MONTREAL — Quebec-based Foodtastic has set its sights on Asia for the expansion of its Rotisseries Benny brand, making it the first Quebec restaurant chain to establish a national presence in China.
NGU-Group has signed an exclusive franchise development agreement with Foodtastic for the expansion of Rotisseries Benny across Asia. NGU-Group will open its first two establishments in Shanghai this fall, with the goal of establishing a national presence in China, thus becoming the first Quebec restaurant chain to do so.
The Asian expansion is the brainchild of Jacques Houle, founder of NGU-Group, an experienced entrepreneur from Boisbriand, Que., who has achieved success in China over the past 30 years. He is widely recognized for introducing high-quality imported products to North America, including Forno, a brand of high-end appliances at very affordable prices distributed across the entire North American territory. With his in-depth knowledge of the market and local culture, Houle sees a tremendous opportunity in a country of 1.4 billion people, home to 620 cities, 262 airports, 5,544 train stations, and more than 110,000 highway service areas.
“For more than half a century, Quebecers have faithfully and regularly returned to Benny for their delicious chicken, savory barbecue sauces, legendary poutine, and extensive menu,” says Houle. “I myself became a loyal customer years ago. Having worked with China for over 30 years, I have seen that the Chinese have a great love for roasted chicken, and I developed the conviction that they would absolutely love our style of chicken – the way we have adopted rotisserie cooking in Quebec and the types of barbecue sauces we have developed over the decades. And Benny has mastered these recipes throughout its history.”
Peter Mammas, president and CEO of Foodtastic, left, traveled to Shanghai in April (2025) with Jacques Houle, right, CEO of NGU-Group, to finalize the signing of a development agreement between the two entrepreneurs
“We’re very excited to have joined forces with Jacques Houle and his team to bring the Benny experience to customers in China,” says Mammas. “I just returned from a visit to Shanghai and saw firsthand how ripe and open the market is to our rotisserie-style menu. We are confident that customers across China will appreciate the traditional recipes that we and the original founders have carefully crafted over the years.”
Founded in 1960 by a family of poultry farmers, Benny has become an institution in Quebec, honouring the traditions of its founding family and its secret recipes. Since its acquisition by Foodtastic in 2019, Benny has renewed its commitment to serving the highest quality chicken in a fast-service concept.
