Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacy Kwon.
Before we begin, let’s go over the history of JFE Franchising, aka SNOWFOX, first.
JFE Franchising, Inc. was established in 2005 with 5 Kroger stores in Houston Division. Since then, we have expanded into 10 Divisions with Kroger, Sam’s Club, WinCo, Albertsons, King Soopers, Fry’s Food and Drug, Fresh Market, and other retailer grocery banner.
“Over the past 12 years in business, JFE’s sushi program has seen exponential growth due to our strong relationships with our retail partners,” said Stacy Kwon, President. “JFE is also in the process of pipeline growth with other supermarket retailers to add to their full-service sushi program contributions.”
Today, JFE’s SNOWFOX Sushi Brand can be seen in over 700 locations across the US.
According to that press release, JFE’s SNOWFOX Sushi’s freshly prepared quality sushi is a great way to shine a spotlight on the supermarket deli scene — through the company’s trained chefs, serving fresh sushi to new customers every day. In total, the company’s SNOWFOX locations have sold 1.1 billion sushi packages.
We cannot look at a company without looking at the root that holds it together, what made you decide to jump in this industry?
When my parents first moved to the U.S., we started off with nothing. Our family started a grocery store/house in the tough part of the neighborhood where robbery was frequent. Everyday we were worried about our safety but we carried on.
I started this business because I experienced how tough it can be for people to move to a new country and start a new life. And I want to provide a safe and easy way to build a new life for people out there who want to provide nice and comfortable environment for their family, like I do. This is how the JFE Franchising started, to provide a way to build up a life with minimum investment in safer environment with guidance.
What is the most important part of the business to you and how would you like to be remembered in this company?
People. I think that the most important part of the business is meeting the right person to work with. Who you work with or start the business with can determine the direction of how the business grows. I want to be remembered as the person who helped building a comfortable and safe work environment for everyone who work at or with the JFE Franchising.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As there are multiple competing sushi franchise management companies in this US. We had to prove to each division deli merchandiser, SNOWFOX’s quality and superior management. Our business is all about winning the hearts of our client grocer banners, franchised chefs, and customers. Currently, JFE/SNOWFOX holds the highest sales average per store in 10 Kroger Divisions and are the exclusive sushi provider for 4 top Kroger Divisions.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about JFE Franchising, Inc. – what should we know?
Sushi is different from other perishables. It’s show business. The JFE sushi bar model is unique. We’ve helped our retail partners ride the rising tide of sushi’s popularity with kiosks in visible, high-traffic areas of their stores, enlivening their fresh fare atmosphere. We also place a high priority on customer engagement, sales development, and food safety. JFE has taken sushi back to its show business origins with the same quality and appeal of upscale restaurants but ready on-the-go in our customers’ own neighborhoods, universities and travel hubs. JFE Franchising, Inc. grants franchises for its franchisees to operate sushi bars under the trade name “SNOWFOX” as separate departments in supermarkets, grocery stores and other facilities.
Sustainability Award 2018
Kroger is improving performance today to protect tomorrow for future generations. Kroger has ambitious sustainability goals, thoughtful plans to drive innovation, strong partnerships and committed associates.
In the Kroger Supplier Inclusion for 2018, SNOWFOX was the first full-service sushi vendor to receive the Sustainability Award. Since 2012, JFE/SNOWFOX has taken the direction as a company to prioritize sustainability of seafood as a company-wide initiative.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2021 Bingle Rd.
Houston, TX 77055 - Website: www.jfefood.com
- Phone: 713-463-7777
- Email: info@jfefood.com
- Instagram: http://bit.ly/2pjiVrL
- Facebook: http://bit.ly/2pmImef
- Twitter: http://bit.ly/2oNkAox
Image Credit:
SNOWFOX MARKETING TEAM
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