St-Hubert Group set to expand the Harvey's brand throughout Quebec

LAVAL, QC, Dec. 4, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Cara Operations Limited, owner of the Harvey's brand and chain of restaurants, which was established in Quebec in 1964 and is famous for its customized flame-grilled burgers, has appointed the St-Hubert Group to manage, market and expand the Harvey's brand throughout Quebec by supervising the opening of up to 45 new restaurants in the province including adding Harvey's to certain St-Hubert restaurants.

Drawing on St-Hubert's 66 years of expertise and in-depth knowledge of the Quebec market, a St-Hubert team will be dedicated to Harvey's and will work to grow the brand across the province. These investments will continue to evolve stand-alone Harvey's restaurants and the roll out a new type of combo restaurant accommodating both St-Hubert and Harvey's. Sharing brand space signals a new market strategy, particularly in rural areas, and will create new jobs throughout Quebec.

In these combined spaces, St-Hubert Express and Harvey's will offer their same menus and high-quality products, and the same speedy, efficient and friendly service for which they are known. Over the coming years, Harvey's will also be refurbishing and updating its existing restaurants in addition to opening new locations.

We will be keeping the unique concept of Harvey's burger bars that allows customers to customize their burgers, salads and poutines with a wide selection of fresh, local toppings. We will continue to use 100% Canadian beef and chicken, flame-grilled to perfection.

Harvey's first next-generation restaurant, sporting the chain's brand-new colours and design, celebrated its grand opening Friday, December 1^st, at 1925 Boulevard St-Martin West in Laval.

"Cara Operations Limited is delighted to entrust the St-Hubert Group's team with the task of taking Harvey's to the next level in Quebec. We are excited and confident with St-Hubert's knowledge of the restaurant business and their unparalleled understanding of the Quebec market— both of which will enable Harvey's to continue its growth in the province, where the chain has enjoyed a presence since 1964. We look towards the future with great optimism," says Ken Otto, President of Family Dining Restaurant.

"We are proud to see that the St-Hubert Group's know-how and expertise can drive the expansion of Harvey's restaurants across Quebec. This is an exciting challenge for us. Harvey's and the St-Hubert Group share the same approach that centres on quality and customer satisfaction. Over the coming years we will continue developing the Harvey's brand in Quebec employing the same passion, energy and enthusiasm that are characteristic of St-Hubert's rotisseries," states Pierre Rivard, President of the St-Hubert Group.

About Harvey's

Harvey's was established in Ontario in 1959 and has been present in Quebec since 1964. The Harvey's Brand currently has more than 6,000 employees and operates 46 restaurants in Quebec and 274 restaurants across Canada. Harvey's was the first restaurant to offer customers flame-grilled burgers with customized toppings using fresh ingredients. Harvey's uses high-quality ingredients produced by local farmers and suppliers, including 100% Canadian beef, chicken, potatoes and pork.

Harvey's QC

www.harveys.ca

About St-Hubert Group

The St-Hubert Group employs more than 10,000 people in its restaurant and food divisions. Established in Montreal in 1951, today St-Hubert BBQ Ltd has 121 rotisseries in Quebec, Ontario and New Brunswick serving more than 31 million meals a year. The St-Hubert Group also comprises a retail division which manufactures and distributes several food products under the St-Hubert brand and also under other Cara restaurant brands, including sauces, spare ribs, tourtieres and chicken pot pies. The company has a long tradition of innovation and strives continuously to satisfy its customers.

www.st-hubert.com

About Cara

Founded in 1883, Cara is Canada's oldest and largest full-service restaurant company.  The Company franchises and/or operates some of the most recognized brands in the country including Swiss Chalet, Harvey's, St-Hubert, Milestones, Montana's, Kelsey's, East Side Mario's, New York Fries, Burger's Priest, Prime Pubs, Original Joe's, State & Main, Elephant & Castle, Bier Markt and Landing restaurants.  As at September 24, 2017, Cara had 1,249 restaurants, 1,194 of which were located in Canada and the remaining 55 locations were located internationally.  83% of Cara's restaurants are operated by franchisees.  Cara's shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CARA.TO.  More information about the Company is available at www.cara.com.

SOURCE St-Hubert Group