Over the weekend, In My Belly Food Group, the Montreal-based developer of growing La French, Chicken Street and Lokma Dessert food brands, opened a combo location at the SmartCentres Montreal-North on Boul Henri Bourassa East in Montreal North that brings together the three brands in a 1500 square foot food court style location. Mehdi Sirigu, Co-Founder of In My Belly Food Group, explains that the plan for the combo format is to optimize fixed costs while offering a unique experience. “We look forward to analyzing the results of this model, which we particularly believe in, especially in the regions,” he said online. La French is a quick service concept that specializes in sandwiches served on French baguettes, smash burgers, curry chicken and General Tao bowls, poutines and wraps. The menu features halal food. In addition to the combo and food court locations, La French will operate in high traffic 1300 to 1500 square foot locations in open centres and street front units. Introduced in France in the early 2010s, Chicken Street has expanded internationally and presently has over 100 locations in Europe. The quick service restaurant franchise features an innovative fried chicken and naan-based street food, combining global street food influences with signature items like cheese naan sandwiches, crispy chicken, burgers, wraps, and poutines. Lokma is the seven-year-old specialty food concept that features the fresh-made Lokma, a deep-fried bite-size Turkish pastry that can be personalized with various toppings. In addition to combo locations, the Lokma Dessert café will locate in highly visible 1200 square foot sites with strong pedestrian traffic. Venting and hood are required, and patios as welcomed. Eric Gareau at Services Immobilier E. Gareau is handling the chain’s site selection for the In My Belly Food Group.
In My Belly Food Group, 111 Chabanel St West, Suite 502, Montreal, Quebec H2N 1C8 (514/444-5525 www.inmybellyfood.com)