Smoke’s Brands Set to Erupt in 2016 with Explosive Canadian Growth

“Global Domination” Strategy Becomes More Powerful Than Ever Before; Targeted Growth Across Canada in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario

TORONTO – Smoke’s Brands, the powerhouse Canadian empire known best for Smoke’s Poutinerie – the “World’s Largest and Original Poutinerie,” today announced an extensive growth initiative to significantly increase the Canadian presence of its three dynamic brands.

Taken together, the explosive expansion of Smoke’s Poutinerie, Smoke’s Weinerie and Smoke’s Burritorie will increase the empire by 50 percent in 2016.

“We’re going to the next level,” said Ryan Smolkin, founder and CEO of all Smoke’s Brands. “If you’re not on board, the ‘Gravy Train’ may pass you by. The time is now.”

Already solidified into the consciousness of the country with growth to more than 100 locations in just seven years, excitement behind the original Smoke’s Poutinerie has paved the way for this immense growth plan. Sparking the momentum at the start of the New Year is the recent Smoke’s Weinerie franchise opening in Oshawa (Ontario), next to the existing Smoke’s Poutinerie, and the upcoming Smoke’s Poutinerie opening in Sudbury (Ontario).

And, now the empire has evolved to include a destination unlike any other, a food court concept comprised of all three brands. The first three-brand venue will open in the first quarter of 2016 in the brand’s hometown of Ajax (Ontario).

“Our empire is well on its way to “Global Domination” and the quest continues with these new initiatives,” said Smolkin. “The ‘Gravy Train’ is rolling into town, changing the course of life for millions of Canadians.”

Smoke’s Brands are targeting key markets in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario for its most prolific growth in 2016. A key part of the growth strategy is placing traditional, four-wall locations in markets where Smoke’s Brands already has non-traditional locations in sports arenas, entertainment centers, colleges and universities.

“Timing couldn’t be better for prospective franchise owners to jump on the ‘Gravy Train’,” added Smolkin. “There is tremendous awareness being driven by our non-traditional growth and new Smoke’s Brands concepts with nearly 40 units across all platforms added in 2015.”

The growth initiative targets franchise investors brandishing an eagerness to learn and business acumen to sustain the brand’s high-performance expectations. Most importantly, franchisees must be able to make a sincere connection to the unmistakable culture of the concepts. Many of the franchisees already in place began engaging with the brands as devoted customers, and have continued their passion as accomplished operators.

Energy propelling the Canadian expansion comes directly from Smoke’s Brands’ “Global Domination” plan to open 1,300 stores worldwide in the next five years. Beyond the traditional locations outlined in this strategy, Smoke’s Brands has development efforts in place to open 725 non-traditional stores globally in the next five years at arenas, stadiums, colleges, universities, transportation centers, movie theaters, casinos, and beyond. In 2015, 20 Canadian non-traditional units opened in universities and stadiums alone, with 30 additional planned in 2016. Underscoring the growth in this category is the recent Smoke’s Burritorie opening at the Canadian Tire Centre, home of the Ottawa Senators, which took over a former Tim Horton’s space and the upcoming Smoke’s Burritorie opening at the Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Smolkin is the originator of the concept and its first brand Smoke’s Poutinerie – a trendsetting destination devoted to the beloved, iconic Canadian dish. His innovative approach with Smoke’s Poutinerie has turned it into an electrifying and engaging brand. Beyond the menu and in-store experience, Smoke’s Brands are celebrated for their irreverence, as typified by unconventional events such as the annual Smoke’s Poutinerie World Poutine Eating Championship and the Smoke’s Poutinerie World Famous Great Canadian Cross Country Plaid Gravy Train Fries Curd & Gravy Weird Wild and Wacky Poutine Eating Tour.

To learn more, visit www.smokespoutinerie.com.

About Smoke’s Brands

Founded in 2009 by Ryan Smolkin, Smoke’s Poutinerie is the “World’s Largest and Original Poutinerie.” Representing 1980s Canadiana culture known for the signature red and black plaid and glam rock music, Smoke’s Poutinerie serves 30 varieties of its famous poutine. In 2015, Smoke’s Brands launched Smoke’s Weinerie and Smoke’s Burritorie in Canada, brand extensions that deliver the unmistakable and entertaining Smoke’s Brands experience. With 100-plus locations in Canada, the brand is on course for “Global Domination,” targeting 1,300 new locations to open around the world by 2020.

For more information about available franchise opportunities, contact Mike Graham, Vice President of Franchise Development, at mike@smokespoutinerie.com, call (905) 427-4444, ext. 205.