OREANDA-NEWS. GE Capital’s Canadian Franchise Finance business announced today that it has provided Original Joe’s Franchise Group Inc. (OJ’s) and parent company Franworks Franchise Corp. with an expanded, USD 49 million senior credit facility. GE Capital, Canada served as lender and sole lead arranger of the facility.

Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Original Joe’s is a full-service casual restaurant and bar with 60 locations, comprised of a mix of corporate-owned, joint venture and franchised units. It also operates seven corporate-owned restaurants under the State & Main banner.

OJ’s will use a portion of the facility to refinance an existing loan; the remainder will be put toward the construction of new Original Joe’s and State & Main restaurants across Canada.

“This new loan provides us with significant capital to carry out our growth strategy for both brands,” said Derek Doke, president and CEO of OJ’s. “With GE Capital’s help, we can expand our business in established markets and branch out into new markets.”