Laval woman gets the keys to a Dic Ann’s franchise after 27 years of service

Marie-Josée Kennard was handed the keys to her own Dic Ann's franchise after working there 27 years.

For 27 years Marie-Josée Kennard has done just about every job at Dic Ann’s, from flipping burgers to running the food truck. Last week, she was handed the keys to her own franchise, a moment that went viral on social media.

“It’s a dream that I never thought would be possible,” she said. “I never could have imagined I would own a restaurant.”

But according to Dic Ann’s co-owners and cousins Anthony Zammit and Delbina Potenza, Kennard was the perfect candidate to take over the Chomedey location.

“I don’t know of many other franchises that that give that opportunity to their employees. I think it’s something special to us. that’s something we want to continue to do in the future whenever that opportunity presents itself,” Zammit said.

Founded by their grandparents Dominic “Dic” Potenza and Ann Collechia in 1954, the burger joint set itself apart with its thin patties, toasted buns and secret spicy sauce.

Dic Ann’s doesn’t advertise yet has a very loyal following that has allowed it to expand to 13 locations over the years.

Potenza said her grandparents chose to do business differently, by giving long time employees a chance to take over franchises.

“It’s sort of been our mentality in the past, even working with families coming in as franchisees versus corporate people or investors opening up stores,” she said.

Kennard said that family spirit is what has kept her working at the Chomedy Dic Ann’s for more than two decades. She said four of her five children now work at the location alongside her.

Although the franchise didn’t cost Kennard, it will be up to her to make it a success, something Potenza is confident she can do.

“It’s hard to put a money value on what feels right and what feels motivating and just opportunity that you can give somebody that you may have not had an opportunity,” she said.