Published: February 22, 2008 11:19 pm            

FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS: Cafe owners carry on Cullman tradition

Good food, along with personable service and a laid back atmosphere, has made Busy Bee Cafe a chosen stop for Cullman residents for 79 years.

Owners Steve and Katty Spears have been in business for 19 years after Steve purchased the restaurant from his father Andy Spears.

“We got it after Steve’s father sold it to us,” Katty Spears said. “He (Andy) owned it for 23 years before we took over. So basically, it has been in the family for 42 years.”

Spears said she has worked at the Busy Bee since her husband took over. She said she enjoys working with the same people and serving the same customers.

“I just like working for the public. I am a people person,” Spears said laughing. “I love to talk to people and everybody who comes in knows each other.”

The Bee doesn’t just offer burgers and fries. Spears said the restaurant serves breakfast items, such as eggs, grits, toast and bacon, to the more common lunch items like burgers, grilled-cheese sandwiches and soups.

“A lot of people just think we serve burgers,” Spears said. “But we have a lot of other great items. When my husband took over he expanded the menu for those who don’t just eat burgers.”

One of the noticeable differences between Busy Bee Cafe and mainstream burger joints is the staff. Spears said the current employees have all been at the Bee for some time.

Susie Preiss, a waitress and cashier, has been at the restaurant for 18 years. She said she first started because the location and hours were convenient.

“I started when I had five kids at home,” Preiss said. “The hours were prefect and the people were friendly. But I stayed because I like the place.”

Another unusual distinction with the staff is mother-and-daughter duo Jennifer Champion and Tracie Lovelace. Lovelace began working for the Bee 10 years ago, and like Preiss, the convenient location and hours brought her in.

“When I first started, the hours were good and there are never any surprises,” Lovelace said. “After a while I got to know the customers. It’s like family here. We talk to the customers like they were at our home.”

Lovelace’s daughter began working at the restaurant just over a year ago. Champion said she loves the atmosphere and the people.

“I like the people I work with and the hours and atmosphere are great,” Champion said. “It is more of a laid-back workplace. Not one of those suit-and-tie type places.”

The Busy Bee Cafe, located at the intersection of 5th Street and 1st Street SE, is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. So next time you are out and about in the area, stop in and treat yourself to a fresh-made meal and wonderful customer service.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.