9 March 2021

PRESS RELEASE – Construction is about to start for Coco Frutti in Sherbrooke. The multifunctional building will house the chain restaurant’s central kitchen and offices as well as the air purifier fabrication plant of AtmosC.

“Our business is in full expansion and the addition of a central kitchen is necessary to ensure ongoing operations of all franchisees in Québec and Ontario. We will also be able to supply other institutions or smaller restaurant chains that do not benefit from such infrastructures. Furthermore, with the operations of the AtmosC team, we hope to contribute to the creation of 40 jobs in Sherbrooke and to the city’s outreach”, said Mr. Noor Akbari, president of the two businesses.

In June, the business will break ground for a new building on Portland Boulevard, an investment of nearly 4 million dollars.

“We chose Sherbrooke for its favourable economic climate, its proximity to all major roadways, the presence of a most dynamic knowledge economy, and because we are very attached to this city”, added the businessman. “We look forward to the next steps of development of our businesses with local people.”

Founded in 2014, the Coco Frutti chain now has over 25 restaurants in Ontario and Québec, 6 of which in Estrie. The owners are proud to have gotten started in the restaurant business in Sherbrooke. Although it was hit hard by the COVID-19, the chain has just launched the first branch of the Coco Express banner in Saint-Élie. Its mission is to offer families a wide selection of menu items from breakfast to dinner with extended service hours.

Following its creation in 2014, AtmosC started research and development on an air quality management platform that now far surpasses all current systems. The team is made up of permanent biologists, engineers, researchers, and scientists who have over 25 years’ experience and work on revolutionizing air quality systems. AtmosC has three branches including the head office and fabrication sites in Laval and St-Eustache.

Both businesses were able to count on the localization assistance of Sherbrooke Innopole. For the director of business services of the Cleantech key sector at Sherbrooke Innopole, Myriam Bélisle: “It is encouraging to see that businesses like Les Restaurants Coco Frutti and AtmosC have turned the COVID-19 pandemic into an opportunity. By diversifying their activities and their market, they are getting ready for major strategic growth on our territory, and also around Québec and Canada.”

Source: Les Restaurants Coco Frutti inc.