Lee’s Donuts, the beloved Granville Island staple that has been serving Vancouver since 1979, is stepping into a bold new era. The company has officially appointed Cameron Jarvis as its new President, a move that signals a significant push toward expansion, innovation, and modernization in 2026 and beyond.
The leadership change marks one of the most notable milestones in the brand’s 47 year history. For a company that grew from a small Granville Island counter into a cultural icon, this shift hints at even bigger developments on the horizon.
A deep Vancouver connection
Cameron Jarvis brings more than 30 years of experience building and scaling major food and hospitality brands across Canada. He previously held leadership roles with Mary Brown’s Chicken & Taters, Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria and Boston Pizza International.
He also has strong local roots. Jarvis has lived and worked in the region since 1998. His career began in the trenches, washing dishes and taking early morning baking shifts before moving into national operations leadership.
That journey, he explains, is exactly why Lee’s feels like the right home for this next chapter. “Guests have been coming to Lee’s for freshly made donuts the way Canadians expect them to be, simple, classic and crafted with care,” Jarvis said. “What excites me most is the incredible team behind the brand. They are passionate, committed and ready for what comes next.”
A Vancouver favourite prepares for growth
For many locals, Lee’s Donuts is more than a shop. It is a tradition. It is the honey dip after a morning at the market, the box of assorted favourites shared with friends, or the signature stop for tourists discovering Granville Island for the first time.
That legacy is why the company has been so intentional about its next steps. “Lee’s Donuts has been a Vancouver favourite for generations, and we have taken our time to assemble the right leadership team for this next phase,” said Allan Bacani, CEO and Co Owner of Lee’s Donuts. “Cam is an exceptional operator and team builder. With his passion and experience, we are ready to bring Lee’s to the world.”
In recent years, the company has seen strong franchise momentum. New locations have exceeded expectations and created interest from partners across Canada and abroad.
A strategic expansion era is underway
Lee’s is now preparing to launch a multi year growth strategy designed to modernize the brand while protecting its roots. Jarvis believes the biggest opportunity is simple. More people need to experience what has made Lee’s a Vancouver institution for nearly five decades.
“Our job now is to introduce Lee’s to a wider audience and show people who we are, what we stand for and why the brand means so much to Vancouver,” he said.
Several major initiatives are already in development as part of the next chapter..
A new era for a Vancouver classic
For a brand that has been part of Vancouver’s identity for nearly five decades, the appointment of a new president is more than a leadership update. It is a sign of change and renewal. With new locations, new products, new digital tools and new partnerships on the horizon, 2026 is shaping up to be a transformative year for Lee’s Donuts.
If the early signals are any indication, Vancouver’s favourite donut shop is on track to become a national and potentially international standout.
