| Franworks Group | |
| Type: | Restaurant franchise |
| Industry: | Food service |
| Genre: | Premium casual |
| Location: | Calgary, Alberta |
| Num Locations: | 96 |
| Num Locations Year: | 2023 |
| Areas Served: | Canada United States |
| Products: | Food and drink |
| Profit: | --> |
| Profit Year: | --> |
| Owners: | --> |
| Parent: | Recipe Unlimited |
| Divisions: | Original Joe's Elephant & Castle State & Main Blanco Cantina Añejo Restaurant |
Franworks Group of Companies (also called “Franworks”) is a Calgary, Alberta based company which owns and operates restaurant concepts[1] in Canada and the United States. They began in 2000 and shifted their focus to restaurants in 2002. In 2016, Recipe Unlimited acquired a majority stake in their restaurant brands.[2] As of 2022, the company has roughly 100 restaurants and five restaurant brands in two countries: Original Joe’s, State & Main, Elephant and Castle, Añejo Restaurant and Blanco Cantina.
Original Joe’s Restaurant and Bar (also called “OJ’s”) was started in 1997 in Calgary, and joined Franworks in 2002. In 2010, OJ’s was named one of Canada's 100 Fastest-Growing Companies by Profit Magazine as they opened over 30+ locations. OJ’s is currently operating in four provinces with over 50 locations.
State & Main Kitchen and Bar brand was developed and launched in 2012, expanding from Western Canada into Guelph, Ontario two years later. Now, State & Main has over 25 locations throughout four provinces.
Franworks acquired Elephant and Castle Pub and Restaurant in 2012. The chain has operated restaurants in Canada and the United States.
Añejo Restaurant began on 4th Street, SW, in Calgary, and joined Franworks in 2019. The Añejo brand is growing and working to expand their concept throughout Canada and beyond.
Blanco Cantina became a part of Franworks in 2019 with the first restaurant opening on 17th Ave, SW, in Calgary. Through the Pandemic, Blanco Cantina was able to open four additional locations over two provinces. They opened an Edmonton, Alberta location, and are continuing to grow throughout Canada.