Huntsville and Bracebridge will soon be new locations for Crabby Joe’s Tap and Grill, a franchise restaurant chain that is expanding from its southern Ontario base into northern towns in the province.

The restaurants will open in late winter or early spring according to Danny Gammenoupolos, spokesperson for Crabby Joe’s operator Obsidian Group Inc.

“We’re excited about Crabby Joe’s opening in these markets,” said Gammenoupolos, noting neither franchise has been sold as yet. “Crabby Joe’s usually opens in small towns. The original founders of the company were from small towns and the idea of placing the restaurants in these places appealed to them.”

The Huntsville Crabby Joe’s will occupy the former Little Caesars restaurant at 68 King William Street, beside Huntsville Place Mall.

The popular restaurant closed in late October after a dispute about the property’s lease between former owners Bonnie and Ken Passmore and management company Effort Trust.

A sign announcing the future arrival of Crabby Joe’s future in Bracebridge appeared last week in the parking lot in front of the former PharmaPlus Drug Store on Hwy. 118. The building is currently unoccupied.

Described by Gammenoupolos as casual relaxed dining, Crabby Joe’s menu features a mix of family fare including burgers, wraps, steak, chicken and wings, pasta and seafood.

The chain’s signature family-friendly interior décor is in earth tones, and always includes chalkboards, murals and sports memorabilia in the dining room and bar area.

There are currently 28 Crabby Joe’s locations, mainly located in small or medium-sized towns and cities in southern Ontario including Cambridge, Kincardine, Fergus and Listowel.

Obsidian, a Mississauga-based company formed in 1996 to market and manage hospitality and real estate interests, is now expanding the chain into northern Ontario and has plans to take the eateries throughout North America.

The company will open the Muskoka restaurants even if franchisees are not found for the locations.

“We find small towns benefit from Crabby Joe’s through more employment, reasonable prices for meals and a varied menu,” said Gammenoupolos.

“We revamp and rotate the menu selections every four months. We tend to exceed customers’ expectations.”

Obsidian also plans to open Coffee Culture franchises, high-end coffee shops offering beverages and food, in Muskoka in the near future.