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Restaurant brand owner Foodtastic has added a niche restaurant to its roster with the recent acquisition of Edmonton-based Central Social Hall.
The acquisition “enhances Foodtastic’s premium casual-dining segment by offering a concept that sits between traditional pubs and upscale dining,” Peter Mammas, president and chief executive officer of Saint-Laurent, Que.-based Foodtastic, told FoodNX in an email exchange.
The company’s two locations, in Edmonton and St. Albert, Alta., will be folded into Foodtastic’s stable that includes 27 brands and more than 1,200 establishments in Canada.
“Unlike other brands focused on specific dayparts or cuisines, Central centres on social dining with chef-driven menus, curated beverages and a connection-focused environment,” he said
The purchase of Central Social Hall “deepens our casual-dining platform and expands our national reach,” Mammas said.
Will pursue expansion from Edmonton base
Foodtastic plans to grow Central Social Hall beyond its Edmonton roots, according to Mammas.
“Expansion will proceed in phases, focusing on Alberta in the near-term while evaluating opportunities in the province and other key Canadian markets. Ontario is a strategic priority for new builds or selective conversions. Growth will be paced to sustain operational excellence and brand consistency as we expand into new regions.”
As the company plans to move forward with expansion, it will ensure “local relevance remains crucial,” he said.
“Community participation will continue to be a priority in each location, ensuring new markets experience Central not as a standardized rollout but as a locally integrated social hub aligned with provincial palates and cultural moments.”
Fast food restaurant industry going through changes
The quick-service restaurant (QSR) business has been evolving recently, and Foodtastic seems cognizant of this, he recently told CoStar News. “You used to see people buying the large burrito or the biggest combo. Now they’re choosing the smaller portion. Traffic is up, but the average cheque is down,” he told Kristian Gravenor.
The company also recently brought on another franchise, U.S.-based submarine restaurant Jimmy John’s, with an eye toward rapid expansion in Canada. Its website lists six locations north of the border.
Central Social Hall was founded in 2012 by Jerry Rota and Jesse Kupina.
Foodtastic began in 2016, and is one of the largest restaurant companies in Canada, according to its website. Sales have grown dramatically over the last four years, from less than $50 million to over $1 billion.
Foodtastic’s roster of restaurant and food banners includes Milestones, Freshii, Second Cup and Pita Pit.
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