Restaurant chain Freshii is offering to donate its profits to the City of Toronto if the company is picked to operate the new restaurant in Nathan Phillips Square.

The company’s offer comes after a bid from local burger chain Hero Certified Burgers was rejected. A new request for proposals is being drafted, and Freshii plans to bid.

“The city’s been great to us,” said CEO Matthew Corrin, who founded the business in Toronto in 2005. “We think this is a great opportunity to give back to the city.”

Corrin estimated that annual profits from a restaurant in the square could run into hundreds of thousands — millions over the life of a multi-year lease.

“They have my attention, that’s for sure,” said Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, whose downtown ward includes city hall. “All they have to do is respond to the request for proposals,” Wong-Tam said, adding the city is looking for something that gives visitors to the square a unique experience.

Freshii, with outlets in the downtown PATH system, Pearson International Airport and York University, features on-the-go salads, wraps, burritos, yogurts, soups and rice bowls.

Corrin, 31, said that by the end of the year, Freshii will have more than 100 stores in eight countries.

In offering to turn over the profits, Corrin said his only stipulation would be that the proceeds go to environmental or health promotion initiatives.

“We’d like those profits to be put to use to benefit Toronto,” he said. “We’re completely committed to that.”

The city’s original request for proposals, issued last August, drew four bidders. City staff recommended it be awarded to Hero Certified Burgers because it scored highest.

However, councillors on the government management committee, dissatisfied with the results, voted 4-1 to cancel the bidding process and resolved to put together a new request for proposals, with new requirements.

Committee members hope to see city hall’s marquee location host a restaurant that offers a unique, diverse and memorable experience for visitors — possibly in partnership with local culinary schools.