TARBORO — Kenny Honeycutt, owner and operator of the Piggly Wiggly Supermarket at 2030 N. Main St. in Tarboro, said that one of the keys to the success of his business is the longevity of his employees.

"I've got a great group of people here," said Honeycutt. "I've got a number of employees that have been here 10, 15, 20 and 25 years. I never have to worry about them showing up for work and whether or not they are getting their jobs done.

“Not many small businesses can say that.”

Three employees in particular, Juliette Howard, Sharon Bellamy and Rita Parker, recently passed the 30-year mark, all having worked at the store since it opened in 1979.

All three worked at the original Piggly Wiggly before it burned down and was moved to the Main Street location.

"I've been here 23 years," said Honeycutt. "Compared to these ladies, I'm the new guy."

Howard, a meat wrapper, said she was hired as a meat wrapper in 1979 and has been doing the same job ever since.

“I love what I do,” said Howard. “I enjoy the work and I love the people I work with.”

Bellamy, also a meat wrapper, started out as a cashier in 1979 and worked in the Frozen Food and Dairy departments before moving to her current position.

Bellamy said that Honeycutt’s loyalty to the employees has made her want to stay.

“I always knew that I would have a job,” said Bellamy. “I have never had to worry about being laid off.

“And that’s a good feeling to have had for more than 30 years.”

Parker, the store’s assistant manager and scan coordinator, started out as a part-time cashier in 1979 and has worked in a number of different departments over the years.

Parker said that the thing she loves best about her job is working with people, both her co-workers as well as the store’s  customers.

“I really enjoy what I do,” said Parker. “I love to meet people. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Honeycutt said that the three often serve as a model to new employees at the store.

“They are the examples I show to new employees,” said Honeycutt. “They are examples of how an employee should be.”

Honeycutt said that having so many long-term employees also allows him to take more worry-free vacations.

“Having employees like this makes my job so much easier,” said Honeycutt. “It is nice to be able to go on vacation and not have to worry about whether or not things are getting done.

“I know when I am not here, that my things are getting done right and our customers are getting looked after.”