ATLANTA, Oct. 02, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CRUZANI, Inc. (OTC: UHLN), (formerly US Highland, Inc.), a business development company that builds and acquires franchise concepts, as well as other food-related businesses throughout the United States and International markets, today announced that it has formally completed the closing of a definitive asset purchase agreement, completing the acquisition of a majority interest in Recipe Food Co. of Toronto (“Recipe Food Co.”). The Company believes that this arrangement will provide a stronger basis for growth and innovation. Recipe Food Co. will operate as a majority owned subsidiary of Cruzani, and Recipe Food Co. will continue to be led by its founder, Dee Gibson.
The Company also announced today that it has received approval from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), effective today, for the change of the Company’s name from “US Highland, Inc.” to “Cruzani, Inc.” (the “Name Change”) and the change of the trading symbol for the Company’s common stock from “UHLN” to “CZNI” (the “Symbol Change”).
Cruzani Chief Executive Officer, Everett Dickson, commented, “Cruzani shareholders have three reasons to be delighted with this development. The first is that Dee Gibson is a respected entrepreneur in the food service sector, with a reputation for high-quality and creative execution. It is an honor for Cruzani that Dee Gibson has chosen to join forces with us. The second reason for shareholder satisfaction is that we believe the combination of our efforts will accelerate implementation of our ambitions in the quick-service restaurant field. The third reason is that FINRA’s approval for our trading symbol to become CZNI affords consistent implementation of our publicly-declared plans for corporate branding. The Cruzani corporate brand will be a source of pride for stakeholders and associates alike.” Mr. Dickson can be followed on Twitter via https://twitter.com/CruzaniCEO
Recipe Food Co. recently opened its first restaurant location, situated in the vibrant Trinity Bellwoods district of downtown Toronto, an area that Vogue Magazine described as “one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world”. Ms. Gibson has been developing a plan to create gathering places for people to share wonderful fresh food with friends and family – where the lines between community, camaraderie and conviviality merge. The concept is premised on serving clean, uncomplicated, imaginative dishes that are both health-driven and delicious, no matter the patron’s dietary style. Dishes are comprised of wholesome ingredients, packed with flavor, feature seasonal vegetables, and yet are modernized. The goal is to reimagine traditional comforting recipes for today’s healthy approach to eating.
Ms. Gibson added, “The connection to Cruzani combines our efforts and resources for the purpose of reaching our shared goal faster. Together, we want to build a large and significant food industry enterprise that is respected and profitable. We want to be known for the best possible products and services to our customers with our highly creative concepts. We are already exploring our first QSR initiative! The details are still secret, but consultations are already underway to provide take-away and prepared options that will connect the consumers with 'the power of real food'. With today’s agreement, we are adding forward-looking vision to the Cruzani business model for the benefit of both our shareholders and customers.” Recipe Food Co. can be followed on Instagram via https://www.instagram.com/recipefoodco/?hl=en
In March, 2018, CRUZANI also announced that it had acquired a health-conscious restaurant concept in the Atlanta area, which will offer consumers a healthy diverse menu made with fresh organic ingredients every day, from flatbread sandwiches, bowls, wraps, salads, and fresh proteins such as chicken, turkey, steak and falafel. All entrees are also available in pre-packaged “meal plans,” for take-out. It will be based in the Southeast.
About Cruzani, Inc.
Cruzani, Inc., formerly US Highland, Inc., is a franchise development company that builds and acquires popular franchise concepts, and other food related businesses, throughout the United States and International markets. Our management team selects up and coming concepts with substantial growth potential. We bring fresh innovative brands to consumers that have great potential. All of our brands are unique in nature by focusing on niche markets with untapped potential for development. For more information visit www.CRUZANI.com
