Suburban Philadelphia-based restaurant group WOWorks is a franchisor with a portfolio of about six QSR brands and over 350 locations across the U.S. Last year, WOWorks entered into a strategic agreement with Southbrook Business Development Group to grow two of its brands, Frutta Bowls and Zoup! Eatery in the Canadian market. Under the agreement, franchising efforts are led by Joel Friedman of JSF Franchising, who oversees the recruitment of area developers and multi-unit franchisees. On the real estate side, Mila Kuzmicka of Southbrook Business Development Group manages site selection. Frutta Bowls is a ten-year-old plant-focused concept specializing in acai bowls, smoothies, oatmeal, and other fresh, fruit-based offerings. Since its launch, the concept has expanded to more than 40 locations across 16 U.S. states. Zoup! Eatery is a quick service chain of soup specialists that features a variety of daily soups served with freshly baked bread. In addition to the rotating daily choice of low fat, vegetarian, dairy-free, spicy, etc. fresh soup choices, the menu also includes a selection of made-to-order salads, sandwiches, and bowls. Presently there are about 20 Zoup! Eatery locations in seven states. In Canada there are two Zoup! locations in Cambridge and Newmarket in Ontario and a combination Zoup! Eatery/Frutta Bowls opened in East Gwillimbury in Greater Toronto in Summer 2025. Friedman explains that the growth strategy is to expand across Canada through existing restaurants and QSR operators looking to add incremental revenue by introducing Zoup + Frutta Bowls as an add-on concept as well as new standalone locations in high-potential markets. “This dual approach allows us to scale efficiently while giving operators a strong, proven brand to grow their business,” he added. The Frutta Bowls footprint for the standalone units is in 800 to 1000 square feet while the Zoup! Eatery operates in a 1200 to 1500 square foot range.
JSF Franchise Group Inc. – Toronto, Ontario (Joel Friedman – 416/819-2644 joelsf12003@yahoo.com)
Southbrook Business Development Corp., 910 Jane St., Suite 77, Concord, Ontario L4K 0A4 (Mila Kuzmicka – 905/865-6766 mila@southbrookbusiness.com)
WOWorks, 1001 Conshohocken State Rd., Suite 600, Conshohocken, Pennsylvania 19428 (www.woworksusa.com)