Mission Central, located in Mechanicsburg, PA, held its first fundraising event with Hoss’s Steak and Sea House on June 28, 2010.  The Hoss’s Community Day was held in conjunction with twenty-four (24) Hoss’s locations throughout central Pennsylvania and was very successful!  Mission Central’s Development Director, Norma Bigham, worked with Hoss’s Marketing Assistant, Angel Horon, and their Director of Sales, Bridget Bingham, to develop promotional initiatives.

Mission Central’s one-day event raised $4,319.63 and generated close to $17,000 in gross sales from Hoss’ Community Day tickets.  Some of the locations involved qualified for the 25% payout from Hoss’s.  This was the largest donation for a multi-location event according to Bridget Bingham from corporate headquarters.

“Events like this are such a win/win for us and the fundraising organization.  We are delighted to have the extra traffic and the group is thrilled to have the extra cash,” said Bob Pleva, Hoss’s Executive Vice President. Click here to read the full press release.

Coming Soon To Hoss's - Mobile Marketing!

We are excited to announce that we will launch our Mobile Marketing Program (Text Markting) on Monday, August 16.

What we can do with our Text or Mobile Marketing Program:  

• Advertise daily / weekly specials
• Build a list of loyal customers
• Promote upcoming events
• Send out instant rewards to our alert list
• Conduct surveys and polls with incentives for respondees.

Why Text? Consumers today are more mobile than ever before.

• Text messages are read within 1 hour compared to 24 – 48 hours later for e-mail
• Text usage has grown by 800% over the last 8 years
• Most widely used data service with 2 billion subscribers worldwide
• 86% of the US owns a mobile phone
• Two thirds of mobile phone users are “active” users of text messaging = US Mobile Content Market = 68.7 million text users
• Less than 10% of text messages is spam
• Text messaging is the only universal mobile platform for the masses.  It does not require special downloads as it is already available on over 98% of all cell phones.
• Median age of a text message user is 38 years old.

Chambersburg Hoss's Honors Employee's Mother With Relay Team
by Carly Swartz

A team of Hossers from Chambersburg formed a Relay for Life Team in honor of Brendon Bower's mother, Cindy Kehr. Brendon is seventeen years old and has been an Eagle for us for over a year now. Cindy was recently diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. As soon as our crew found out, a team was formed the fundraising began.

We had two successful community nights and a bake sale with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society and Cindy's family. Several employees camped out and walked around the clock Friday, June 25, into Saturday, June 26, at Norlo Park in Fayetteville during the Relay. We enjoyed good times, laughs and making new memories with Hoss family. Brendon and Cindy were both able to attend the Relay as well.

The 'Hoss Crew' did really well, and you could feel the sense of support and family throughout the process. Hoss's is teamwork, caring, and reaching out to our fellow employee's needs.

Hoss's New Salad Bar Design

Have you seen the new Hoss's Salad Bar design yet? Click here to see pictures of the new salad bar at Hanover Hoss's!

Hoss's Vice President of HFX/HCP Quoted in Article

Mark Spinazzola was recently quoted in a Pennsylvania Business Central article regarding regional seafood restaurants and wholesalers tinged by Gulf spill. Click here to read the article.

Hoss's Announces Summer Slam Kitchen Contest

We are excited to announce the details of our Hoss’s Summer Slam Contest!  As you know, our current focus is on Meal Quality, and we will hold a back-of-the-house contest from July 5-October 3, 2010.

Click here for all the details. You will see there is an opportunity to win a lot of cash and some different prizes with this contest!  The goal is to raise our kitchen standards and what better way to do this than to reward those who are making the difference! 

GACTC Interview With Altoona General Manager

Click here to view a commercial for the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center featuring Altoona General Manager, Mark Dubyak.

Relay For Life Breakfast 2010
By Pam Weakland

The sun was shining brightly as the Hoss volunteers cooked and served breakfast at this year's Blair County American Cancer Society Relay for Life event at Mansion Park.  Hossers arrived at 6:30 a.m. to start pulling equipment and product off the truck and begin the process.  Boss Hoss, aka Bill Campbell, jumped on a grill along side Pat Imler for a friendly cookoff.  Pretty soon you could smell the eggs and sausage, and it was game time.  We had relief cooks, Bob Pleva and Dave Decker, friendly faces to greet all the walkers, Nancy Campbell and Sandy Swope, and our runners, Carl Swope, Bill Bratton, Mark Ritko, to keep it all moving.

