UFood Restaurant Group Announces Franchise for 10-Unit Development in British Columbia, Canada

UFood Restaurant Group Inc. 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 projected to open in Vancouver by April 2012.

“I am proud to bring UFood’s better-for-you quick-service model to Canada,” said ASA CEO Zaid Al Chalabi. “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.” ASA is an organization formed for the principle focus of operating high quality food establishments in the Vancouver metro market. The principals currently operate two Cazba Restaurants in North Vancouver, British Columbia (http://www.cazbarestaurant.ca) which provides high quality Persian Cuisine at affordable prices.

“The executives of ASA embrace a long family history of restaurant experience, real estate selection expertise, financial capability, local immersion and commitment to serving their customers the highest quality food,” said UFood CEO George Naddaff. “Mr. Chalabi’s proven success with the Cazba Restaurants and his drive to introduce healthy affordable food alternatives to consumers make him and his organization the ideal partner for UFood to expand into British Columbia. We look forward to working toward our first opening this spring.”

The place where “delicious meets nutritious,” UFood Grill is committed to offering consumers food that tastes great, is lower in calories and fat and, wherever possible, serves meals that are antibiotic and hormone-free, gluten-free as well as natural, grass-fed beef and cage-free eggs. UFood boasts a wide-ranging menu that includes lean burgers, rice bowls, salads, wraps, paninis and smoothies. UFood has been approved for expansion into the military channel and will open three units at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, the first of which is under construction and the second is planned for construction start in eight weeks. In addition to airport locations in Boston, Cleveland and Dallas, UFood is approved for two more locations in the Salt Lake City airport which will open in April of this year.