MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 9, 2025--
Jacques Houle, President and CEO of NGU-Group, announces the signing of an exclusive franchise development agreement with Foodtastic for the expansion of Rotisseries Benny across Asia. NGU-Group will open its first two establishments in Shanghai this fall, with the goal of establishing a national presence in China, thus becoming the first Quebec restaurant chain to do so.
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The Asian expansion is the brainchild of Jacques Houle, founder of NGU-Group, an experienced entrepreneur from Boisbriand (Que.), who has achieved success in China over the past 30 years. He is widely recognized for introducing high-quality imported products to North America, including Forno, a brand of high-end appliances at very affordable prices distributed across the entire North American territory. With his in-depth knowledge of the market and local culture, Jacques Houle sees a tremendous opportunity in a country of 1.4 billion people, home to 620 cities, 262 airports, 5,544 train stations, and over 110,000 highway service areas.
"For more than half a century, Quebecers have faithfully and regularly returned to Benny for their delicious chicken, savory BBQ sauces, legendary poutine, and extensive menu," says Jacques Houle. "I myself became a loyal customer years ago. Having worked with China for over 30 years, I have seen that the Chinese have a great love for roasted chicken, and I developed the conviction that they would absolutely love our style of chicken – the way we have adopted rotisserie cooking in Quebec and the types of BBQ sauces we have developed over the decades. And Benny has mastered these recipes throughout its history."
Driven by a passion for hospitality and food, and committed for the long term, NGU-Group plans to build a strong franchise network across China — offering Chinese consumers the premium roasted chicken experience that Quebecers have delivered and enjoyed for over 60 years.
“We’re very excited to have joined forces with Jacques Houle and his team to bring the Benny experience to customers in China,” said Peter Mammas, President and CEO of Foodtastic, the company that owns the chain. “I just returned from a visit to Shanghai and saw firsthand how ripe and open the market is to our rotisserie-style menu. We are confident that customers across China will appreciate the traditional recipes that we and the original founders have carefully crafted over the years."
Founded in 1960 by a family of poultry farmers, Benny has become an institution in Quebec, honoring the traditions of its founding family and their secret recipes for juicy and tender roasted chicken and special BBQ sauces. Since its acquisition by Foodtastic in 2019, Benny has renewed its commitment to serving the highest quality chicken in a fast-service concept, making it easier for families to purchase a quality meal at affordable prices.
About Foodtastic
Foodtastic is a leading Canadian restaurant franchisor with a portfolio of 27 diverse brands and over 1,200 establishments across the country. As a growing industry player, Foodtastic focuses on innovation, operational excellence, and the legacy of local brands to drive both national and international expansion. Iconic brands include Rotisseries Benny, La Belle et La Bœuf, Monza, Second Cup, Quesada, Freshii, and Pita Pit, among others. With a bold vision and strong franchise partnerships, Foodtastic continues to build a dynamic and influential presence in the global food service industry.
Peter Mammas, President and CEO of Foodtastic, left, traveled to Shanghai in April (2025) with Jacques Houle, right, CEO of NGU-Group, to finalize the signing of a development agreement between the two entrepreneurs to develop Benny Rotisseries, a Foodtastic restaurant chain, across China. NGU-Group will open its first two establishments in Shanghai this fall. PHOTO: Foodtastic
In a box office battle of the sequels, “The Devil Wears Prada 2” had the slight edge over “Mortal Kombat II” in North American theaters this weekend. According to studio estimates Sunday, “The Devil Wears Prada 2” earned a chart topping $43 million in its second weekend, while “Mortal Kombat II” took in $40 million in its first.
This weekend had wide variety of newcomers playing in wide release, including the family-friendly whodunnit “The Sheep Detectives” and a James Cameron co-directed Billie Eilish concert film.
But it was the holdover that triumphed. “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” which has grossed $433.2 million worldwide in its first 12 days in release, helped push The Walt Disney Studios over $2 billion globally for the year. It’s also surpassed the total grosses of the first film, which earned $327 million globally in 2006, not accounting for inflation.
Paul Dergarabedian, the head of marketplace trends for Comscore, said Mother's Day might have helped “Prada” get the advantage over the newcomer and have such a modest 44% dip in weekend two.
“The release date was perfect,” Dergarabedian said. “This may be the new blueprint for how to start a summer."
“Mortal Kombat II” provided some gendered counterprogramming in the second weekend of Hollywood's summer movie season. Warner Bros. opened the movie in 3,503 locations where it drew a heavily male audience. According to PostTrak, 75% of the ticket buyers were men. “The Devil Wears Prada 2” had almost the exact opposite gender breakdown on its first weekend.
The first movie in this series, “Mortal Kombat,” was released simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max in April 2021 as a part of Warner Bros.’ pandemic-era day-and-date strategy. Reviews have been mixed for the sequel, as was its B CinemaScore. It also earned $23 million from 78 markets internationally, adding up to a $63 million global debut.
“Michael” landed in third place in its third weekend with another $36.5 million over the weekend, down only 33% from last weekend. The Michael Jackson biopic has now earned $240.5 million in North America, surpassing the total domestic grosses of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and $577.4 million globally.
Fourth place went to Amazon MGM Studios' “The Sheep Detectives” which brought in $15.9 million in its first weekend in 3,457 theaters. The quirky, all-ages murder mystery features a starry ensemble including Hugh Jackman, Emma Thompson and Nicholas Braun, as well as the voices of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Regina Hall and Patrick Stewart as the sheep who try to figure out who murdered their shepherd. Audiences gave it an A- CinemaScore. The movie cost a reported $75 million to produce.
Rounding out the top five was “Billie Eilish—Hit Me Hard & Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D)” an immersive concert experience which Cameron shared co-directing credits on with Eilish. Paramount released the movie in 2,613 theaters, where it earned $7.5 million in North America and $12.6 million internationally. The movie was very well reviewed by critics (93% on Rotten Tomatoes) and audiences, who gave it an A CinemaScore.
“Project Hail Mary,” in its eighth weekend, and “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” in its sixth weekend, are still going strong as well — adding up to a weekend that is up significantly from the same weekend last year. Dergarabedian said the films that seem to be doing well and drawing new and repeat audiences week after week are the ones offering “pure, escapist entertainment.”
“This is playing out very well for movie theaters right now,” he said.
With final domestic figures being released Monday, this list factors in the estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Comscore:
1. “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” $43 million.
2. “Mortal Kombat II,” $40 million.
3. “Michael,” $36.5 million.
4. “The Sheep Detectives,” $15.9 million.
5. “Billie Eilish—Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour,” $7.5 million.
6. “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” $6.6 million.
7. “Project Hail Mary,”$6.1 million.
8. “Hokum,” $3.3 million.
9. “Deep Water,” $780,274.
10. “Animal Farm,” $663,624.
James Cameron, left, and Billie Eilish pose for photographers upon arrival a the screening of the film 'Hit me Hard and Soft: The Tour' on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in London. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)
Martyn Ford, from left, Tati Gabrielle, Adeline Rudolph, Lewis Tan and Mehcad Brooks pose for photographers upon arrival at the European Fan Event of the film 'Mortal Kombat II' on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in London. (Photo by Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)