A good, hot breakfast was certainly appreciated by all the Relay teams that participated this year, about 52 teams in all.  With much thanks from the relay committee and all the walkers, it was certainly a success for a very good cause.  The relay event in Blair county raises money to help find a cure for a disease that so many close to us have been affected by.   

Thank you again to all our Hoss volunteers in front and behind the scenes for putting it all together!  Mark Spinnazzola, Barb Rhodes, Allen Hainsey, HBS crew, Bill Bratton, Dave Decker, Bill & Nancy Campbell, Bob Pleva, Pat Imler, Carl & Sandy Swope, Mark Ritko, and Pam Weakland.

Click here for pictures from the event.

Hoss's 2010 Strategic Plan

CORE VALUES/BELIEFS (Should/Shouldn’t)

Caring: Golden Rule: Doing unto others as you would have them do to you.

Committed: Never, ever, ever give up!

Consistent: Fair, firm, and consistent in dealing with employees and guests. Practice what you preach – Lead by example with the 3 Cs.

PURPOSE (Why)

We are committed to delivering delicious entrees, complimented with a wholesome salad bar in a warm and friendly environment. Our purpose is Excellence; our passion is HOSS’pitality.

KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)

Comparative Store Sales -- Goal: +1.25%
Income From Operations -- Goal: 25.1%
Web Survey -- Goal: 97% or Above

Find Hoss's on Facebook!

We are excited to announce Hoss's is now on Facebook.  If you have a Facebook account, we invite you to become a fan of Hoss's.  Also, forward the invitation to all of your friends to become fans.

Simply go into your Facebook account and at the top search for Hoss's Family Steak & Sea Company and select Likes (with thumbs up). You may also click here to go directly to Hoss's Facebook page.

Breaking News---Hoss Man now has a Facebook and is looking for some friends!

Bill Campbell Honored With Philanthropy Award

On May 6, 2010, the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation presented Willard E. Campbell with the 11th Blair County Philanthropy Award.  Bill was honored at a luncheon held at the Casino at Lakemont Park, Altoona.

Please visit the link below to learn more about this prestigious award:

Altoona Mirror - Foundation to Present Philanthropy Award

Bill also got a “Thumbs Up Mention” in the May 11 edition of the Altoona Mirror:

Altoona Mirror - Campbell Sets Good Example

Congratulations, Bill!  Your Hoss Family is very proud of you!

Direct Deposit - The hassle-free way to get paid.

Hoss’s encourages all employees to receive their paycheck via direct deposit. Direct deposit of pay is convenient, quick, and efficient. It saves you time: your money is directly deposited into your account no matter where you are and even if you can’t get to your financial institution on pay day.

What are the benefits of direct deposit?

It’s flexible. You may have your pay deposited in any financial institution throughout the United States, whether it is a bank, a credit union, or a financial brokerage firm.

It’s reliable. Your money will always be in the account you specify, even if you’re on vacation. It’s safe. Unlike a paper check, it will never be lost, stolen, or mutilated.

It’s fast! On pay day, your money is in your account by the close of your financial institution’s business day.

It’s convenient. You don’t need make a special trip to the bank to deposit your paycheck.

It’s free! There’s no charge for this service and your financial institution may even offer incentives such as “free checking” when you participate in direct deposit.

It’s easy. Just ask your manager for a Direct Deposit Authorization form or click here to download the form. There are three ways to sign up: 1. Complete form and attach a copy of a voided check. --OR-- 2. Take form to your financial institution to be completed.--OR-- 3. Submit direct deposit authorization from your financial institution. *Return completed form to Dawn Maykovich at the Corporate Office.

Have questions or need more information? Contact the Payroll Department at 1-800-621-0270 Ext. 3344.

HossPeople.com “EAP Wellness Benefits Contest” Winners Announced

Congratulations to April Clark from Shamokin Dam,  the Grand Prize Winner in the HossPeople.com “EAP Wellness Benefits Contest.”  April’s entry was randomly drawn to win a $50 Hoss’s Gift Card and T-Shirt.

The following Hoss employees also won T-Shirts:  Brenda Oakes, Cynthia Stoltenberg, Kelly Arentz, Nicole Barr, Justin Goodwill, Lori Clauto, Erik Lindberg, Stacy Noel, Pam Weakland, Cassandra Mahle, Brad Shaefer, Tyler Fulton, Julie Kopp, Terri Lehr, Katrina Wilson, Ruth Robinson, Scott Goodman, Anthony Brubach Jr., Arlene Giebner, and Barb Barsovitz-Hines.

