Joey (restaurant)

Last updated
Joey Tomato’s (Canada) Inc.
Company typePrivate [1]
Industry Restaurant
Genre Premium Casual
Founded1992;32 years ago (1992) Calgary, Alberta, Canada
FounderJeff Fuller
Headquarters2400-1177 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada
Number of locations
27 (2020)
Areas served
United States, Canada
Key people
Jeff Fuller (Founder), Chris Mills (Executive Chef)
Products Burgers, Steaks, Chicken, Sushi, Salads, Desserts
Revenue$280.7 million per year [2]
n/a
Number of employees
1358 [2]
Website http://joeyrestaurants.com/

Joey Restaurant Group (stylized as JOEY) is a Western Canadian premium casual restaurant chain based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The Joey chain of restaurants was founded by Jeff Fuller. [3] Joey restaurants are a part of a chain of family-owned restaurants, expanding throughout North America. The restaurant focuses on Asian, American, Mediterranean and other global dishes. [4] The company operates 27 full-service restaurants in Canada and the United States. All Joey restaurants feature a bar area and serve alcoholic beverages.

Contents

History

Founding and early years

The first Joey Restaurant was opened in 1992 in Calgary, Alberta. The chain now operates over thirty restaurants. [5] [6]

The company's founding President and CEO is Jeff Fuller, son of restaurateur Leroy "Bus" Fuller (1928-2019), [7] who founded the Earls restaurant chain with Jeff's brother Stan Fuller. [8] Leroy Fuller was an experienced restaurateur who built the family restaurant empire stemming from one of the original A&W Restaurant franchises in Canada, an American chain of fast-food restaurants known for draft root beers, floats and burgers. [9]

Joey was originally conceived as a pasta house called "Joey Tomato's", which opened in Calgary in 1992 as a casual pasta and pizza joint. As more menu items were added, eight years later, the name was changed to "Joey Tomato's Mediterranean Grill," before being shortened in 2005 to simply "Joey." [9] Executive Chef Chris Mills, began adding Asian cuisine to the menu as a way to rebrand the image. [9] The company also owns the American restaurant Cucina, Cucina.

In 2016, Al Jessa was promoted to company President, [10] marking another link between the Earls chain and Joey. Al Jessa's twin brother Mo Jessa is the current president of Earls. [11]

Earls restaurant in Winnipeg, Manitoba Earls restaurant at 191 Main Street in Winnipeg, Manitoba.JPG
Earls restaurant in Winnipeg, Manitoba

As of March 2020, Al Jessa is President Emeritus and Layne Krienke, former COO, was promoted to president.

Locations

Canada

There are 23 locations based in Canada: Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Kelowna, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver. [4]

United States

Interior view of Fashion Island Newport Beach Joey Fashion Island Newport Beach JOEY Restaurant.jpg
Interior view of Fashion Island Newport Beach Joey

The restaurant chain currently has locations in California, Washington state and one in Texas. Locations in California include Woodland Hills, Manhattan Beach, Newport Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles. The locations in Washington state include Bellevue, Tukwila and Seattle. [4] The Texas location is in Houston.

One location closed down in the Seattle South Lake Union area in November 2013, opening a new location in Seattle's University Village shortly after. [12] The previous location fell victim to traffic and construction congestion in the area.

The newer Joey location based in Seattle is called Joey Kitchen, the only one of its kind serving test kitchen items. [13] Test kitchen items include dishes and drinks only offered through this specific restaurant, expanding to other locations throughout Canada and the United States if enjoyed by guests. The location was designed by Olson Kundig. [12]

On July 31, 2019, another location opened up in Downtown Los Angeles named Joey DTLA. The location joins in with other diverse businesses as part of The Bloc community. [14]

On March 4, 2021, Joey Manhattan Beach opened up. This location is inside the village.

On July 28, 2021, Joey Uptown opened outside the Houston Galleria in Texas.

The restaurant chain opened a new location in the Fashion Island shopping mall in Newport Beach, California in January 2023.

Other restaurants

Local Public Eatery

The Joey Restaurant Group is an umbrella company to LOCAL Public Eatery. Local is a casual take with bar food and cheaper menu options. [15]

Earls

Restaurant founder, Leroy Earl "Bus" Fuller, died at the age of 90. [7] Earls has since been operated by Jeff Fuller's brother, Stan Fuller, who also owns a large share of the Cactus Club chain, a competitor to the restaurant. [9]

Saltlik

Brother of Jeff and Stan Fuller, Stewart Fuller, runs Saltlik, a casual fine steakhouse chain. [9]

Theme

Joey Restaurants has a casual fine dining theme. Each location is decorated with lighting fixtures, architecture, photos and decorations. The design of the restaurant is to cater to the locale and clientele of each restaurant location. [16] Each restaurant is said to be custom-designed, catering again, to each location and its atmosphere. The ambiance of this restaurant is to be dimly lit. [9]

Balsamic Braised Short Rib offered at Joey locations. Short Ribs offered at JOEY Kitchen.png
Balsamic Braised Short Rib offered at Joey locations.

