Mezza Continues Maritime Expansion With New Fredericton Location
FREDERICTON— The city of Fredericton is just weeks away from the opening of the new Mezza Lebanese Kitchen franchise.
Peter Nahas, vice-president of business development and franchising for Mezza, said the upcoming Fredericton location will be the restaurant’s fifteenth franchise.
“We’re extremely excited to finally get into the Fredericton [business] market. We’ve been looking at that market for several years [and] found a great spot [that] fits our mould of where we want to be,” said Nahas.
The Lebanese cuisine company started more than 30 years ago and was founded by Nahas’ parents. The Nova Scotian, family-owned business started with its first location in the Halifax Shopping Centre in 1990.
At the time of his parents’ ownership, they had three different brands with three different concepts and menus. Fast forward to 2012, Nahas and his brother, Tony, took over the family business. They rebranded all the existing locations and revamped the entire menu, which led to the start of franchising in 2017.
“From [then] on, we’ve just been growing every year.”
The construction of the 1,800-square-foot Fredericton Mezza started in mid-June and has been ongoing for almost a month. Nahas said construction is well underway and the contractor is keeping to the timeline, as long as they don’t experience any equipment delays.
They are hoping to open the restaurant by the end of August and will offer about 25 to 30 seats for guests.
The Mezza Fredericton will be located on Prospect Street, in the Uptown Centre. The space will be in the old Pseudio location, which was divided into space for two new businesses.
“[Fredericton] fits within our mould of where we want our Mezza franchise locations to be. Strong population [and people of diverse backgrounds].”
He said Fredericton serves a wider target market, meaning people can visit from outside the Fredericton region, like Oromocto and Nashwaaksis.
“Fredericton is just a natural extension for our business and, I mean, people have been asking for years to have a Mezza Fredericton and we’re finally able to deliver on that promise.”
Outside Fredericton Expansions
Nahas previously told Huddle the chain was carrying out a $7-million, 12-franchise expansion across the Maritimes. He said this plan was still on track. While some development has been slightly delayed due to some supply chain challenges, the chain already has another four locations committed for next year.
Mezza’s first location outside of Nova Scotia was in Moncton. The location opened in November and led the way for the rest of the Maritime expansion.
“We’re certainly on target to keep knocking out new locations throughout the Maritimes,” Nahas said.
RELATED: Mezza Prepping For Second Moncton Location
Most recently, to top off 13 locations solely in Nova Scotia, Mezza opened a franchise in Antigonish.
There is also its first Prince Edward Island location under construction, and its second in Moncton. These new builds, along with the Fredericton location, will make 17 franchises.
“Lots of growth, lots of exciting times and we’ll be throughout the Maritimes officially with our PEI location so extremely excited to have this all moving,” Nahas said.
He said the opening of several franchises in the last couple of years is a testament to their hard work but also the fundamentals of their company values and who they have been for the last three decades.
Mezza Lebanese Kitchen’s focus for the next couple of years will be on Atlantic Canada.
“Growing throughout the Maritimes and Atlantic Canada has always been the initial growth plan and then from there we’ll certainly grow westward.”
Jessica Saulnier is an intern with Huddle in Fredericton. Send her your feedback and story ideas: [email protected].