Foodtastic Adds Central Social Hall to Its Portfolio, Strengthening Its Presence in Casual Dining

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10:17 AM on Thursday, February 19

The Associated Press

MONTREAL & EDMONTON, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb 19, 2026--

Foodtastic acquires Central Social Hall, a Canadian premium casual dining and social hall brand known for its chef-driven menus, curated drinks, and community-focused hospitality. The move supports Foodtastic’s strategy of adding strong Canadian brands to its portfolio of banners and expanding into dining concepts that cater to both everyday occasions and social gatherings.

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Friends gather over chef-driven small plates, handcrafted cocktails, and casual dining favourites at Central Social Hall, now part of Foodtastic’s growing portfolio of Canadian restaurant brands.

Founded in 2012 by Jerry Rota and Jesse Kupina, Central Social Hall has enjoyed tremendous success through its focus on premium casual dining, social hospitality, and a strong sense of community. Guests enjoy scratch-made, chef-driven menus, curated drinks, friendly service, and a lively atmosphere.

“Central Social Hall is a strong all-Canadian brand with a clear identity and a faithful guest base,” said Peter Mammas, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Foodtastic. “Its unique positioning in the casual dining sector fits well with our approach to diversify and strengthen our portfolio with concepts that engage today’s guests. Central fills an important niche by offering a hybrid dining experience that appeals to both the casual diner and those craving a more refined atmosphere. We are looking forward to growing this great brand in Canada.”

With two Edmonton locations, the brand has built a loyal following by serving elevated yet approachable cuisine and curated drinks, while creating vibrant spaces that encourage real social connections in every community. Casual dining and social halls are a key focus for Foodtastic as more guests look for places that combine great food with social experiences.

“From day one, Central was built to be a place where people can gather to celebrate around a high-quality meal and atmosphere and create lasting memories,” said Andrea Schlingmann, Brand Leader at Central Social Hall. “Foodtastic will provide Central with the infrastructure and scale to grow thoughtfully, while maintaining the culture, hospitality, and sense of community that are so important to us.”

The company plans to expand the brand beyond Edmonton through a staged rollout in Alberta and other Canadian provinces over the next few years.

For more information, visit foodtastic.ca and centralsocialhall.com.

About Foodtastic

Foodtastic is a leading Canadian restaurant franchisor with a portfolio of 27 diverse brands and over 1,200 establishments across the country. As a growing industry player, Foodtastic focuses on innovation, operational excellence, and the legacy of local brands to drive both national and international expansion. Iconic brands include Rotisseries Benny, La Belle et La Bœuf, Monza, Second Cup, Quesada, Freshii, and Pita Pit, among others. With a bold vision and strong franchise partnerships, Foodtastic continues to build a dynamic and influential presence in the global food service industry. More information is available at www.foodtastic.ca.

About Central Social Hall

Founded in 2012 in Edmonton, Central Social Hall is a Canadian casual dining and social hall brand focused on great cuisine, curated drinks, and genuine hospitality. The brand offers chef-driven, scratch-made menus and warm spaces designed to bring people together. Central Social Hall has two Edmonton locations and plans to expand across Alberta and into other Canadian markets. For more information, visit www.centralsocialhall.com.

View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260219968994/en/

CONTACT: For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:Mary Moniz

Torchia Communications

torchiacom.com

647-278-0152

[email protected] Esposito

Torchia Communications

torchiacom.com

514-654-2635

[email protected]

KEYWORD: NORTH AMERICA CANADA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: RETAIL RESTAURANT/BAR FOOD/BEVERAGE