Skybird Fresh Asian Grill is celebrating the opening of its second location in 2025 at 14845 Pierrefonds Boulevard in Montreal.
Real estate firm Think Retail is helping visionary restaurateurs Rio and Andrew Infantino build this exciting and timely concept.
“With Skybird, the father-and-son team has a clear goal: “Revolutionizing fast-casual dining with its fresh and vibrant Asian-inspired menu, crafting signature meals that invigorate energy and a sense of adventure in every bite”,” says Think Retail in a blog post.
“Indeed, Skybird is the first chain in North America to specialize in the Banh Mi and Bowls scene, offering a unique twist where customers can build their own bowls or sandwiches from an array of premium ingredients that include fresh vegetables oven-grilled proteins and signature sauces. In an era where customers seek personalization, Skybird is well positioned, offering endless possibilities and flavour combinations.”
This unique new concept debuted earlier this year at 248 Jean-Talon West in Montreal’s Mile End and is already earning rave reviews for a menu that blends Asian-inspired flavours with health-conscious ingredients in a fast-casual setting, said Think Retail.
With more than 50 years combined experience in the restaurant and franchising industry, the Infantinos know what they are doing. They have deep experience launching strong brands that innovate to capitalize on market shifts.
Rio Infantino got his start at McDonald’s then spent more than 20 years as a celebrated Subway franchisee. With Andrew, he launched the ground-breaking concept, Copper Branch, North America and Europe’s largest chain of 100% plant-based fast-casual restaurants.
“With Skybird, they are once again positioned for incredible growth: Sales of Asian-inspired dishes in North America have surged by 20% in the last five years, while at the same time there’s a focus on better-for-you food options that are fast, fun and nourishing,” said Think Retail.
“The Infantinos worked with an incredible team of culinary professionals to develop the menu, which also includes popular house-baked matcha cookies, craft sodas, Boba tea and Vietnamese cold-brew coffee.
“With the two restaurants open and the concept taking flight, they are aggressively seeking to open several more locations in Quebec in 2025.
Think Retail is working with Skybird to secure 1,000- to 1,500-square-foot locations on high-traffic streets and in open-air centres, as well as sites of 400 to 500 square feet in super regional malls. Tony Flanz of Think Retail handles leasing for Skybird in malls across Canada and street locations in Ontario. Dan Knafo of Dan Knafo Real Estate Services negotiated the lease deal for the tenant at the Pierrefonds location.
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