  • Allergen guide last updated date found
Missing controls
  • Explicit nut/peanut policy not stated
Explicit nut policy: Not stated Cross-contact disclaimer: Found Fryer/shared equipment: Not stated Last updated date: Found
Questions to ask
  • Do you have a written peanut policy and a separate tree-nut policy?
  • Are fryers shared with nut-containing items?
Evidence & sources
Explicit nut policy
Not stated
Nut-free items claimed
Not stated
Cross-contact disclaimer
Yes
Fryer status
Unknown
  • "Hero Certified Burgers takes all necessary precautions to reduce any potential contact or cross-contact with certain allergens. However, Hero Certified Burgers advises its customers to please take caution and to inform themselves of the contents of any prepared foods served and that Hero Certified Burgers cannot guarantee against any form of cross-contamination of allergens within our kitchen space."
    Source
  • "Our fryer oil contains: 100% canola oil, NO ADDITIVES."
    Source
Scoring details
  • Cross-contact disclaimer found (+20)
  • Allergen guide last updated date found (+5)
  • Explicit nut/peanut policy not stated (cap at 50)
Safety notes
  • Scores measure published evidence and stated controls, not guaranteed safety.
  • “Not stated” means an official page was found but didn’t mention the item.
  • Policies vary by location and over time; confirm with staff.
Dietary
Checked: 2026-01-23
Vegetarian section
No
Vegetarian items (approx)
8
Vegan section
No
Vegan items (approx)
0
Halal availability
Yes
Kosher availability
Unknown
Sources
  • "Menu - Hero Certified Burgers: ... Featured Favourites. Breakfast. Chicken. Seafood. Plant-Based. Sides."
    Source
  • "Plant-Based: Spicy Plant-based Soul Burger, Meatless Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Signature Veggie Burger. Sides: Ultimate Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Onion Rings, Poutine (with vegetarian gravy), Gravy (100% Vegetarian NON-GMO Gravy)."
    Source
  • "Menu categories: Featured Favourites, Breakfast, Chicken, Seafood, Plant-Based, Sides."
    Source
  • "Allergens. Contains wheat, gluten, milk (multigrain bun), soy, and eggs (multigrain bun)."
    Source
  • "Allergens. Contains sesame seeds, wheat, gluten, milk, soy, and eggs."
    Source
  • "Halal: At Hero Certified Burgers, all our beef and chicken products are halal-certified! Plus, our real Canadian cheddar cheese and beef bacon are also halal. Enjoy all your favourites with peace of mind and bold flavour!"
    Source
  • "*PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THE STRIP BACON IS DERIVED FROM PORK AND DOES NOT CONFORM TO HALAL DIETARY STANDARDS."
    Source
  • "found the official page but attribute not mentioned"
    Source
Nutrition & Ingredients
Checked: 2026-01-23
Nutrition tool or PDF
Found
Nutrition source
Calories disclosed
Yes
Sodium disclosed
Yes
Ingredients list
Not stated
MSG statement
Not stated
Artificial colors
Not stated
Preservatives
Not stated
Sources
  • "Nutritional Facts. Serving Size 248 g. Calories (kcal) 570 Cal. Fat (g) 44 g. Saturated Fat (g) 16 g. Trans Fat (g) 1 g. Cholesterol (mg) 100 mg. Sodium (mg) 1,047 mg."
    Source
  • "Signature Burger 570-730 Cal; Hero Sauce 70 Cal; Ketchup 20 Cal; Mustard 3 Cal."
    Source
  • "Sodium (mg) 1,047 mg"
    Source
  • "Hero Certified Burgers takes all necessary precautions to reduce any potential contact or cross contact with certain allergens. However, Hero Certified Burgers advises its customers to please take caution and to inform themselves of the contents of any prepared foods served."
    Source
  • "Our fryer oil contains: 100% canola oil, NO ADDITIVES."
    Source
  • "With Beretta's antibiotic-free Angus beef complementing Hero's recently sourced non-GMO burger buns and toppings, it will allow Hero to continuously stand out."
  • "100% Seasoned Angus Beef Patty (4 or 6 Oz)"
    Source
Rewards Research
Checked: 2026-01-23
Program exists
Yes
Program name
HERO Rewards
Signup methods
App, Website
Sources
  • "Hero Certified Burgers: 100% CANADIAN OWNED & OPERATED"
    Source
  • "HERO Rewards. Join today and receive $5. Receive $5 off your first order when you sign up to be a loyalty member through Hero Certified Burgers app."
    Source
  • "At the top of the Menu section, select the "HERO Rewards" button. Choose the reward you are able to redeem and add it to your bag at checkout."
    Source
  • "Upon registration through the HERO App, you will receive 500 HERO Bites... HERO Bites are earned automatically when you register, log in, and order online via the HERO App or website."
    Source
Financial Audit: HERO Rewards
Estimated Return Rate
10.00% Return
Verdict: Excellent
Based on earning 10.0000 hero bites/$1 and redeeming 500 for $5.00 value.
Vector Breakdown
Inputs
medium
20 /20
The brand publicly commits to sourcing primary protein inputs from Canadian producers and suppliers.
Capital
Capital (profits)
medium
40 /40
The entity is a privately held Canadian brand with domestic ownership and profit retention.
Control
Control (decisions)
high
20 /20
Strategic management and corporate decision-making are headquartered in Toronto, Ontario.
Operations
high
20 /20
The brand maintains a significant physical footprint and employee base across the Canadian market.
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