Easy Street Diner: Elevating Comfort Food with Heart and Hustle
In the heart of Halifax’s Fairview/Clayton Park area, Easy Street Diner has quickly earned a reputation as a comfort food staple. Co-founded by Kelly-Jo Beck, alongside partner Lalanya Kaizer (a chef with 10+ years in the industry) and business strategist Stuart Lally (MBA, CMA), Easy Street Diner is built on passion, perseverance, and a deeply personal journey.
“The origin story of Easy Street Diner began at culinary school for me, NSCC Akerley Campus, Class of 2018,” Kelly-Jo recalls. “We’d just finished a BBQ event, and during cleanup, we found a leftover brisket in the fridge. I asked what we could do with it, and my chef instructor asked if I had ever made pastrami before. I hadn’t, but I was eager to learn.”
What followed was a week-long transformative experiment that would plant the seed for a future restaurant.
“At the end of the week, I hosted a Friday lunch for the staff and served Reuben sandwiches with triple-cooked fries,” Kelly-Jo said. “I’ve always had a soft spot for diner food, but this experience showed me that humble ingredients could become something truly special. If I ever opened a restaurant, that sandwich had to be on the menu.”
After gaining experience in the industry, Kelly-Jo and Lalanya began to envision their own space. The COVID-19 pandemic gave them time to reassess their path forward.
“With guidance from our business partner, Stuart Lally, we built a plan, secured funding, and started looking for locations,” says Kelly-Jo. “The rest, as they say, is history.”
But behind the scenes, the journey was anything but simple.
“My partner and I were very naive when we started. I’m not embarrassed to admit that we made many mistakes,” Kelly-Jo says truthfully. “We don’t have regrets because those lessons were invaluable. I do, however, wish I had met Nora Perry (Manager of Programs and Special Projects at CWB) and the amazing team as the Center for Women in Business much earlier!”
“For any new entrepreneur, my advice would be to focus on finding the right team to support them. It cannot be undersold that who you invite into your business (whether suppliers you will deal with, personnel you will employ, or the customer you are trying to attract) has the most impact on your operation.”
Kelly-Jo also highlighted the importance of preparation and structure. “You always need more startup money than you think. Research your financing options, know your risk tolerance, and always incorporate them. Separating yourself legally and financially from your business is essential.”
Kelly-Jo stresses that you need to “get as much market research as you can and always reach out for help. Find mentors, get to know your local government representatives (on all 3 levels of government), and make connections with other small business owners/entrepreneurs. You need a village to keep you on track.”
“Being a business owner might sound glamorous, but it’s exhausting and relentless. Stay grounded. Lead by example and treat your staff like people first. If your team feels seen, respected, and supported, they’ll give you, their best.”
Easy Street Diner’s connection to CWB has been a game-changer. Through the Advanced Management & Mentoring Program (AMMP), the team received expert guidance that had tangible results. “The business mentorship, workshops, and feedback in AMMP were invaluable. In just a few months, we cleaned up our financials, improved our marketing, and built a strategic growth plan,” says Kelly-Jo. “Beyond that, the camaraderie with other women business leaders was incredibly meaningful in cutting through the noise, stress, and loneliness of being an entrepreneur.”
The diner also received funding from CWEP-GIFS, to help them purchase vital equipment, helping to expand their kitchen capacity during a time of increased demand.
Easy Street Diner isn’t just about food, it’s about community. And while it’s easy to get caught in the daily grind, the team recognizes their growing impact.
“Right now, I think we’ve become a comfort food staple in Clayton Park,” Kelly-Jo reflects. “I hope we’re seen as an inclusive space for everyone, regardless of background, identity, or dietary needs.”
Looking ahead, Kelly-Jo has big dreams to expand that impact. “One day, I’d love to have a ‘pay what you can option, a grab-and-go section, and even volunteer opportunities to help feed those facing food insecurity.”
Running a restaurant is no easy feat. Rising costs for food, labor, and utilities continue to challenge small food businesses everywhere.
“Our biggest challenge? Honestly, it’s been keeping myself healthy through it all,” Kelly-Jo admits. “It’s easy to lose yourself in survival mode. You need to build in structures and supports to get meaningful rest, good nutrition, and necessary exercise. Building routines that protect your physical, mental, and emotional health is non-negotiable.”
As for the year ahead, the team is focused on staying resilient and intentional.
“We want to keep reaching new customers while staying true to our values,” says Kelly-Jo. “That means continuing to tell our story, refining our systems, and showing up consistently for our regulars—who’ve stood by us since day one.”
For anyone considering their own entrepreneurial leap, Easy Street Diner’s journey offers this reminder: great food starts with good people, humble beginnings can lead to big impact, and community is the secret ingredient to long-term success.
Learn more about our AMMP program here and make sure to swing by Easy Street Diner for some delicious food! 3625 Dutch Village Rd, Halifax, NS.