Nemos Seafood Follows Own Recipe for Franchise Success
In serving up small business opportunities to African-Americans, Nemos Seafood has carved out a niche for itself in the fiercely competitive franchise market - and has done so by putting people first.
Launched less than eight months ago, the company has received over 200 requests for franchises and to date has awarded 15 throughout New Jersey, with stores also opening up in Chicago, Atlanta, North Carolina and Toronto, Canada.
Not much about Nemos resembles big-business fast food. Each of the Nemos restaurants feels like a cozy neighborhood eatery. The people there are friendly, the kitchen is open, the atmosphere is at a glance homey and energetic, and the food is hearty. But Nemos is content to leave the deep frying to the other seafood chains, opting instead for marinating and steaming, lightly frying or broiling its seafood entrees and piling plates high with sides of steamed veggies, grilled corn on the cob, and little red potatoes.
But make no mistake: Nemos is no small fry. According to founders Chris Spears and Gary Williams, both veteran entrepreneurs and restaurant owners prior to launching Nemos, the company is on track to triple its initial first-year revenue projections. Yet Nemos is known for giving individuals who have been displaced or downsized a fresh start in a new industry and for giving its high school employees time to do homework on the job. What's more, the Nemos franchise fee is the lowest in the industry, making it possible for the average person to realize his or her dream of business ownership with full corporate support.
In an industry some would say is more interested in profits than people, Nemos is a fish out of water. So how has it so quickly become an American success story?
"Our values and business practices are built on premium products, a high level of customer service, positive attitudes, creativity, fairness and generosity," Spears explained. "We are concerned about the effect of our company and products on the health and well-being of our customers, our employees and the environment. Awareness of these factors and the responsible actions that result give our efforts a sense of purpose and meaning - beyond basic business goals."
About Nemos, Inc.
Nemos Seafood specializes in premium, freshly prepared seafood entrees and complementary side dishes in a contemporary, casual take-out atmosphere. Founded in January 2005 by CEO Chris Spears, who also founded Black Inc. Media and the Subzero sandwich company, and CFO Gary Williams, who spent ten years in corporate America before following his dream of becoming an entrepreneur, Nemos is actively seeking new franchisees and area developers to expand the business throughout the country.
Not much about Nemos resembles big-business fast food. Each of the Nemos restaurants feels like a cozy neighborhood eatery. The people there are friendly, the kitchen is open, the atmosphere is at a glance homey and energetic, and the food is hearty. But Nemos is content to leave the deep frying to the other seafood chains, opting instead for marinating and steaming, lightly frying or broiling its seafood entrees and piling plates high with sides of steamed veggies, grilled corn on the cob, and little red potatoes.
But make no mistake: Nemos is no small fry. According to founders Chris Spears and Gary Williams, both veteran entrepreneurs and restaurant owners prior to launching Nemos, the company is on track to triple its initial first-year revenue projections. Yet Nemos is known for giving individuals who have been displaced or downsized a fresh start in a new industry and for giving its high school employees time to do homework on the job. What's more, the Nemos franchise fee is the lowest in the industry, making it possible for the average person to realize his or her dream of business ownership with full corporate support.
In an industry some would say is more interested in profits than people, Nemos is a fish out of water. So how has it so quickly become an American success story?
"Our values and business practices are built on premium products, a high level of customer service, positive attitudes, creativity, fairness and generosity," Spears explained. "We are concerned about the effect of our company and products on the health and well-being of our customers, our employees and the environment. Awareness of these factors and the responsible actions that result give our efforts a sense of purpose and meaning - beyond basic business goals."
About Nemos, Inc.
Nemos Seafood specializes in premium, freshly prepared seafood entrees and complementary side dishes in a contemporary, casual take-out atmosphere. Founded in January 2005 by CEO Chris Spears, who also founded Black Inc. Media and the Subzero sandwich company, and CFO Gary Williams, who spent ten years in corporate America before following his dream of becoming an entrepreneur, Nemos is actively seeking new franchisees and area developers to expand the business throughout the country.
