Founded in 1929 in Chicago, Illinois, Canteen began its journey when Nathaniel Leverone established the Chicago Automatic Canteen Corporation to address the unreliability of vending machines at the time.

The company has since evolved into the nation's leading provider of workplace food services, offering a diverse range of solutions including vending, micro-markets, office coffee, and dining services.

Now headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Canteen operates through an integrated company and franchise business model designed to support both small businesses and national accounts.

Canteen distinguishes itself from competitors through its commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions. By leveraging advanced technology and data analysis, the company ensures optimal product selection and efficient service.

Training

Canteen provides a range of training programs designed to equip franchisees and their staff with the knowledge and skills required to operate the franchise effectively. The following types of training are provided:

1. Initial Training Program: This is required for non-conversion franchisees and must be completed before operating a Canteen franchise. It typically spans 4 to 6 weeks and includes both classroom and on-the-job training, tailored based on the trainee’s experience and role.
2. Operations Training: Conducted quarterly at the corporate office in North Carolina or on a regional basis. Led by the National Director of Franchise Development, it emphasizes practical, operational know-how.
3. Optional Sales Funnel 101 Training: This is not mandatory but offered several times a year in Charlotte, NC, and is conducted by Joe Leone. There is a $1,000 participation fee for franchisees who choose to attend.
4. Business Overview/Corporate Office Training: Although not mandatory for conversion franchisees, 80% of them chose to attend this training over the past year. It provides an overview of corporate expectations and business practices.
5. Specialized Training Modules: These include specific training in:
   • Route Rides (40 hours classroom, 10 hours on-the-job)
   • Administrative and General Business Skills (30 hours)
   • Maintenance Training (40 hours)
   • Food/Product Safety (24 hours)
   • District On-Site Training (56 hours)
   • Sales Training (24 hours)

Territory Protection

Canteen grants its franchisees a “Protected Territory,” which typically consists of one to two hundred counties, depending on various demographic and operational factors. While this territory defines the area within which the franchisee may operate, it does not offer exclusivity.

Franchisees may still face competition from other Canteen franchisees, corporate-owned outlets, or entities operating under different distribution channels managed by the franchisor. Despite the term “Protected Territory,” Canteen reserves broad rights that limit the territorial security of franchisees.

The franchisor may still provide services or authorize others to operate within the franchisee's territory under certain conditions. Furthermore, if a franchisee fails to develop parts of the territory—either through inadequate sales or by not utilizing authorized distribution channels—those areas may be removed from the franchisee’s operational rights.