Charcoal Group of Restaurants plans to invest between $25 million and $30 million over the next 18 months to open five new restaurants across Southern Ontario.

The Kitchener, Ont.-based hospitality company said the expansion will include new Wildcraft Grill + Long Bar locations in Burlington and the Niagara Region. The Niagara development will also include a new Beertown restaurant, while additional Beertown locations are planned for Peterborough and Richmond Hill.

“We’re doing well and we’re very optimistic about the industry, and our investment into expansion reflects that,” said Jody Palubiski, CEO of Charcoal Group. “We see continued opportunity for growth when it’s grounded in strong hospitality and consistent guest experience.”

The expansion comes as many restaurant operators scale back amid economic uncertainty and rising operating costs. Charcoal Group said it is continuing to prioritize full-service dining and in-person hospitality, despite growing industry reliance on automation and third-party delivery platforms.

“We’re very selective and want to make sure we’re the right fit for each community, and that we can deliver a meaningful experience through quality, location and hospitality,” said Palubiski. “It’s about more than just opening restaurants. We want our restaurants to serve as community hubs.”

The company said its restaurants are designed as gathering places for families, business meetings and social occasions, with a focus on service and atmosphere.

“There are a lot of restaurant groups implementing short-term fixes,” said Palubiski. “But there’s no replacement for true hospitality. We’re in the people business. Guests remember how they felt in your space, not just what was on the plate.”

Charcoal Group operates a portfolio of full-service restaurants across Southern Ontario and has been in the hospitality industry for more than 65 years. Its brands include Solé Uptown, The Charcoal Steakhouse, Martini’s, Del’s Italian Kitchen, Wildcraft Grill & Long Bar, The Bauer Kitchen, The Bauer Bakery & Café, Moose Winooski’s, Beertown and Sociable Kitchen & Tavern.