Quaker Steak & Lube(R) Launches International Expansion with Opening of First Canadian Restaurant
Chain eyes more sites in Toronto and Asia
Quaker Steak & Lube, America's number one motorsports-themed restaurant, has gone global with the opening of its first restaurant in Toronto. The popular casual dining restaurant has set its sights on expanding in other countries, too.
The Lube, as fans call it, recently opened its first Canadian restaurant in Toronto's Rogers Centre, home to the Toronto Blue Jays. The express location features The Lube's famous fresh, never-frozen wings, onion rings, other sides and beverages. It is operated by Aramark.
The Lube is already hitting home runs with Canadians. "I was going to the Quaker Steak & Lube, and a baseball game broke out," chuckled Peter Corolis, a Toronto investment advisor who frequently visits The Lube when traveling in the U.S. According to Ken Cole, Quaker Steak & Lube president and CEO, the Rogers Centre opening sparked interest from other prospective franchisees in Toronto. Executives from The Lube recently met with a prospective franchisee and looked at potential sites.
Celebrating its 35th year, The Lube owns or franchises 34 restaurants in 13 states and Canada. Its growth is in high gear, with seven more U.S. locations scheduled to open this year. Cole is excited about the potential international growth opportunities for Quaker Steak & Lube. "Chicken is the number one universal meat and the world is enamored with motor-sports, making The Lube a perfect fit for many countries," said Cole.
In addition to Canada, The Lube is looking to expand into Asia. "Our management team has experience with overseas operations and understands how to successfully export an American concept to another country," Cole said.
Voted Best Wings USA, Quaker Steak & Lube is a fun, family-oriented restaurant with a motorsports-themed atmosphere. Founded in 1974, Quaker Steak & Lube features unique decor, including race cars, motorcycles, Corvettes and gas station memorabilia decorating the walls.
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