April 08, 2013

This was never truer than when one walks into Strodes BBQ & Deli, where you might get a hug from Owner Brian Witteveen and certainly a smile from the rest of his team.  Brian acquired Strodes and revitalized a business that had been a Brantford staple since 1937.  The business experienced a decline and needed a re-start; Brian proved to be just the right guy to do it.  Since taking over the business, he has brought his enthusiastic and energetic personality to build the company into a well-respected business in Brant.

When asked about how he got started, Brian commented, “…we are so fortunate in Brant that we have local organizations like Enterprise Brant to help the small entrepreneur get started or grow their business.  It was with their help and support, both financial and through their mentoring that I was able to kick-start my business and stay on track.”  He stressed the fact that local support was so important to him getting up and running quickly.

Brian has never looked back; he repaid his loan on schedule and today he is able to support his growth internally and remains debt free.

In the past couple of years, Strodes moved to a larger store and opened a second location, Strodes Express, with partner Craig Woodrow.  Son Mitch has joined the company and manages the new Express location.

Photo:  Brian (right) and Craig