Foodtastic
Foodtastic is a Canadian restaurant holding company that develops, acquires, and operates a broad portfolio of restaurant and café brands.
Last updated August 31, 2026
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Overview
Foodtastic is a privately held Canadian restaurant holding company headquartered in Montreal, Quebec. Founded in 2016 by brothers Lawrence Mammas and Peter Mammas, it developed from a collection of Quebec restaurant businesses into a multi-brand platform spanning fast food, fast-casual dining, cafés, pubs, casual dining, and specialty food concepts. Rather than presenting a single consumer-facing menu, Foodtastic operates as a house of brands: it owns or manages restaurant concepts separately while providing group-level capabilities in franchising, operations, procurement, expansion, and brand development. The company’s early portfolio included Quebec restaurant businesses such as Nickels Grill & Bar, a chain historically associated with singer Céline Dion and her former husband and manager René Angélil. Foodtastic used this regional base as a platform for consolidation in Canadian foodservice. Its growth strategy has relied heavily on acquiring established chains with recognizable identities and then expanding their franchise and corporate-restaurant footprints. Foodtastic’s acquisition activity accelerated in 2021. It acquired Copper Branch, a plant-based restaurant chain with operations in Canada and selected European markets; Pita Pit; and Second Cup, the Canadian coffee chain purchased from Aegis Brands. The Second Cup transaction broadened Foodtastic’s exposure to cafés and was accompanied by an emphasis on suburban expansion. In 2022, the group added Shoeless Joe’s Sports Grill, Quesada Burritos & Tacos, and Freshii. It also acquired the Prime Pubs business from Recipe Unlimited, bringing brands including Fionn MacCool’s, Tir nan Og, Paddy Flaherty’s, and D'Arcy McGee’s into its portfolio. The group continued broadening its restaurant categories in 2023 through the acquisitions of Noodlebox and Milestones Grill and Bar. It also entered a development partnership connected with O’Tacos, a French fast-casual concept, to pursue Canadian expansion. In 2024, Foodtastic opened Canada’s first Jimmy John’s franchise restaurant in Toronto and announced an ambitious plan to develop the sandwich brand in the Canadian market. Later that year, it acquired Archibald Restaurants, adding another Quebec-based restaurant group to its holdings. Foodtastic’s portfolio includes burger restaurants, burrito and taco concepts, cafés, pizzerias, sports grills, pubs, plant-based restaurants, rotisseries, Mediterranean and Greek-inspired concepts, and casual-dining establishments. Named brands associated with the group include Archibald Restaurants, Big Rig Kitchen & Brewery, Bācaro Pizzeria, Carlos & Pepe’s, Chocolato, Copper Branch, Enoteca Monza Pizzeria Moderna, Fionn MacCool’s, Freshii, Fusée Rôtisserie, Gatto Matto, La Belle & La Boeuf Burger Bar, La Chambre, Milestones, Nickels, Noodlebox, Pita Pit outside the United States, Quesada, Rotisseries Benny, Rôtisserie Au Coq, Second Cup, Shoeless Joe’s, Souvlaki Bar, and Tommy Café. The company is primarily a Canadian operator, although some portfolio brands have had or retain international locations and franchise relationships. The reference material describes Foodtastic as managing more than 1,200 restaurants across Canada and internationally. Because restaurant counts and portfolio composition can change through acquisitions, divestments, openings, and franchise arrangements, the exact current number should be treated as time-sensitive. Foodtastic is best understood as a Canadian multi-brand restaurant platform rather than a single-format restaurant chain.
