Moe's owner Bill Mullaney is no stranger to working in a service industry, from being a hotel manager prior to owning the eatery. Aside from making money, Mullaney said there is one thing that keeps him in Moe's six days a week that was missing from the hotel industry – fun.
"It's something different every day, it's just enjoyable," he said. "I like the interaction with the staff, I like the product otherwise I wouldn't have done it, and just dealing with the guests is fun."
Most of the fun, according to Mullaney, comes from the clientele he serves, which is far different than customers he's helped in the hotel industry.
"Coming here they're a lot more relaxed, they're coming here for a quick meal," he said. "Hotels are different – you're there often taken away from family, sometimes they're on business and a lot don't want to be there."
Mullaney hasn't been the only member of the Moe's team to enjoy the work environment, as other employees – which come mostly from Hauppauge High School and both Smithtown High School East and West – also share his enthusiasm.
"It's fun, exciting," said employee Stefano Modugno. "You never stop moving, you're always going. Bill's great, the managers are great. It's an upbeat place to work."
Since opening in August on Route 111 in Smithtown, Mullaney said business started off slowly and has had a steady increase with each month. A somewhat unexpected or surprising aspect to the business that has provided a boost recently has been catering.
Mullaney said the catering typically consists of a fajita bar, burrito bar and salad bar. While he is open to bring the service to any local industry he has mostly provided the catering services to medical and doctor's offices. The owner also said that Moe's has been catering to local businesses about three or four times a week.
Aside from catering, one menu item has been a hit with locals more than others is the junior-size "Joey Bag of Donuts" burrito, which is a burrito filled with any item at the food bar that you choose.
Mullaney already has a set of goals he hopes and plans to achieve by year's end and for 2013, which include being more involved with fund-raising events in the local schools and forming a working relationship with Stony Brook University.