The restaurant is well known serving globally-inspired foods with a Joey twist. The menu varies by location to cater to different clientele and locals. [4] Appetizers include Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Hibachi Wings, and Korean Cauliflower. The restaurant offers a full bar with draft and bottled beers, wine, classic cocktails and non-alcoholic options. The lunch and dinner menu remain the same throughout the time the restaurant is open. The food menu has offerings such as smalls and sharings, sushi, salads, sandwiches and burgers, mains, steakhouse, and sweets. [4] A signature side dish they offer is called Crispy Mashed Potatoes, a take on a spring roll combined with a loaded potato, topped with bacon, green onions, sour cream and cheese.[ citation needed ]

Joey is well known for their Super Drinks, a classic cocktail offering of highballs such as gin and tonic, vodka and soda, or jack and coke with a lemon-lime slushy, called an Iceberg, on top. [4] The Super Sonic Gin + Tonic is named after Seattle's SuperSonics basketball team, which is now nonexistent.

The menu also offers vegetarian and gluten-wise options. There are vegan options that the kitchen can make as well. Caloric content and information is available online on the website. [17]

Dress code

Britt Innes, the Vice President for Joey Restaurant Group, is responsible for the dress code for the company. The dress code revolves around having a neat, polished and consistent appearance, focusing on an all-black outfit. [18] Partnered with Aritzia, female front of house staff wear black dresses or a mock-neck top with black pants. Male front of house staff wear black jeans and a black tee shirt with a pin that has the employees names.. [18]

Awards

Joey was consistently recognized as one of the Best Places to Work Best Workplace in Canada for a consecutive thirteen years from 2010 to 2023. [19] The company has also been awarded as one of the Top Employers for Young People. According to Forbes, the restaurant dropped off the list in 2019. "JOEY Restaurant Group". Forbes. Retrieved 2020-02-18.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chipotle Mexican Grill</span> American Mexican restaurant chain

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., often known simply as Chipotle, is an international chain of fast casual restaurants specializing in bowls, tacos, and Mission burritos made to order in front of the customer. As of June 30, 2024, Chipotle has 3,500 restaurants. Its name derives from chipotle, the Nahuatl name for a smoked and dried jalapeño chili pepper.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">California Pizza Kitchen</span> American restaurant chain

California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. (CPK) is an American casual dining restaurant chain that specializes in California-style pizza. The restaurant was started in 1985 by attorneys Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax in Beverly Hills, California, United States. California Pizza Kitchen introduced and popularized BBQ Chicken Pizza.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Potbelly Sandwich Shop</span> American fast-casual restaurant chain

Potbelly Corporation, more commonly known as Potbelly Sandwich Shop or Potbelly Sandwich Works, is a publicly traded American fast-casual restaurant chain that focuses on submarine sandwiches and milkshakes. Potbelly was founded in 1977 in Chicago, and its name refers to the potbelly stove. Potbelly's menu features a variety of sandwiches that are all served hot, and the menu includes soup, shakes, smoothies, potato chips and cookies. Some locations formerly presented live music from local musicians during the lunch hours.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red Robin</span> American casual dining restaurant chain

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., more commonly known as Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews or simply Red Robin, is an American chain of casual dining restaurants founded in September 1969 in Seattle, Washington. In 1979, the first franchised Red Robin restaurant was opened in Yakima, Washington. Red Robin's headquarters are in Greenwood Village, Colorado. As of August 2020, the company had over 570 restaurants in operation with 90 being operated as a franchise.

Robert Earl is an English-American film producer, investor, restaurateur, and television personality. He is the founder and CEO of Planet Hollywood, chairman of the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, and host of Robert Earl's Be My Guest television program which airs weekly on the Cooking Channel.

MR MIKES SteakhouseCasual is a casual dining chain which operates across Canada. The brand is owned by RAMMP Hospitality Brands Inc. with its headquarters in Burnaby, British Columbia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pei Wei Asian Diner</span> American restaurant chain serving Pan Asian food

Pei Wei Asian Diner, LLC, doing business as Pei Wei Asian Kitchen, ) is an American restaurant chain serving Pan Asian fare, operating in at 119 locations in the United States. Pei Wei's dishes are made to order in an open concept kitchen using cooking methods like wok firing. The restaurant offers guest customization that includes vegetarian and gluten-free options.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zaxby's</span> American chain of fast casual restaurants

Zaxby’s SPE Franchisor LLC, doing business as Zaxby's, is an American chain of fast casual restaurants offering chicken wings, chicken fingers, sandwiches, and salads. The chain operates primarily in the Southern United States and has more than 900 locations. Most Zaxby's restaurants are owned and operating through franchising.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cactus Club Cafe</span> Canadian restaurant chain

Cactus Club Cafe is a Canadian-owned chain of premium casual restaurants that originated in North Vancouver, British Columbia. The chain has since expanded to 31 locations throughout Canada, with other locations throughout British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario.

Restaurants fall into several industry classifications, based upon menu style, preparation methods and pricing, as well as the means by which the food is served to the customer. This article mainly describes the situation in the US, while categorisation differs widely around the world.

