News

UFood Restaurant Group to open in British Columbia

January 17, 2012

UFood Restaurant Group Inc. has announced that it has granted a territorial franchise agreement to ASA Capital Alliance for the development of 10 UFood Grill units in British Columbia. The first unit is scheduled to open in Vancouver by April 2012.

ASA currently operates two Persian cuisine Cazba Restaurants in North Vancouver. The organization’s focus is complementary to UFood Grill, which serves low calorie and low fat foods.

“I am proud to bring UFood’s better-for-you quick-service model to Canada,” ASA CEO Zaid Al Chalabi said in a news release. “Like Americans, Canadians are also focused on nutrition and health. UFood is a perfect solution for those with busy lifestyles who care about eating well.”

UFood offers healthier-for-you menu items using ingredients such as cage-free eggs and antibiotic and hormone-free proteins. Menu items also are baked, grilled or steamed.

Additionally, the company has been testing four Naan sandwiches as part of its commitment to serving healthy, high-quality foods.

In September, the company signed a partnership agreement with MBUF LLC, a private investment group of military veterans, to focus on the expansion of the UFood Grill concept on U.S. military installations. The venture has led to the upcoming openings of three UFood Grills at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland.

UFood president and chief operations officer Charlie Cocotas said a key reason why the company has focused on that niche for growth is because the concept's core menu is both healthy and nutritious, something mandated by military.

"They have made a decision that if the troops are going to be in maximum physical condition that, in addition to the constant physical exercise, they must also have healthy, nutritious meals to remain combat ready," Cocotas said. "Our menu was approved by the Army/Air Force Exchange Services who control military food operations worldwide."