Sbarro Expands Canadian Presence, Signs Agreement To Open 20 New Eateries In Ontario

Company Inks Agreement with Hassoun Enterprises, Ltd. to Serve as Master Franchisor

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May 29, 2013, 10:29 ET

MELVILLE, N.Y., May 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Sbarro (www.sbarro.com) announced today that it will further its international growth with plans to open 20 eateries in Ontario, Canada. This announcement is the latest in a series of franchise agreements that have recently expanded Sbarro's presence across Europe, the Middle East, South America, Asia and the Pacific.

Sbarro has partnered with master franchisor Youssef Hassoun, owner of Hassoun Enterprises, Ltd., to develop and operate Sbarro eateries exclusively in Ontario. The company opened its first Sbarro location at North York City Center in Toronto earlier this year (January 2013), and opened a second eatery at the Bramalea City Center in Brampton, Ontario earlier this month (May 2013).

"Sbarro's continued international growth is a direct result of the priority we place on choosing great franchise partners," said J. David Karam, CEO of Sbarro. "Youssef is an exceptional owner and operator with a tremendous record of success and extensive knowledge of the Ontario market."

The franchise agreement with Hassoun Enterprises, Ltd. expands Sbarro's footprint in Canada to more than 30 eateries. By the end of August 2013, Hassoun will open three more Sbarro eateries at the following locations throughout Ontario, Canada: Rouge Valley Centenary Hospital in Scarborough Ontario; Hunt Club in Ottawa; and Simon Premium Outlet Center in Toronto.

"The Sbarro team showed consistent help, direction and care and provided massive support during my first store opening," said Hassoun. "I'm proud to be a part of the Sbarro family, as we continue to grow together throughout 2013 and the years ahead."

Over the past year, Sbarro has significantly expanded its international presence forging franchise agreements across the globe. The company currently operates more than 1,000 eateries across 40 countries with more than 400 of those restaurants located outside the United States.

About Sbarro
Since it first opened its doors as an Italian Salumeria in 1956, Sbarro has been a leader in driving the growth of the Italian restaurant category. Today, Sbarro team members bring a taste of the true Italian spirit to guests every day at its more than 1,000 eateries across 40 countries. An award-winning franchise organization, Sbarro features a menu of popular Italian food including pizza, pasta dishes and other hot and cold Italian entrees, salads, drinks and desserts. Sbarro is headquartered in Melville, NY. For more information, visit www.sbarro.com.

SOURCE Sbarro