WRITEON FOR AUG 28
sister alies.
Community Building part II
Hope you had a chance to check out FORKS, KNIVES, & SPOONS. Ms. Esther of Ackerman, said they had the “best pancakes...really nice!”
This week high on my list is BLACK HAWK TRUCK STOP there on Hwy 9 between Eupora and Ackerman. Go on in and meet Andreia Bowie the Manager and her very friendly staff! Owned by Mark Juckes and his truck business based in Houston, MS. Andreia and her cooks will show you a wonderful meal.
The question to her and a couple of her staff was how they felt they participated in building community. She said she felt that the atmosphere was really important and described it as a 'southern work ethic of respect.' She makes sure that she hires (has 7 job slots/ all full) folks with a smile and a friendly way about them.
Who comes in? Well, the workers from the mine and the contractors and other guys phone in from Philadelphia just to eat there. Regulars from Alabama order their lunch to go on their way through. All sorts of folks patronize Black Hawk and Mr. Williams, a frequent customer, reports that they have the “best cake...especially the Butterfinger, my fav!”
Besides the great food (in the HOT BOX for lunch or breakfast/OR the rest cooked to order off the menu), the Black Hawk caters BBQ and a variety of other yummies. Having a b-day, wedding, job celebration? This is the place. They do frequent fruit trays for the mine for special meetings (only need 2 days run-up). What's the most ordered? Their big burger and fries. Home cooking is the way they see it.
Of course, Black Hawk isn't just a place to eat. There's a small store (with a bit of fresh fruit), FREE air for your tires, competitive gas and diesel,and a gazebo where you can sit outside (when it's not 110!).
You can also have meetings, seating up to 40 and they are ready to try new things...like the up-coming pizzas when the machine arrives! They are also a safe place to drop off kids because they have a security camera.
I asked Andreia and Lacie and the cook, who were on duty that morn, what makes a good manager...they both agreed on understanding, friendly, out-going, good at time-management and empathetic not sympathetic, especially for a bad job! They are very committed to renewing the area and continuing to give customers excellent service.
The staff knows the everyday folks who come in and are especially attuned to those needing a place to go. Their personal commitments to God informs their service and they can't wait to meet YOU and cook-up somethin' good. (OPEN M-Sat 5-8pm.CLOSED SUNDAY)
BLESSINGS.