Thank you to everyone for participating!

HossPeople.com BBQ Prize Pack Contest Winners

Congratulations to Cassandra Mahle from Huntingdon and Jim Fogle from HFX for winning the HossPeople.com BBQ Prize Pack Contest!  Each won a football charcoal grill including grill tools, a six-pack of 8 oz. steaks, Hoss Dust, Hoss’s Steak Sauce, Hoss’s BBQ Sauce, and a Dr. Pepper T-Shirt. 

Be sure to visit www.HossPeople.com for more great contests and prizes!

Hoss Heroes At Moon Township
by Cathy Gurniak, Dining Room Manager

I just wanted to let you know about our exciting Saturday night! Just when our dinner rush was starting, the power blinked off. We were so relieved when it came back on. Just then, a guest tapped me on the shoulder and said he thought our roof was on fire! I immediately went back to the kitchen where Gary Conwell was helping on line. I grabbed a fire extinguisher and told Gary to get one and to come outside.  We told Danette Simon to call 911.

I thought Gary and I would be going on the roof, but it turned out to be a brush fire dangerously close to our building. One of our cooks, Adam Fasone, followed Gary and I out. He also called 911, and then proceeded to take my fire extinguisher up on the hillside and join Gary in keeping the flames back from our building. The Police arrived and said that the Fire Department were on their way. I came inside and grabbed a hose and the Officer and I hooked the hose up. Gary took the hose up on the hill and continued to put the fire out.

I went inside and informed the employees of the situation and let many our our guests know that the situation was under control and that the firefighters had the fire contained and that everything was fine. I am so proud of our crew in Moon Township, they are truly "HOSS HEROES!"

Click here to view a one of a kind Bob-O-Gram!

Loyal Hoss Guests Visit Hummelstown

Here is a picture of Mr. and Mrs. Fyfe who recently visited the Hummelstown Hoss’s.  Mr. Fyfe informed General Manager, Sheila Lao, that he and three other people were among the first to walk in and eat at the Altoona Hoss's when we opened in August of 1984. He said he was inside when they were building it. 

He said he loves Hoss's and has eaten at several locations over the years.  We certainly appreciate Mr. and Mrs. Fyfe’s loyalty over the past 25½ years! 

HossPeople.com Mozo Safety Shoe Contest Results

Congratulations to the following Hossers who will be sporting a new pair of safety shoes compliments of Mozo Shoes: 

Kathy Hudock – Indiana; Jeff Stephenson – Cranberry; Carl Swope – Home Office; Darlene Thomas – St. Marys; Alan Winkler – Chambersburg; Marcia Mull – Shamokin Dam

Thank you to everyone who participated, and be sure to enter our current contest to win a Hoss’s BBQ Prize Pack.

Great Easter Idea!

A great idea was submitted by Cressona Hoss's.  They are holding an Easter Coloring Contest for all their little Hossers and Hossettes who come in to dine at their store.

Each child gets to color an Easter sheet and submit it into a drawing.  They will then pick a couple of winners who will win Easter Gift Baskets full of candy, kid cash, and lots of other goodies!

Great idea, Cressona, and thanks for sharing!

#28 - Hummelstown Helps THON
By Sheila Lao

Hummelstown Hoss's held a community night February 18 for THON Express and the hand off for the run was held in our parking lot.  

THON Express is a 135-mile run that starts at Penn State Hershey and goes to Penn State University and the Bryce Jordan Center in a 24-hour time period.

Click here to learn more.

2009 Gift Card Sales Year In Review

3.5 Million Dollars In Sales!!! 

The next time you see the jar of ice cream sprinkles on your dessert bar – think about each sprinkle representing a gift card sold at Hoss’s in 2009!

1.3 million dollars were sold at our gift card tables in December alone!

1.2 million dollars were sold in the following grocery stores: 
* Giant Eagle was the king with $980,000.
* Weis
* Martin's
* Giant
* Miscellaneous Independent Retailers

Eagle BOGO Gift Card Friday:
*Over 1,000 employees participated
* $25,000 in gift cards was given away that day to our employees!

Introducing MOZO® Safety Shoes!

We are pleased to announce a new and approved slip-resistant shoe company – MOZO®, Inc.  MOZO® now makes safety shoes with cushioning features such as gel insoles and full-length midsoles for shock absorption, so you experience long-lasting comfort. 

