New manager, familiar face
Huffman rejoins Hillsboro Pizza Hut as manager
after stint in Marion
Many patrons of the local Pizza Hut smile when they notice that a familiar face has returned. Billy Huffman, who worked as assistant manager here for two and a half years, returned to accept the management position Dec. 4. He spent the last six months managing the Pizza Hut in Marion.
Several years ago, Billy worked as a route salesman, but the hours were not to his liking. Toni Williams, the previous manager of Hillsboro's Pizza Hut, often told Billy that he should come to work with her. Eventually, Billy asked if she was serious.
Three years ago, Billy started out as a chef manager. After only four days on the job, he was asked to become assistant manager, which he accepted. Toni trained Billy in the various aspects of running a restaurant.
Now he orders supplies, prepares the daily books, completes payroll, hires employees, terminates "those who don't want to work," cooks, waits tables, provides customer service, and trains 24 employees in the business.
Several frustrations generally hound Billy and his restaurant in this rural environment. The first, is that he experiences difficulty "finding enough good people who want to work"
The second frustration centers around large groups who come in for a meal, causing the staff to work double-time. Often, they don't tip well, and Billy must shoulder the difficult job of smoothing the ruffled feathers of his wait staff. These problems often feed off each other in an endless cycle.
Billy's goals for the Hillsboro Pizza Hut are to make the buffet run smoothly by keeping it full, continue to develop customer loyalty, and, of course, keep the finances looking good.
Pertaining to his position, Billy says he enjoys the customers most of all. He is especially pleased when familiar patrons smile and welcome him back to the Hillsboro Pizza Hut.
