Where everybody knows your name

LA GRANGE — Sam Youssef’s Hasty Mart mirrors a well-known television bar named “Cheers,” owned by a Sam Malone.

But instead of “where everybody knows your name,” it is a self developed nickname that is shouted as patrons enter the doors of Youssef’s store off U.S. 70 in the Little Baltimore community.

“Here’s Fish Hawk,” said Youssef as customer Jim Barwick pulled up to the store.

Barwick, of Bucklesberry, got the nickname of the large fish-eating bird with long wings from a fraternity of regulars, Barwick included, who gather at the store once a day in the mornings and many times again in the afternoon to discuss local and national politics and sports.

“Everybody has a nickname,” said Youssef, who listed several more dubs of the buyers’ brotherhood, which includes Einstein, Rabbit, Squirrel, T-bird and Yankee Tom. “This is more than just a business — the customers are my friends.”

Youssef, 41, bought the store and came to Lenoir County from Wilmington 17 years ago.

He said he never imagined the store, which he co-owns with his brother Shawqui, would grant him the lasting friendships and memories he has today.

“I always knew there would be heavy traffic at this location , with it being on a major highway that headed to the beach,” said Youssef, a native of Brazil. “I never thought, though, about the neighborhood aspect until I got here, but they are what make the business. They are here 12 months, 365 days a year.”

 Those shoppers who interact frequently with Youssef said it is his friendly and giving personality that makes his place a popular hangout for locals.

 “He is just a generous person the community can rely on for anything,” said Tommy “Yankee Tom” Meyers of Little Baltimore. “He knows just about everybody who comes through the door and what they want to buy and makes sure the store is stocked. I am glad we have a guy like him, a man who looks out for people and works with them.”

Ronnie Moye, of La Grange, who some deem as “Einstein,” agreed.

“He is just a likeable fellow,” Moye said. “He treats everybody with the same respect all the time and doesn’t mind helping people, when needed.”

Youssef helps with simple fundraisers in the community — allowing residents to place jars in his business asking for donations to help the sick — or matching the sale of every $5 sticker sold in memory of John Patrick Alphin, a North Lenoir High School baseball player who died in 2009.

“He is very diversified — there is nothing he can’t handle,” said Barwick, who attested Youssef has also helped his family through some trying times. “He is definitely a people person and an asset to the community.”

Mottos Youssef said he operates his business by are “Treat people the way you want to be treated” and “As long as it is for a good cause, I am glad to help.”

“Since I got here, the community has been awesome to me,” he said. “The honest truth is if you were to tell me I could live anywhere in the world, I would not even think twice about moving.” 

Wesley Brown can be reached at 252-559-1075 or wbrown@freedomenc.com.