Moxie's Restaurants LP is a Canadian restaurant chain operating in eight provinces, as well as the U.S. states of Texas, Arizona, Massachusetts, and Florida.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Earls (restaurant chain)</span> Canadian Premium-Casual Restaurant Chain

Earls Kitchen + Bar is a Canadian-based premium casual dining chain that operates a total of 70 restaurants in Canada and the United States. Their head office is in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Freshslice Pizza</span> Canadian pizza chain and franchise

Freshslice Pizza is a Canadian pizza chain and franchise founded by Ray Russell in 1999. The franchise operates more than 100 locations across Canada. They are known for their pizza by the slice but also sell whole pizzas.

Cafe Rio, or Cafe Rio Mexican Grill, is an American fast casual restaurant chain based in Salt Lake City, with branches in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Maryland, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming. The company specializes in Mexican cuisine. Its menu includes appetizers, tostadas, salads, burritos, desserts, enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, soups, and beverages. The company also provides catering services. In October 2017, the chain had 120 locations. In April 2022, it has grown to 146 locations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MOD Pizza</span> American fast-casual pizza chain

MOD Pizza is an American fast-casual pizza restaurant chain based in Seattle, Washington. Founded in 2008, MOD has more than 560 locations as of December 2023 in the United States and two locations in Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Virtual restaurant</span> Delivery-only restaurant

A virtual restaurant, also known as a ghost kitchen, cloud kitchen or dark kitchen, is a food service business that serves customers exclusively by delivery and pick-up based on phone and online ordering. Virtual restaurants are stand-alone businesses that either operate out of an existing restaurant's kitchen or from a separate kitchen set-up away from a restaurant. By not having a full-service restaurant with a storefront and dining room, virtual restaurants can economize by occupying cheaper real estate. The reduced space lowers overall overhead and operational costs, thus yielding higher profit margins, as the price of the food provided is typically not changed. The virtual restaurant's single kitchen format allows for multiple brands to share kitchen space.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Northland Properties</span> Canadian property company

Northland Properties Corporation is the parent company of multiple hotel chains, restaurants, sports teams, and Northland Asset Management Company. Northland was founded in 1963 and is owned by the Gaglardi family. Bob Gaglardi is the founder and chairman of the board and Tom Gaglardi is President of Northland Properties Corporation. Northland Properties is the largest privately held hospitality group in North America with properties spanning Canada, the United States, and the U.K. and Ireland. Their collective assets are valued at close to $8B.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grassa (restaurant)</span> Restaurant chain in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area

Grassa is a restaurant with multiple locations in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area, in the United States. The original restaurant opened in Southwest Portland in 2013; subsequent locations have opened in Northwest Portland's Northwest District, in Southeast Portland's Buckman neighborhood, and in Vancouver, Washington.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Macheezmo Mouse</span> Restaurant chain based in the U.S. state of Oregon

Macheezmo Mouse was a fast food Mexican restaurant chain based in the U.S. state of Oregon.

References

  1. "48. Bus Fuller, Stan Fuller, and Jeff Fuller". Vancouver Magazine. 17 November 2015. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  2. 1 2 "JOEY Restaurant Group: Revenue, Competitors, Alternatives". growjo.com. Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  3. "All in the Family". Restobiz. 2020-09-16. Retrieved 2022-08-02.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "JOEY Restaurants | See The Menu". JOEY Restaurants. Retrieved 2020-02-07.
  5. "Fuller family's restaurants heading east". The Globe and Mail . Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  6. "Joey Restaurants won't join sister company Earls and buy certified humane beef". Business in Vancouver. 2 May 2016. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  7. 1 2 "'A giant in our industry': Leroy Fuller, founder of Earls restaurant, dies at 90".
  8. Mckenzie, Kevin Hinton & Ryan (2 December 2013). "BCBusiness". BCBusiness.ca. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "No sass, no sizzle in chain dining". The Globe and Mail . Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  10. "Al Jessa Named President of JOEY Restaurant Group". Archived from the original on 2016-03-28. Retrieved 2016-05-04.
  11. "Mo Jessa: Duke of Earls". Business in Vancouver. 9 July 2013. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  12. 1 2 "Joey overdelivers Canadian fare to U Village - Cornichon.org". www.cornichon.org. Retrieved 2020-02-18.
  13. "JOEY Restaurants | JOEY University Village". JOEY Restaurants. Retrieved 2020-02-17.
  14. Group, JOEY Restaurant. "JOEY Restaurants Unveils Downtown Los Angeles Location". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved 2020-02-06.{{cite press release}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  15. "Local Eatery | Menu". localeatery. Retrieved 2020-02-17.
  16. "JOEY Restaurants | About JOEY". JOEY Restaurants. Retrieved 2020-02-06.
  17. "JOEY Restaurants | JOEY University Village Menu". JOEY Restaurants. Retrieved 2020-02-17.
  18. 1 2 "Company statements: Restaurant dress codes".
  19. "JOEY Restaurants Mission, Benefits, and Work Culture". Indeed.com. Retrieved 2020-02-07.