History
Foodtastic was established in 2016 by brothers Lawrence and Peter Mammas. The business emerged from a group of Quebec restaurant operations and was structured as a platform capable of holding and expanding multiple foodservice brands. Its early identity was connected to established local concepts, including Nickels Grill & Bar, a restaurant chain historically linked with Céline Dion and René Angélil. From its Quebec base, Foodtastic pursued a consolidation strategy in the Canadian restaurant sector. The company’s model has involved purchasing existing brands, retaining their distinct customer propositions, and using centralized ownership and operating capabilities to support franchising and geographic expansion. This approach has allowed Foodtastic to participate in several restaurant categories rather than depend on one format. The group’s expansion became particularly pronounced in 2021. In May, it acquired Copper Branch, a plant-based chain with restaurants in Canada, France, and the Netherlands. In August, it acquired Pita Pit. In November, Foodtastic purchased Second Cup from Aegis Brands. The Second Cup transaction gave Foodtastic a significant café platform and was associated with plans to increase the brand’s presence in suburban communities. In 2022, Foodtastic added several major concepts. Shoeless Joe’s Sports Grill brought sports-bar and casual-dining locations into the group. Quesada Burritos & Tacos expanded the company’s Mexican-inspired fast-casual exposure, while Freshii added a health-oriented fast-casual brand. Foodtastic also acquired the Prime Pubs subsidiary of Recipe Unlimited. That business included Fionn MacCool’s, Tir nan Og, Paddy Flaherty’s, and D'Arcy McGee’s, giving the company a substantial collection of Irish- and British-influenced pub concepts. The acquisition-led strategy continued in 2023 with Noodlebox and Milestones. Noodlebox strengthened Foodtastic’s position in Asian-inspired fast-casual food, while Milestones added a more established full-service casual-dining format. During the same period, Foodtastic partnered with O’Tacos to pursue Canadian development of the French franchise concept. The planned expansion had not produced an operating Canadian location by February 2025 according to the supplied reference material. In 2024, Foodtastic entered the Canadian market with Jimmy John’s. The first Canadian restaurant opened on November 19 at Sherway Gardens in Toronto, Ontario. Foodtastic announced plans to develop a much larger Canadian network for the sandwich chain. In November of that year, it also acquired Archibald Restaurants, further strengthening its Quebec restaurant presence. Foodtastic’s portfolio spans cafés, burgers, burritos and tacos, pizza, plant-based food, rotisserie chicken, sports grills, pubs, casual dining, sandwiches, desserts, and other specialty concepts. Brands associated with the group include Archibald Restaurants, Big Rig Kitchen & Brewery, Bācaro Pizzeria, Carlos & Pepe’s, Chocolato, Copper Branch, Enoteca Monza Pizzeria Moderna, Fionn MacCool's, Freshii, Fusée Rôtisserie, Gatto Matto, La Belle & La Boeuf Burger Bar, La Chambre, Milestones, Nickels, Noodlebox, Pita Pit outside the United States, Quesada, Rotisseries Benny, Rôtisserie Au Coq, Second Cup, Shoeless Joe’s, Souvlaki Bar, and Tommy Café. The company is headquartered in Montreal and remains principally focused on Canada, although selected brands operate or have operated internationally. The supplied reference describes the group as managing more than 1,200 restaurants across Canada and internationally. That figure is time-sensitive because Foodtastic’s restaurant count changes as acquisitions, openings, closures, and franchise arrangements occur. Foodtastic is therefore best characterized as an active private restaurant holding company and multi-brand franchising platform.
- 2024
Jimmy John’s launches in Canada
[1]The first Canadian Jimmy John’s franchise restaurant opens at Sherway Gardens in Toronto.
- 2024
Archibald Restaurants acquisition
[1]Foodtastic acquires Archibald Restaurants in November.
- 2023
Noodlebox and Milestones acquisitions
[1]Foodtastic acquires Noodlebox and Milestones, broadening its fast-casual and full-service restaurant portfolio.
- 2022
Expansion into sports grills, Mexican fast casual, and health-focused dining
[1]The company acquires Shoeless Joe’s, Quesada, and Freshii.
- 2022
Prime Pubs acquisition
[1]Foodtastic acquires Prime Restaurants’ Prime Pubs subsidiary and its associated pub brands.
- 2021
Copper Branch joins the portfolio
[1]Foodtastic acquires the plant-based restaurant chain Copper Branch.
- 2021
Pita Pit acquisition
[1]Foodtastic acquires Pita Pit, adding a well-known fast-casual sandwich and pita concept.
- 2021
Second Cup acquisition
[1]Foodtastic purchases Second Cup from Aegis Brands and targets further suburban development.
