Vancouver-based Earls Kitchen and Bar has been named best place to work in Canada in a survey released today.

It joins other notable companies listed in Glassdoor's Employee's Choice Awards like Lululemon and Apple. Glassdoor, a North American recruiting company based in California, releases award results annually based on 1.6 million reviews from employees who submit anonymous company reviews.

This is the first time the company has handed out an award specific to Canada.

Earls says it was a surprise to hear it got the top spot.

"It's a little intimidating to be honest," said Mo Jessa, president of Earls.

"And yet, I think I feel proud for our people. They get to feel that there's something special about the company that they work for, and what better way of giving them some recognition."

The 33-year old family-run business has 66 restaurants in Canada and the United States.

Transparency

Jessa, who started at Earls as a prep cook and dishwasher 27 years ago, believes the company is being recognized for its transparency and willingness to improve.

"I wouldn't say that this award should mean that we're perfect at anything."

Mo Jessa, president of Earls, started at the company as a dish washer and prep cook 27 years ago. (Earls)

Earls has been criticized in the past for hiring based on appearances rather than merit. But Jessa says that was a misunderstanding.

"Inside the company, our people don't' say that that's what this company does. It's a company for people to have opportunity," said Jessa.

He acknowledged that the company tended to hire younger, energetic people, due partly to the owner's youth. Stan Fuller was 27 years old when he and his father, Leroy Earl Fuller opened the first Earls. The focus was on growth in the company, said Jessa.

"One hundred per cent of the GMs and chefs that run Earls started off as servers and cooks."

Continued growth

Finding long-term success as a restaurant in North America, let alone Vancouver, is not easy.

"We have some of the best restaurants in Vancouver and I think it takes a real sense of discipline and a commitment to higher principle than just profit," said Jessa.

"Earls has always thought as a family business, what is it doing for its people, what is it trying to do in terms of making a difference in its community."

Jessa says the company plans to open two to four new restaurants in the United States every year for the foreseeable future.

To listen to the full audio, click the link labelled: Earls restaurant named top employer in Canada.