Franworks Group of Companies (also called “Franworks”) is a Calgary, Alberta based company which owns and operates restaurant concepts[1] in Canada and the United States. They began in 2000 and shifted their focus to restaurants in 2002. In 2016, Recipe Unlimited acquired a majority stake in their restaurant brands.[2] As of 2022, the company has roughly 100 restaurants and five restaurant brands in two countries: Original Joe’s, State & Main, Elephant and Castle, Añejo Restaurant and Blanco Cantina.
 | |
| Company type | Restaurant franchise |
|---|---|
| Industry | Food service |
| Genre | Premium casual |
| Founded | 2000 in Calgary, Alberta |
| Headquarters | Calgary, Alberta |
Number of locations | 96 (2023) |
Areas served | Canada United States |
| Products | Food and drink |
| Parent | Recipe Unlimited |
| Divisions | Original Joe's Elephant & Castle State & Main Blanco Cantina Añejo Restaurant |
| Website | franworks |
Original Joe's edit
Original Joe’s Restaurant and Bar (also called “OJ’s”) was started in 1997 in Calgary, and joined Franworks in 2002. In 2010, OJ’s was named one of Canada's 100 Fastest-Growing Companies by Profit Magazine as they opened over 30+ locations. OJ’s is currently operating in four provinces with over 50 locations.
State & Main edit
State & Main Kitchen and Bar brand was developed and launched in 2012, expanding from Western Canada into Guelph, Ontario two years later. Now, State & Main has over 25 locations throughout four provinces.
Elephant & Castle edit
Franworks acquired Elephant and Castle Pub and Restaurant in 2012. The chain has operated restaurants in Canada and the United States.
Añejo Restaurant edit
Añejo Restaurant began on 4th Street, SW, in Calgary, and joined Franworks in 2019. The Añejo brand is growing and working to expand their concept throughout Canada and beyond.
Blanco Cantina edit
Blanco Cantina became a part of Franworks in 2019 with the first restaurant opening on 17th Ave, SW, in Calgary. Through the Pandemic, Blanco Cantina was able to open four additional locations over two provinces. They opened an Edmonton, Alberta location, and are continuing to grow throughout Canada.
See also edit
References edit
- ^ Toneguzzi, Mario. "New deal will help Calgary-based restaurant group FranWorks speed up expansion". Calgary Herald. Retrieved 2017-05-14.
- ^ "Cara and Original Joe's Franchise Group Inc. enter into partnership to reacquire Original Joe's trademarks and royalty rights from Diversified Royalty Corp". Cara Operations Limited. Retrieved 2017-05-14.
External links edit
- Official website
- Original Joe's website
- Elephant and Castle website
- State & Main website
- Añejo Restaurant website
- Blanco Cantina website
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