MOZO® will also be offering all Hoss’s employees a special partner price, which is a great value for these comfortable and durable shoes.  You will be able to order online with your personal credit card and have your shoes shipped directly to your home.
Click here to go to Hoss’s partner site with MOZO® and receive your special partner price.

HossPeople.com Valentine's Day Contest Results

Below are the winners of the “Hoss’s Sweetheart Prize Package:”

Barbara Reppert-Holland              #37 – Elizabethtown
Patty Rathgeb                               #20 – Murrysville
Linda Simparosa                           #24 – Huntingdon
Lauren Kutz                                 #10 – Shamokin Dam

Congratulations, and a special thank you to all who participated. We had 186 entries total!

TaxAct - A Free Resource For 2010 Tax Preparation

Our EAP is providing access to TaxAct, a free resource for preparing your tax return.

Hoss employees may file your Federal Income Tax free by going to http://www.lytleeap.com. Enter the password "hoss." Then click the purple arrow that says "Go Directly to Work/Life Web Resources."

Click here to view the TaxAct Flyer.

Happiest Stores In Hossland! : )

According to our recent Employee Satisfaction Surveys, the following stores are the Happiest in Hossland:

Annville - 99%
Grove City - 98%
Altoona - 97%

Congratulations, and keep up the great work in keeping our employees happy!

Hoss's Family Steak & Sea Attends 94th Annual Pennsylvania State Farm Show "Sale of Champions"

Harrisburg, PA: Hoss's CEO and Founder, Willard E. (Bill) Campbell, attended the Pennsylvania State Farm Show "Sale of Champions" in Harrisburg, PA, on Tuesday, January 12, 2010.  The 16-acre Farm Show is the largest indoor agricultural event in America.  It proudly recognizes Pennsylvania’s 50,000 farm families.  Including something for everyone, the Farm Show provides opportunities to see the latest in agricultural technologies, Pennsylvania foods, and fine arts and crafts. 

Mr. Campbell purchased the Grand Champion Steer.  The crossbred steer was exhibited by 12 year old, Bryce Fitzgerald of Chester County.  Mr. Campbell paid $15,000 for the 1,460 lb. steer and bought many other animals throughout the sale.

Mr. Campbell, who has grown Hoss's Family Steak and Sea restaurants to a total of 38 locations throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding states, bids on the animals to support the youth involved in the 4-H and FFA organizations.  He and his wife, Nancy, attend many of the livestock sales at the county fairs throughout the year.  In 2006, he set a record at the PA State Farm Show when he purchased the Grand Champion Steer for $28,500.  Mr. Campbell, a former member of the FFA, looks forward to attending the auctions to support the youth and to give something back to organizations that benefit deserving individuals.

Home Office Casual Days Raise Funds For Charity

Each Tuesday members of the Corporate Office are permitted to dress casually for a $2 donation. During 2009, over $800 was raised!

Donations of $670 went to local Christmas Charities such as Big Brother/Big Sisters of Blair County, Project Santa (supports our troops), Toys For Tots, and American Rescue Workers of Blair County (Adopt-A-Child at Christmas Program). The remaining balance was donated to the Easter Seals Society earlier in the year.

A special thank you to all who participated!

Hummelstown Christmas Tree

A special thanks to Hummelstown Hoss’s for submitting this picture. Hummelstown Hoss’s has a tree in the square in city of Hummelstown.  (Sheila reported it is a little crooked because it fell down, but we think it still looks great!)

They are members of the organization, HBPA (Hummelstown Business Partner’s Association).

Martinsburg Hoss's Hosts Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner

Martinsburg Hoss's partnered with Harvest Lighthouse Ministries to host a community Thanksgiving Day dinner. The dinner served some 500 free meals to members of different shelters in the area and/or those who otherwise might not have the chance to enjoy a holiday meal.

Click here to view a video from NBC 25 in Hagerstown.
Click here to read an article from The Martinsburg Journal from the day's events.

This event was not only about helping people in need. It is another example of how our Hoss Crew makes a positive impact in our community.

MDA Annual Altoona Lock Up @ Altoona Hoss's

“The annual Altoona Lock Up brings together local executives to fundraise for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  Local executives are “locked–up” for an hour and make telephone calls to friends, family, and co-workers to ask for donations.  Jail birds are served “gourmet” bread and water, supplied by a local favorite, Hoss’s Steak and Sea House; and are able to network and have a great time.  All this while helping the MDA and Jerry’s kids!” Quote by: Wendy Murdy, Executive Director of MDA in Pittsburgh.

