Powers Ventures About

Our Story

It all began with the Canadian Honker Restaurant and Catering established in 1984, in a location where eight restaurants had failed in a 10-year period. Having passion for the industry, combined with hard work and dedication, our organization expanded from a restaurant that sat 40 people to 165 guests, with an estimated 10 million people served and counting.

We strive to create a positive family business culture with more than 250 employees across all of our businesses. Many of our employees have been with us since the very beginning.

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POWERS VENTURES TEN COMMANDMENTS:

  • ACKNOWLEDGE AND SHOW RESPECT FOR OTHERS
  • HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE
  • GIVE EACH OTHER HELP & SUPPORT
  • SHOW APPRECIATION FOR HELP RECEIVED
  • TALK MORE ABOUT "WE" AND LESS ABOUT "I" AND "ME"
  • TAKE OWNERSHIP FOR PROBLEMS RATHER THAN BLAMING THEM ON OTHERS
  • BE COMPASSIONATE & UNDERSTANDING OF EACH OTHERS PERSONAL LIVES
  • DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME, COMMIT YOURSELF TO QUALITY
  • AVOID SHORTS CUTS, THEY ALWAYS TAKE TOO MUCH TIME IN THE LONG RUN
  • NEVER LET WHAT YOU CAN'T DO INTERFERE WITH WHAT YOU CAN DO
Smiling man in a navy suit, representing Powers Ventures, stands indoors in Rochester, Minnesota.

Joe Powers Chief Operating Officer, Powers Ventures

Joseph Powers was born and raised in Rochester, MN – While in high school, he was employed with the Holiday Inn South, where he learned to cook, and this is where his passion began to grow. He went to work for Lebristro’s French Café, where he became a Chef. This prompted him to own his own restaurant. He succeeded in doing this at the age of 21. Joe has owned six different types of restaurants and a Restaurant Supply Business. He is now the owner and CEO of Powers Ventures, overseeing seven businesses from restaurants and catering to event venues.
The biggest blessing in his life are his three children and seven grandchildren.

Nick Powers from Powers Ventures

Nick Powers President, Powers Ventures

Nicholas Powers, born and raised in Rochester, MN, is a 2005 graduate of Lourdes High School and attended the University of Montana in 2006. In 2010, he married his high school sweetheart, and together they are raising four children.
 
Growing up in the family business, Nick got his start early—helping at the restaurant by the age of eight and bussing tables on holidays like Thanksgiving, Easter, and Mother’s Day. His passion for hospitality became a full-time commitment at 19 when he began working as a prep cook, mastering family recipes and learning the inner workings of the kitchen. From there, he expanded his skills as a line cook, host, bartender, and server, while also contributing to the family’s catering business and the opening of the Rochester Event Center.
 
Today, as President of Powers Ventures, Nick oversees daily operations and a growing company of more than 400 employees. He is deeply passionate about food and people, always keeping an eye on the big picture and what matters most in life.

Powers Ventures TIMELINE

  • 1984

    Opened Canadian Honker Restaurant

  • 2006

    Opened the Rochester International Event Center

  • 2013

    In 2013 we welcomed in Pinnacle Catering to better serve the growing community

  • 2015

    Mayowood Stone Barn was opened under Powers Ventures in 2015

  • 2019

    J. Powers at the Hilton opened

  • 2022

    Hubbell House was re-opened under Powers Ventures in 2022

White text logo: Catersource ACE Achievement in Catering Excellence, Powers Ventures Rochester MN.

We are honored to be a top-five finalist in the U.S. for the Achievement in Catering Excellence (ACE) award by CaterSource, one of the world’s largest industry resources. The ACE award is considered the Oscars of the catering industry and represents the best of the best in areas including culinary, business, community and professional development.

AWARDS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

  • 2020 Rochester Police Service award
  • 2018 Paul Harris Fellow - Rotary award
  • 2016 Diversity Community Service award
  • 2014 United States Chamber of Commerce Small Business award
  • 2013 Emmy award winner for serving our troops, Knights of Columbus award, Catersource ACE (Achievement Catering Excellence) award
  • 2011 Maude Finch award (for services and contributions in helping the communities’ organizations and families), Elks Citizen of the year award, Tee it up for the Troops award
  • 2010 Excellence Award (General Craig McKinley), Book of Golden Deeds award (Exchange Club), Philanthropist of the year award (SE Minnesota), Lourdes Foundation
  • Woodruff award
  • 2009 Fire Chief Commendation award
  • 2006 Mayor's Medal of Honor Volunteer Business Advocacy award
  • 2002 Lyle Weed award for an individual that helped change the health and wellbeing of Olmsted County
  • 2001 Rochester Sertoma Humanitarian of the Year award, Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial award
  • 2000 – 2001 Employer Contribution to Affordable Housing award
  • 2000 Spirit of the Year award (first time ever to be given to a Rochester citizen from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce)
  • 1999 Rochester Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the year award, Rochester Area Housing Council award
  • 1992 Rochesterfest Excellence Achievement award
  • 1987, 1988, 1990 Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the year award and voted one of the top 10 outstanding Minnesotans of the year