For manager, good food isn't enough

The personal touch is important.

Shane Bass is not content to have every customer at HoneyBaked Ham Co. and Cafe in Rocky Mount greeted when he or she enters. The general manager likes to walk around the restaurant and ask the customers about their food and how they are doing.

The food is exceptional at his restaurant, Bass said, but he also wants a customer’s entire experience to be memorable.

“I know at least 50 percent of my customers by first name because I ask them their name and I serve their food to them by their name,” Bass said.

Even during the holiday season, when the restaurant does 60 percent of its business, making time to provide that personal touch is important, he said.

Q: What services or products do you provide?

A: We have HoneyBaked hams, turkey breasts, frozen side dishes, frozen cakes and pies, a full sandwich menu, daily soups and salads. We do a lot of catering and delivery.

Q: Who are your key leaders?

A: Me and Dawn Jones, the kitchen manager.

Q: How many people do you employ?

A: Eight to 10 people.

Q: When were you established?

A: 1997

Q: What’s your business philosophy?

A: Good food, good service, clean restaurant.

Q: What makes your business unique?

A: Our menu. Our exceptional customer service to every individual customer. Our slogan here is B.E.S.T. That stands for “Best every single time.”

Q: Why did you pick Rocky Mount as a place to do business?

A: My boss is from Rocky Mount. He is the owner of the store. His name is Chris Gardner. I guess he picked Rocky Mount because there is not another HoneyBaked around.