History:
– East Side Marios developed through a merger between several restaurant chains
– First Caseys restaurant opened in Sudbury, Ontario in February 1980
– Pat & Marios chain expanded into Toronto and Florida in 1982
– Yesac merged with Lime Rickeys to become Prime Restaurant Holdings in 1989
– Prime Restaurants expanded East Side Marios into the US by 1993
Franchise:
– Menu focuses on Italian-American food with pasta and classic entrees
– Revamped franchise design and menu in 2008 with a healthier focus
– Updated restaurant look mixing Old World Italy with contemporary styles
– Operates smaller East Side Marios Pronto! locations in tourist venues
– Logo changed in 2008 to feature a red tomato
Advertising & Marketing:
– Engages in chain-wide and regional promotional offers
– Offers free meals for young children
– Partners with companies like Budweiser for advertising
– Launched a FIFA World Cup campaign in 2010
– Ran a $10 million contest in 2010 with various marketing partners
Charitable Work:
– Corporate sponsor of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
– National family restaurant sponsor of the 2010 Canadian Breast Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure
– Provides corporate sponsorship of Camp Oochigeas for children with cancer
Achievements/Awards:
– Included in Canada’s 50 Best Managed Private Companies since 2000
See also:
– List of Italian restaurants
– List of Canadian restaurant chains
– List of assets owned by Recipe Unlimited
References:
– Various sources and archives cited for information and data
East Side Mario's is a Canadian chain of casual dining restaurants, managed by its parent holding company Recipe Unlimited. The restaurant specializes in Italian-American cuisine. Individual locations aim to recreate the historic ambience found at the corner of Canal Street and Mulberry Street in Lower Manhattan. The brand is marketed as "A taste of little Italy". It is best recognized by its original logo featuring the Statue of Liberty holding a large tomato in place of a torch, as well as the jingle containing the catch phrase "Hey, budda boom budda bing".[citation needed]
 | |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Casual dining restaurant |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Headquarters | Vaughan, Ontario |
| Parent | Recipe Unlimited |
| Website | www |
It has over 85 locations, all in Canada.