Toronto's Calii Love Is Bringing Its Healthy Fast Casual Brand to the U.S.

Calii Love, a Toronto-based healthy, fast-casual concept, has partnered with Fransmart to expand the brand into the U.S. The brand, which opened its first location in 2016, has four locations open, all in Greater Toronto.

Calii Love plans to open its first U.S. corporate storefront in 2020 in Culver City, California, which will also serve as its U.S. flagship location.

Fransmart, a franchise development company, is behind the expansion of fast-casual restaurants The Halal Guys and Qdoba Mexican Grill. "Today's consumers are increasingly health-conscious and are looking for a brand that will fit into their wellness routine," said Fransmart's CEO Dan Rowe in the press release announcing the plans and partnership.

Calii Love's self-proclaimed mission is to spread positivity, inspire healthier communities, and deliver happiness - one person, one bowl, and one smile at a time. The Canadian brand places a great deal of importance on wellness, both for its customers and its employees, with employee benefits and perks that include free meals, access to yoga and fitness classes, and healthcare benefits, as well as career growth.

"The plan is to go global," said Dan Gunam, CEO and founder of Calii Love, in the announcement. "We want to share what positive corporate culture, health and wellness is all about, across the world."

To do that, Calii Love is seeking experienced multi-unit foodservice operators in Canada and scouting potential markets across North America.