Sunny Street Café® Announces Expansion into Canada

COLUMBUS, OHIO (April 20, 2011) – The fast-growing, breakfast-lunch chain Sunny Street Café ® has signed a 40-store development agreement for Western Canada, marking the chain’s first growth initiative outside of the United States.
“Sunny Street Café ® has tremendous growth potential in Canada,” said Scott Moffitt, president of Sunny Street Café ®. “The Canadian breakfast and lunch segment is evolving quickly, and we see a tremendous opportunity to capture a significant portion of the niche. Access to growth capital and the availability of excellent real estate sites have never been better.”
The development territory includes the four western Canadian provinces and three northern territories. The first location is set to open in late summer or early fall in the Edmonton, Alberta area under the management of area developer and franchisee Percy Johnson. Johnson plans to open a minimum of 40 locations across Western Canada over the next 10 years. The developer has extensive franchise experience, having owned and operated multiple units throughout his career in the bakery/café, pizza and flower categories.
“We are delighted to have someone of Percy Johnson’s caliber aboard,” said Moffitt. “His experience across multiple brands in operations, construction and real estate will be invaluable as we grow the brand in Canada. Johnson also is currently recruiting single-unit franchisees and multi-unit developers to further expand the concept.” The chain plans to remain true to its brand, offering a similar menu in Canada to its U.S. counterpart with a few regional modifications. The menu features fresh cut fruits, fresh salads and sandwiches, and signature dishes such as Stuffed French Toast and Bananas Foster Pancakes, as well as other unique daily offerings like homemade grits and a quiche of the day. Restaurants also will offer locally-sourced foods and produce.
“The atmosphere of our restaurants is comfortable, inviting and reflects the surrounding community’s personality,” Moffitt said.
Patrons can sit at the counter and watch the morning news on flat-screen televisions, or they can be served at tables and booths. Community groups and associations also can host semi-private breakfast or lunch meetings or utilize the restaurant’s catering and takeout menu.
“This flexibility helps to bolster weekday traffic, which is an attractive feature in a breakfast-lunch concept,” said Johnson. “The franchise also offers attractive work hours for owners, managers and employees. You can enjoy a successful business and also have time to enjoy family and friends and to give back to the community. Every dish is prepared with the keen awareness that we are serving our neighbors and that ensures the highest degree of quality and attentiveness to service.”
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