- 2016
Foodtastic is founded
[1]Brothers Lawrence and Peter Mammas establish Foodtastic as a Canadian restaurant holding and expansion platform.
Products and positioning
A Canadian multi-brand restaurant platform focused on acquiring, operating, franchising, and expanding established foodservice concepts across multiple dining occasions and price points.
Coffeehouse
Second Cup
A Canadian café chain serving coffee, espresso-based drinks, tea, cold beverages, pastries, snacks, and light meals. Foodtastic acquired Second Cup in 2021 and identified suburban locations as an important area for future development.
Fast-casual restaurant
Freshii
A health-focused fast-casual concept associated with salads, bowls, wraps, smoothies, and other lighter meal options. Its acquisition in 2022 gave Foodtastic exposure to the wellness-oriented restaurant segment.
Mexican-inspired fast casual
Quesada Burritos & Tacos
A customizable Mexican-inspired fast-casual chain centered on burritos, tacos, bowls, quesadillas, and related toppings and sides. Foodtastic acquired the brand in 2022.
Plant-based restaurant
Copper Branch
A plant-based restaurant chain offering meat-free bowls, burgers, sandwiches, and other prepared meals. Its network has included locations in Canada and selected European markets.
Casual dining
Milestones Grill and Bar
A full-service casual-dining brand offering a broad menu of contemporary North American dishes, beverages, and social dining occasions. Foodtastic acquired Milestones in 2023.
Pub and casual dining
Fionn MacCool's
An Irish-themed pub and restaurant brand acquired as part of Foodtastic’s 2022 purchase of the Prime Pubs business. Its format combines pub beverages, social dining, and familiar bar-food dishes.
Sandwich restaurant
Jimmy John's
A sandwich-focused quick-service brand operated in Canada through Foodtastic’s franchise relationship. The first Canadian location opened in Toronto in November 2024, with a stated plan for broader national development.
Asian-inspired fast casual
Noodlebox
A fast-casual restaurant concept centered on noodle-based and other Asian-inspired meals prepared for individual orders. Foodtastic acquired the brand in 2023.
Brand decisions
2024
Launch Jimmy John’s in CanadaProduct launchBackground
Foodtastic obtained the opportunity to introduce the Jimmy John’s sandwich brand to the Canadian market.
Action taken
It opened Canada’s first Jimmy John’s franchise restaurant on November 19 at Sherway Gardens in Toronto and announced plans for up to 200 locations.
Aftermath
The Toronto opening marked Jimmy John’s entry into the Canadian market under Foodtastic’s franchise operation.
2023
Pursue Canadian development of O’TacosStrategyBackground
Foodtastic sought to introduce an established French fast-casual concept to Canada.
Action taken
The company partnered with O’Tacos to develop Canadian locations.
Aftermath
The supplied reference reported that no Canadian O’Tacos location had opened by February 2025.
2022
Acquire Prime PubsM&ABackground
Foodtastic continued building scale through acquisitions across Canadian casual dining and pub formats.
Action taken
It acquired the Prime Pubs subsidiary of Recipe Unlimited, including Fionn MacCool’s, Tir nan Og, Paddy Flaherty’s, and D'Arcy McGee’s.
Aftermath
The transaction expanded Foodtastic’s presence in pub-oriented casual dining.
2021
Acquire Second Cup from Aegis BrandsM&ABackground
Foodtastic sought to expand beyond traditional restaurant formats and add a major Canadian café platform.
Action taken
The company purchased Second Cup from Aegis Brands and planned to develop the chain further, including in suburban markets.
Aftermath
Second Cup became part of Foodtastic’s multi-brand café and restaurant portfolio.
Recent events
Foodtastic selects Givex platform for its restaurant locations[2]
Reported:
Foodtastic selected Givex’s technology and customer-engagement platform for rollout across more than 650 locations; most brands were already using Givex gift cards, and Foodtastic planned to roll out its POS and Customer WebSuite solutions system-wide.
Foodtastic acquires Copper Branch assets[3]
Reported:
Foodtastic acquired all the assets of Copper Branch, a Montreal-based plant-based quick-service restaurant chain.
Sources3 sources
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