About Us
A Few Words About Us
Joey’s Group began in 1985 when Joe and Theresa Klassen opened Joey’s Only Seafood, focusing on high-quality seafood. The restaurant quickly gained popularity and expanded into a successful franchise across Canada. .
In 2020, the company rebranded to Joey’s Fish Shack and introduced another successful brand, Streats Kitchens. Joey’s Fish Shack and Streats Kitchens, a quick-service restaurant concept, continue to thrive, backed by 40 years of industry expertise from Joey’s Group of Companies.
In 1993, Teja Food Group was founded to supply fish and other products to Joey’s Only Seafood Restaurants. Recognizing opportunities for growth, Teja expanded its offerings to over 400 items, including appetizers, seafood, breakfast items, and convenience store essentials. Over the past six years, partnerships with Echelon Foods and Canadian Trade House have further strengthened Teja’s market presence.
Over the years, Joey’s Group has explored various business opportunities beyond the restaurant industry. These ventures included MVP, a barbershop franchise; Printcor, a print shop producing proprietary items for Joey’s and other businesses; and Homes & Land magazine, among others. While some of these ventures did not achieve long-term success, the experiences gained have contributed to the group’s resilience and innovative approach, fueling continued growth.
Joey’s Group continues to acquire businesses that enhance its expertise in the food industry. Notable acquisitions include North Sea Fish and Farms, a local distributor in Calgary; Made Foods, a premier fresh meal prep company; and Craft Beef, which has further diversified the company’s product offerings. These strategic acquisitions reinforce Joey’s Group’s commitment to excellence in the food space.
As Joey’s Group experienced rapid expansion, the need for in-house construction capabilities became evident. In response, Heritage Construction was established in 2023 to specialize in building and revitalizing commercial and retail spaces. This new venture enables Joey’s Group to efficiently manage its growth while maintaining high-quality standards across its locations.
Joey’s Group of Companies has since grown to a multitude of brands over the years. Currently this includes over 60 restaurants across North America between Streats & Joey’s Fish Shack, a wholesale food import-distribution company, land development and commercial buildings and more, employing over 800 people across the country.
The Joey's Story
At just 21 years old, Joe Klassen and his wife, Theresa, took a bold gamble, opening one of the first seafood restaurants in the prairie provinces—located in downtown Calgary.
After achieving significant success and expanding to nine locations in Calgary and Edmonton, the Klassens brought on a new business partner, Dave Mossey, to help franchise their concept. By 2001, they had opened their 100th location in Olds, Alberta.
Joe Klassen recognized the need to secure pricing and supply for his restaurants, leading to the founding of Teja Food Group (formerly TJ Foods). The company focused on supplying fish and assorted products to Joey's Restaurants.
Joey's Group purchased a Local printshop, Printcor, which operated until its closure in 2018.
Joey's Group launched MVP, a male-focused barbershop franchise, pioneering a new concept in the industry. The franchise grew to six locations before being sold to another group in 2016.
Recognizing shifting consumer tastes and dining habits, Joey's Group introduced Joey's Urban—a smaller-format, quick-service restaurant with a limited menu.
Joey's Urban inspired the creation of Streats Kitchens, a refreshed concept with an updated menu and modernized store design. The first Streats location opened in 2017, and the brand has since expanded to over 20 locations across Canada.
Joey's Group partnered with Echelon Foods, a company specializing in retail products sold in grocery stores and online at Costco. Mike Moser, the original owner and a continuing partner, introduced the turducken to the North American market.
Waterford Farms was established as the only live shrimp plant in Western Canada at the time. Joey's Group exited in 2023 when Waterford was sold to a private equity firm.
To expand Teja’s market presence, Joey's Group acquired Canadian Trade House, significantly increasing its product offerings and expertise in retail, convenience stores, and hospitality.
Seeing an opportunity to bring high-quality seafood to Calgary’s food service market, Joey's Group acquired North Sea Fish & Farms, specializing in fresh and frozen local distribution. During pandemic lockdowns, North Sea pivoted by launching an e-commerce platform to deliver seafood directly to consumers. This side of the business remains profitable today.
Joey's Group acquired Bessie Box, a company specializing in the home delivery of curated protein boxes. Bessie Box operates alongside North Sea Fish & Farms, enhancing its distribution capabilities from their Calgary facility.
Founded in 2016, Made Foods became a leader in fresh-prepped meal delivery. Joey's Group acquired Made Foods in late 2023 and is committed to supporting its continued success in retail and home delivery.
Joey's Group partnered with Craft Beef Co. and its founder, Trish Tetz, moving operations to the North Sea facility. Another direct-to-consumer e-commerce brand, Craft Beef Co. specializes in sourcing high-quality, locally raised meats from farmers and delivering them directly to customers.