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Dec 07, 2010

US restaurant group expands social networking

UFood develops its communication channels with shareholders and customers while expanding military presence

Boston based UFood Restaurant Group, a franchisor and operator of healthy alternative food service restaurants, announced today its new marketing strategy to strengthen its communication between the company, consumers and shareholders by using media applications such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

The company expects to use social media techniques to piggyback on the success of its recent email campaigns that gave consumers the opportunity to opt in for coupons, special offers and weekly news updates. Additionally, the nationwide food company announced its ongoing plans to expand services on military bases.

‘Our better-for-you fast casual concept is a natural complement to the fitness-focused military lifestyle, and we are excited about the potential to grow in that area,’ says Charlie Cocotas, chief operating officer of UFood Grill.

To facilitate its growth in the social arena, the company retained The Castle Group, a restaurant, military and social media agency to enhance and develop close relationships with clients and the investor community by sharing and creating content around healthy lifestyles and nutrition. Another function of the agency’s role in this process is to ensure a successful and smooth introduction of the potential franchise to military facilities across the US.

‘Social media has become the dominant vehicle for businesses and consumers to communicate and we want to evolve with it,’ says Cocotas. ‘[We] want to extend our shareholder communications and customer service beyond our retail locations.’

UFood now has locations in hospitals and airports in Dallas, Cleveland and Boston. Previously, the company signed off on 53 agreements to open future restaurants as part of its nationwide expansion campaign.

Aarti Maharaj

Aarti is deputy editor at Corporate Secretary magazine