Grosse Pointe News - August 1997 Where's the beef in Detroit? Try Fairway Packing Company By John Lundberg Staff Writer What's in a name, you ask? Well for Gene and Joe Baratta, owners of Fairway Packing Co. in Eastern Market, it's all about family. "We wanted the name of the company to be a tribute to our Father (Emmet)," Gene says. "But Emmet Meat Packing didn't sound quite right." So how did the brothers come up with Fairway? It is taken from the street they grew up on in Grosse Pointe Woods -- Fairway Drive. Gene and Joe started the company just six years ago. They had six employees and big dreams. Now, the company employs 30 workers and its annual sales exceed $10 million. "We built this company around treating the customer right," Gene says. "To us, the customer is the most important factor, the company is not." The day begins early for the personnel at Fairway. Orders start to flood the phone lines at around 5:30 a.m., and the calls usually don't relent all morning. While the shop tentatively closes for business at 4:30 p.m., it doesn't mean customers are out of luck. All of my sales staff wear beepers, " Gene says. "We sell meat at Fairway 24 hours a day. I'll come down to the warehouse and open it up for a customer." Gene and Joe live in the Grosse Pointe area and are raising families. Both have two sons, which ensures the Baratta legacy will live on once they step aside. Right now, three generations of Barattas work the business. Gene's son, Emmet, has just come on board, and Dad still plays a role in the company. They also take pride that the six original employees are still with the company. They believe strongly about promoting from within the business, as evidenced by Joe Kettner, who started as a driver and is now the sales manager. "We don't hire people just to fill a slot, " Gene says. "We look to hire people that we have future plans for." At Fairway, Joe handles the inside work, while Gene works on the outside. both are constantly soliciting business to ever expand the company. Fairway caters to not only the most exclusive private clubs and restaurants, but also serves the local chain restaurants like Big Boy. "I drive the Cadillac and Joe drives the truck," Gene says with a laugh, explaining how the brothers divide the work load. The quality of Fairway's products has further enhanced the company's reputation in the restaurant industry, Joe said. both take great care in processing the meats they sell so the customer is always getting the very best. "Our company passes U.S.D.A. inspection everyday, " Joe says. "An inspector comes in everyday to check our business." The brothers chose Eastern Market because it is the epicenter for Detroit area businesses. They also admire the spirit of cooperation among the family business in the area that are always willing to help the other guy out. "We are going to be here forever," Gene says. "I've been down here for 35 years and have never had a problem. We'll never go." While the bulk of Fairway's business comes from restaurants and clubs, they also sell their meat products on a retail basis. A customer can walk in the door or call and place an order. The company is also 100 percent self-contained, with its storage and trucking all on the property. Joe and Gene also have plans for expansion this year. If all goes well, it could be completed by next summer. Both are adamant about patronizing restaurants where the money goes back in the Detroit area economy. they say that national chains only take from the area and never give anything back. "It's a shame when I drive by (a national chain restaurant) that is packed, where there is a Greek Coney Island next door starving for business, " Gene says. "When you support your local restaurant, everyone benefits." With business ever booming, Gene and Joe have different thoughts of how to proceed. Joe would like to step back a little and look at the big picture, while Gene wants to continue to push the envelope. It is probably that aspect of their personalities that will keep Fairway a thriving success. "There are a lot of factors that help you stay on top in business, " Gene says. "Service, quality and integrity equals reputation." And that only spells good news for area meat lovers.