Big Dave’s Bagels & Deli is the name… serving delicious food is the game. For owner Dave Hausman, what started as a part time job for a 14-year-old has turned into nearly 50 years of serving customers. In business for over 30 years, Hausman is dedicated to cooking home-style food with customer service and quality at the forefront of each employee’s mind. But he doesn’t stop there! Big Dave’s seeks to stay active in their community by helping organizations ranging from veterans’ groups to domestic violence support. This combination of serving great food and fostering a connection with the local community gives Big Dave’s it’s incredible reputation, leading to the location’s appearance on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives! Continue reading below to discover how Hausman overcame the challenge of reinventing himself after relocating to New England, which ultimately took his business to new heights!
What inspired you to get into foodservice?
“I started as a 14-year-old at Goldberg’s Bagels in 1974. If there was a Mt. Rushmore for bagel pioneers, Arthur Goldberg would be on it. I worked for him through high school performing every job, including baker. I would leave for college where I thought I’d become a lawyer, which didn’t work out. I left and entered the fine wine world of New York City. After having a baby, I became tired of working in the city. A bagel shop in Monroe, NY, was for sale and a friend notified me. I decided to move an hour north and go into self-employment. Monroe Bagels & Deli was a thriving community business from 1989 until we sold it in 2007.”
What do you love about your business?
“We have always been a customer-driven business. There was a Dunkin Donuts next to us and we felt the way to beat them was to give better service. 34 years and 3 businesses later, my belief system has not changed. We are as active in our community as possible, although I hate speaking on it as I don’t do these things for publicity. A quick look at our social media comments and reviews will say it for me. There are literally too many organizations for me to list here that we help, from veterans’ groups to lung cancer, to domestic violence, we try to assist many.”
What’s the most interesting thing to happen to your business?
“We were mentioned in the Financial Times of London, 20 Minutes in Paris and appeared this year on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives!”
What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
“We had vacationed in the North Conway area for 20 years. When we sold our NY store, we decided to take a chance at relocation in New England. We moved in 2007, reinvented ourselves and eventually opened Big Dave’s in 2010.”
Which Cambro products help make your business work?
“So many. Camtainer® beverage dispensers for our coffee service, GoBox® hot food carriers, cold food GoBags®, large catering platters and food storage.”
About Big Dave’s Bagels & Deli
Location: North Conway, New Hampshire
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