TORONTO — The owners of Smoke’s Poutinerie said they are pursuing a rapid global expansion while also branching out with new restaurants that would sell gourmet hot dogs and burritos.
Toronto-based Smoke’s Eaterie said it plans to open 1,300 restaurants around the world by 2020 devoted mainly to fans of poutine — the quintessential Quebec fast-food favourite of french fries topped with gravy and smothered in cheese curds.
After just six years, 100 franchised Smoke’s Poutineries have opened in Canada, mainly in Ontario.
The company said its goal is to double that footprint in Canada by adding locations mainly in Ontario, Quebec and Western Canada.
Company founder and CEO Ryan Smolkin said growth will be targeted in non-traditional venues like sports arenas, university and college campuses and amusement parks.
The global expansion plans are centred heavily on the United States, where the company hopes to have 800 stores within five years.
The first U.S. location in Berkeley, Calif., opened in December and will soon be joined by restaurants in Hollywood and Las Vegas.
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