In the photo:  Hoss’s  General Manager, Mark Dubyak,  is being locked up by Sheila Allen of Morris Security Specialists.

Altoona Hoss's Receives Workplace Diversity Award

In conjunction with The Arc of Blair County, the Blair County Human Resources Management Association presented Altoona Hoss's with the Workplace Diversity Award on November 18, 2009.

Maria Brandt, Arc Executive Director, had this to say, "Hoss’s has a history of allowing students in high school who have a delay in learning train at their restaurants through a school program and has gone on to employ several of the students following graduation. The schools have informed me that Hoss’s is very gracious when approached about having individuals train at their restaurants. Individuals who have a developmental disability are not regaled to the kitchen but have jobs visible to the public, which sends a message of inclusion and that we are all part of the same community, working and living together."

Congratulations to Mark Dubyak and his team!

Lobsterfest 2009
by Nancy Campbell

For the past ten years, many of the Blair County Hoss's family members have been participating in a large fundraiser called Lobsterfest for MS. This year we sold more than 400 tickets.  In the present economic climate, I felt that this was truly an awesome accomplishment.  While this is not a Hoss's sponsored event, it certainly could be due to the number of Hoss's volunteers who helped to make it such a success.

The Lobsterfest for MS is usually held on a Friday night in late September. This year on September 25, we served more than 435 hot, delicious dinners. Guests are given a choice of a whole Maine lobster (flown in “live” the day of the event) or a 10 oz. Hoss's filet mignon dinner complete with steamed shrimp, salads, appetizers, and desserts. Beverages, music for dancing, and a silent auction as well as a live auction are also part of the evening's festivities. Many of Hoss's friends, family members, and vendors help by donating product and auction items, buying tickets, and volunteering their time.

There are other community volunteers, but the Hoss's crew helps in every aspect of this event from organizing to decorating and preparing and serving the wonderful meals. We have been told by many businesses that purchase table sponsorships that this is the one fundraiser that their people actually look forward to attending.

Donna Bon, former Hosser and wife of Dan Bon, co-chaired Lobsterfest for MS with me again this year.  Former Hosser Dan Bon, with the help of many veteran Hossers, was once again in charge of all food and beverage for the event.

There are many other Hossers who work very hard to make this happen year in and year out. Below, I have listed those who helped this year, hoping that I haven't forgotten anyone: Bridget Bingham, Bill and Julie Bratton, John and Rhonda Brown, Bill Campbell, Craig Campbell, Dave Decker, Chip Gapshes, Todd Hill, Nancy Homan, Pam Weakland, Pat Imler, Ryan Mazoff, Patty Morgan, Dan Mutter, Bob and Karen Pleva, Mark Ritko, Tom and Cynthia Smith, Mark and Molly Spinazzola, Dan Starry, Julie Weicht and Tish Marks.  Many of our former Hoss’s team members returned to help including Barb Rhodes, Dave Elliott, Mark Maier, Rick Kroft, and Sean and Jenn Neff.

There is a lot of hard work involved in the success of an event this large. The most prevalent comments I heard from the guests were that the food, as always was wonderful and that they could not believe how smooth the entire event went. They were amazed at how quickly the Hoss's crew served more than 430 hot, delicious meals. I truly appreciate the way these folks have stepped up to the plate by volunteering their time and talents for such a worthwhile cause. They are truly "Hossome!"

At this year's event, we raised more than $37,000. After expenses are deducted, all of the proceeds go to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society which is a non-profit organization working to find a cure for the debilitating disease that effects so many of our loved ones. The National MS Society is dedicated to serving the needs of people with MS and their families.

I am always impressed with the spirit and expertise that the Hoss's family brings to any undertaking that we consider worthwhile. It is with great pride that I work alongside of each of you.

H1N1 Flu Information

Hoss's encourages our employees to learn as much as possible about H1N1 (otherwise known as the swine flu) to protect our customers and themselves. Please visit www.H1N1inPA.com to learn how the flu spreads, what you can do to protect yourself, and what to do if you get sick.

We also encourage everyone to review a recording of the H1N1 webinar that was presented to our managers recently. Please click here for the webinar.

New Bob-O-Phone

Do you have ideas/suggestions on products or procedures, questions about service or the Hoss Operation in general, or want to address quality issues . . . just pick up the phone and call our new

Bob-O-Phone, Operational Hotline at
1-800-621-0270 Ext. 3400!

It's easy and confidential. You may also email your comments to suggestions@hosscorp.com.