Copper Branch, a Canadian-headquartered plant-based fast casual eatery with over 30 locations in Canada is slated to open its first location in the United States. The new location will be situated in the SOHO/Greenwich Village area of Lower Manhattan, best known for art galleries, trendy shops and eateries as well as the NYU campus.
Rio Infantino, the CEO of Copper Branch and a veteran restaurant franchise owner, says, “New York City was a clear choice for our first U.S. location as it provides great visibility for the brand and is one of the world’s most recognized active and forward-thinking cities. Like our brand ethos, NYC epitomizes strong roots while simultaneously being dynamic and embracing the future.”
Copper Branch offers all-day breakfast, lunch and dinner with a menu that includes power bowls, soups, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, salads, fresh sides, desserts, and power smoothies. The chain also features many certified organic, non-GMO and naturally gluten-free ingredients. Seasonal menu items and limited-time offers are also key staples. Mr. Infantino adds, “This is food I’m proud to have my children eat.”
Plant-based eating is on the rise and plant-based innovations are changing the future of food as we know it. According to GlobalData, there has been a 600 percent increase in Americans who identify as vegans in the last three years and, per FoodNavigator-USA, 38 percent of all Americans eat meatless meals at least once a week. Adopting more of a plant-based diet has tremendous benefits, not only for our health; promoting weight loss and overall longevity of life, but for our planet as a whole as well. Researchers at the University of Oxford found that plant-based diets reduce food emissions by up to 73% and a staggering 7.6 billion less farmland would be needed. “This would take pressure off the world’s tropical forests and release land back to nature,” says lead researcher and Doctor of Philosophy and Environmental Research at University of Oxford, Joseph Poore. In addition to the factory farming and animal welfare aspects, key environmental benefits of a plant-based diet include the reduction of overall carbon footprint, improved water conservation and air quality, and reduction in ocean dead zones.
The first Copper Branch opened in 2014 in downtown Montreal. Since then it has received worldwide recognition amongst vegans, flexitarians, and health conscious consumers. “We estimate that the vast majority of our customers simply want to eat real food that tastes great for a change. That is why serving great tasting, chef-inspired power foods is the key to our success. That is especially true in an area filled with top tier eateries like NYC,” says Infantino. Copper Branch has developed a tried-and-true, chef-inspired menu with ‘hearty’ staples and clean cooking practices. A strong emphasis has been placed on the inclusion of “power foods” such as chia seeds, mushrooms, quinoa and turmeric powder. Copper Branch is also proud to serve 100% organic Kamut and spelt.
Copper Branch locations are franchisee-run and the company provides a turnkey approach whereby all restaurants are successfully managed by implementing trusted and proven systems to assure that food quality, customer service, and brand image are maintained at every location. In addition to the more than 30 locations in Canada and the new restaurant in New York City, Copper Branch is on schedule to open 80 locations in 2019 and another 150 locations in 2020, with locations across Canada, the U.S., and even France.
The company’s commitment to sustainability is an integral part of Copper Branch’s ethos. All of the company’s food, products, packaging, and restaurant interiors are focused on environmental responsibility. In addition, Copper Branch is committed to working with Rainforest Trust, a global organization protecting our planet’s most endangered rainforest land and animals. In its partnership with Rainforest Trust, Copper Branch purchases actual land trusts around the globe.
