By By Adam Prestridge – For the Standard
Going grocery shopping is a dreaded chore for many shoppers.
Customers that frequent the Davisville Piggly Wiggly, just across the Florida state line from Atmore, may disagree.
The Food Giant operated grocer was recognized for its accomplishments in customer service, product availability and cleanliness last week when executives visited and announced that Guy Waller had received Manager of the Year, Hubert Reed had been named Assistant Manager of the Year and John Coleman had won Meat Market Manager of the Year.
Waller, 56, of Brewton, has managed the grocery store for two years, which is part of the Southern District made up of stores in parts of Alabama, all of lower Mississippi and two stores in Florida, including Davisville.
Reed, 65, is a native of Bay Minette, who has served in the grocery business for 50 years. He retired after 30 years with Winn Dixie where he was named Store Manager of the Year once and has been with Food Giant for 15 years. He said the store's accomplishments are simply results of teamwork.
Reed said besides working together, the staff at Piggly Wiggly make it a point to have sales items in stock, have items requested by customers in stock, keep the store clean and treat customers like they want to be treated.
John Coleman, 25, of Atmore, has worked at Piggly Wiggly for a year and a half. The Byrneville native and 1998 graduate of Northview High School said it's not an easy task to make it to the top, but believes it was well worth it.
Coleman has a three-man staff that work in the meat department. They include Johnny Ryland, John Dunn and Jason Lambeth.
Waller said that his store has improved its quality and service by leaps and bounds this past year and believes in doing so a lot of customers have continued to shop with them.
Produce Manager Idamae Buckhault placed third this past year with Food Giant. The awards are the first the Davisville-based Piggly Wiggly has won in its 10-year existence.