5 Ways To Make Your Employees Feel Sincerely Appreciated

by Kendall "The Barbecue Apostle" Matthews on January 21, 2009

“When the unemployment rate is around 7% , that means 6% of the population is working that never intended to.” – Overheard At Lunch


The demand for motivated, qualified employees is far greater than the current supply. This trend is expected to continue well into the 21st Century. One of your greatest challenges is not only to keep fully staffed, but insure your workforce is motivated to stay on your team.


A recent survey of managers revealed “higher wages” were the most important factor in keeping their employees motivated. The same survey revealed their employees ranked “feeling appreciated” as their #1 motivator.


What Does a Barbecue Caterer Know About Employee Appreciation?


Admittedly, for years I considered Ms. Piggies’ Smokehouse a carry-out restaurant and catering company that happens to serve the best barbecue I’ve ever eaten. Over the years clients would comment, send me letters or call to let me know how much their employees “appreciated” Ms. Piggies’ Smokehouse being brought in for them.


In fact, one company’s employees sent a letter to management thanking them. The food was the best they had ever catered in and they felt “appreciated”. After comments like this, I realized Ms. Piggies’ Smokehouse is not a catering company, we are an employee appreciation company.


Think about it. Federal Express doesn’t sell package delivery, they sell you piece of mind. The piece of mind your package will make it to Los Angeles by 10:00 am tomorrow.


If your needs are only to satisfy the hunger of your employees and nothing else, you needn’t bother finishing this article. If your purpose in catering in a special meal is to show your employees you appreciate them, to motivate them and to build loyalty, please consider Ms. Piggies’ Smokehouse for your next event.

Your Employees Will Feel Appreciated


Ms. Piggies’ Smokehouse is not in the food business. We have thrived because we specialize in making your employees feel appreciated. How do we accomplish this for you?


  • “All You Care To Eat” Meals: All of our buffets are served as “All You Care To Eat”. Nothing will disappoint your employees more than going back to work hungry. We are the only caterer that offers a 120% Guarantee. If we run out of food on any of our full service buffets, we will refund100% of the cost plus give you a 20% credit towards your next event.

  • Large Portions On Self Serve Caterings: Some companies opt to pick up their catered meals in self-serve aluminum pans. We calculate 1 ½ “Good Sized” sandwiches per guest. On average we provide 25% more food than you’ll usually receive. Again, full employees make for very appreciated employees.

  • Caterings Available For 2nd & 3rd Shift: We know your employees that may work the 2nd or 3rd shift feel as appreciated as the 1st shift are just as important to your operation as those on 1 & 3 shift. Depending on the number per shift, we can either serve a complete buffet or leave a self service meal in warmers ready to make your 2

  • Your Employees Are Treated Like “They’re Writing The Check”: That’s right. Everyone knows the person who books an event or writes the check gets special treatment. We train all of our associates to treat each and everyone of your employees like they’re picking up the tab. Let’s face it. Be it an upset customer or a demanding boss, everyday your people work hard to satisfy their customers. We hear from employees like yours time and time again how nice it is to be treated special and with respect.

  • Free Desserts at Ms. Piggies’ Smokehouse: Provide us your company logo and, we would be glad to provide free dessert or free appetizer certificates to your employees on your behalf. Imagine, not only will your employees feel appreciated by Ms. Piggies’ Smokehouse catered meal, they’ll walk away thinking you picked up the tab for a free dessert or appetizer ($2.49 – $5.95 value).


How Much Will It Cost Me To Make My Employees Feel Appreciated?


Not as much as you might think. Our self-service caterings start at a $7.49 investment and our full-service buffets start at a $9.95 investment per guest. That is equal or lower than one extra hour of pay per employee. How can you offer so much to them for so little an investment?


Please browse through our catering menus. We may offer caterings featuring our traditional barbecue goodies, as well as other completely customized popular options.


What Do I Do Now?


I know you are busy, and I want you to feel appreciated by us during your search for what will ultimately make your employees feel appreciated. I created a guide on “How To Get A Free Catered Event.” Also, let me bring you a free sampling of our goodies. Be it lunch for you, or a sample for a committee of ten after work, it will be my pleasure to serve you and discuss your needs. Please respond immediately, as we can only provide one FREE Sampling per weekday and my calendar books out quickly. Please don’t get left behind.


If it is more convenient, I invite you and your people to be my guest for lunch or dinner. We’ll sit down. And I’ll have you sample a little bit of everything, just like my mom did in her kitchen for her guests.


Look forward to meeting you soon!


Exceeding Expectations,


Kendall Matthews

The Barbecue Apostle ™


P.S. – As it becomes increasingly more competitive to attract, motivate and keep qualified employees that add to your bottom line, turning to Ms. Piggies’ Smokehouse & Catering Company to cater in a meal that makes all your people feel appreciated makes sense. Combine the great food with the fact we will do all the work for an investment of one hour’s pay or less per employee, and you’ve got a winner!

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