Joe Klassen, the founder and CEO of strEATS Kitchen, started with Joey’s Only Seafood Restaurants in 1985 and started franchising his then 9 stores in 1992. Joe is involved daily with Joey’s Franchise Group while expanding his business and philanthropist endeavors.
Joe is also partnering with Homes & Land Canada Magazine and sits on the board of “Business for Calgary Kids”, a society that aims to raise money for non-profit organizations that support local kids in need.
Joe is always a visionary and ensures that strEATS and Joey’s Franchise Group continues to be a vertically integrated company, with companies aligning strEATS’ needs in printing, supply & distribution.
BeTheBoss.ca: Describe strEATS Kitchen?
JK: strEATS Kitchen is an exciting new concept that brings flavours from around the world to your neighborhood. Delicious strEATS Tacos and Burritos reflect the inventiveness of street chefs from around the world. Gourmet Poutines show off Canada’s street cred with new takes on this traditional Quebec street food, and we don’t stop there! We use fresh, hand-prepared ingredients to serve trendy road side food as inspiration strikes. Keep your palates fresh! The concept was created to fill the void between fast value-oriented food and good tasting food.
BeTheBoss.ca: How and when did you become involved with strEATS?
JK: My wife, Theresa, and I founded Joey’s Seafood Restaurants as a fun, casual seafood diner on 17th Avenue in Calgary in 1985 and started franchising with our business Partner Dave Mossey in 1992. strEATS was an easy Franchising decision. We have 27 years of successful restaurant franchising under our belt.
BeTheBoss.ca: What are some of the advantages in being a strEATS franchisee?
JK: Firstly, we call our franchisee’s partners, I think that’s our one big advantage over competitors. We understand that franchise partners are what make our group successful. We treat each partnership with sincerity and help develop our partners into successful business people in our system. We need our partners success to ensure ours.
BeTheBoss.ca: Who is your ideal franchisee?
JK: Our ideal franchise partner is outgoing, friendly and understands that nurturing relationships with their customers and their staff is their ultimate key to success. We teach them the rest.
BeTheBoss.ca: Tell us a little about the Fast-Casual restaurant/hospitality market?
JK: The restaurant business is a great deal of fun and constantly evolving. Success in this industry comes from attention to detail and treating your guests like family. Our Fast-Casual model allows us to keep our costs down with a smaller leasing footprint and fewer service staff.
BeTheBoss.ca: What are some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned in growing this franchise?
JK: People are the reason for it, IT being our business model. Recruiting the best staff and franchise partners is integral to growth strategies. Franchise partners need a reason to partner with you, it must be about the franchise partners lifestyle and the ability to profit from our business model.
BeTheBoss.ca: Do you have a mentor and is their someone you use for inspiration?
JK: My mother, Joyce, has been a great deal of support and a mentor to me. I’d also have to credit my grandmother for my passion for food, she always had the Galloping Gourmet on TV for me at a young age. My inspiration is most certainly, my wife Theresa, along with our five children, they keep me going.
BeTheBoss.ca: What advice do you have for someone looking to acquire a Franchise?
JK: Research the model, ensure that the franchisor is there to stand shoulder to shoulder with you, and will support you at every turn.
BeTheBoss.ca: In your opinion, why do you think that JOEY’S would be a great opportunity for someone?
JK: We provide the support and training a franchise partner needs, period. We demonstrate the passion required to build remarkable relationships with their guests and help them build a business, not just a restaurant.
To learn more about this exciting franchise opportunity, visit them here at BeTheBoss.ca today.
