Charcoal Group of Restaurants, a Southern Ontario-based hospitality company, is preparing to open five new restaurant locations across Ontario, including new Wildcraft Grill + Long Bar and Beertown restaurants in Burlington, the Niagara Region, Peterborough, and Richmond Hill.
The company plans to invest between $25 million and $30 million CAD over the next 18 months, according to Retail Insider. The expansion comes at a time when many restaurant operators are slowing development activity and hospitality analysts continue to warn about widespread restaurant closures across Canada. CEO Jody Palubiski said the company remains focused on hospitality-driven dining experiences and carefully selected locations that can serve as long-term community gathering spaces. Customers can expect a continued emphasis on full service dining, in person hospitality, and neighborhood focused restaurant concepts.
Among the upcoming projects are new Wildcraft Grill + Long Bar locations planned for Burlington and the Niagara Region. The Niagara development will also include a new Beertown restaurant alongside the Wildcraft concept. Additional Beertown locations are scheduled for Peterborough and Richmond Hill as the company continues expanding its footprint across Southern Ontario. While specific opening dates for the restaurants have not yet been announced, the projects are expected to roll out over the next year and a half.
Charcoal Group has taken a different approach than many operators currently navigating economic uncertainty in the hospitality industry, according to Retail Insider. Rather than prioritizing automation, reduced staffing, or a heavy reliance on third-party delivery platforms such as Uber Eats and DoorDash, the company says it remains committed to traditional hospitality and dine-in experiences. Leadership also noted that expansion decisions are made selectively, with a focus on locations that can become part of the surrounding community.
Charcoal Group says it has operated in the hospitality industry for more than 65 years and currently manages several restaurant concepts throughout Southern Ontario. Its portfolio includes Solé Uptown, The Charcoal Steakhouse, Martini’s, Dels Italian Kitchen, Wildcraft Grill & Long Bar, The Bauer Kitchen, The Bauer Bakery & Café, Moose Winooski’s, Beertown, and Sociable Kitchen & Tavern. The company has continued to grow its presence through a mix of casual dining, upscale concepts, and neighborhood-focused restaurants.
This will be an important period of growth for the company as many hospitality businesses continue adjusting to rising operating costs and changing consumer habits. By focusing on full-service dining and community-centered restaurant experiences, Charcoal Group appears to be doubling down on the traditional restaurant model while continuing to expand throughout Ontario.
