TORONTO — Toronto-based hospitality group, the K2 Group, will open five new IHOP restaurants across Ontario.
The first is scheduled to open at the 10 Acre Truck Stop, a landmark location in Belleville, Ont., at the beginning of 2022.
“Having a superb restaurant offering at the 10 Acre Truck Stop is crucial to ensuring our truckers and local customers have a place to come and gather,” says, Kailash Kasal, president K2 Group. “With more than 25 years in the hospitality business, we’re confident that we will thrive as we work to meet our guests where they are by providing an all-round exceptional experience and, of course, the world’s most famous pancakes.”
The deal came to fruition when Kasal entered a non-traditional restaurant franchisee deal with California-based Dine Brands International. With $2 million set to be invested into the new restaurant, IHOP Belleville will employ more than 60 staff and seat up to 184 guests.
“We’re pleased to push forward with our international expansion plans and believe working with K2 Group creates the perfect opportunity to successfully build and grow our portfolio across Ontario,” says Tony Moralejo, president, Dine Brands International. “We’re optimistic that the market is well-positioned to get back to its pre-pandemic growth momentum as we bring jobs, as well as our local and hand-made-to-order menu items to our Canadian neighbours.”
The inaugural IHOP Belleville location will be a one-of-a-kind restaurant and one of the first IHOPs to open in Ontario outside of Niagara Falls. Construction begins in August 2021, with an opening date of February 2022. Details about further locations to come.
