15 Jun Hungry Bee & Co. Land a “Golden Ticket”

Originally Published in June 2016 by the Chagrin Valley Times 

Family, Food, Community. When one walks through the doors of Hungry Bee, they quickly realize it’s not just about the food. Don’t get us wrong, the food, well….. that’s pretty spectacular too.

It’s been nothing less than spectacular to watch a small, local business thrive the way Hungry Bee has. In 18 months, owners Jimmy & Kimberly Gibson have basically transformed the “eye sore” at 8326 E Washington street into one of the Chagrin Valley’s newest gems! Upon entering ‘The Bee you’ll quickly be intoxicated by the aromas from the scratch prepared soups, sides, entrees, and sweets. The Gibson’s credit their shop’s success to “Queen Bees” Diane & Heather’s warm, welcoming attitude, educated food descriptions, and sharp memories. Kimberly stated, “We have guests walk into ‘The Bee after being in Florida for 6 months and the girls know their names, know their favorite items from the case, they know them! This is the key to our brand!”

That small town, community oriented warmth is what landed Hungry Bee & Co. a “Golden Ticket” for what will truly be an experience to remember, The Republican National Convention. “This is a once and a lifetime opportunity, it took a lot of hard work, and we are honored to be a part of it.” stated jimmy.

According to the Gibson’s, being selected validates the long hours, the working holidays, etc. “We are a boutique business in a small, tight-knit, supportive community.” Kimberly (McCune) Gibson is no stranger to community support, if you know anything about the 2000 Kenston Graduate, you know she walks her talk. After receiving a college scholarship to attend the prestiges CIA in New York from the Chagrin Valley Rotary, Kimberly vowed to keep that gesture with her always. “that scholarship was so much more to me then money, it pushed me to be my best, it pushed me to be a positive business citizen, and it pushed me to find a partner with the same work ethic & values I have.”

These self-proclaimed “teammates” delighted the RNC committee with a 7 course, sit down luncheon which included everything from sushi, salads, appetizers, grass fed beef, jumbo king crab, and plenty of sweet treats! “We walked out of the tasting, hugging & high fiving each other, Kimberly was in tears for 2 days- when you know you hit a grand slam after an opportunity like this was, you are immediately aware of the doors that can potentially open.” And open they have, in recent days, the bees have booked high end welcome gift baskets for the senators, several off premise confidential gatherings, dining in the convention center for VIPS, and the Republican Donor gathering in Bratenahl.

If there’s something to know about the Gibson’s, it’s that they are humble. It’s their deep roots in family & community that drives them each day to be better than the previous. Without support, opportunities like this don’t normally materialize to small businesses. “We are fortunate and appreciative, but….. it’s business as usual at 8326 E Washington Street”.