This week we are delighted to highlight a very special couple – Hale and Erica Cole-Tucker. The Cole-Tuckers are the purveyors of “Tuckers,” a New England style diner – now with six wonderful locations across the Granite State.

The motto “Good Food, Great People” encapsulates what has been the secret to their success. There is a positive energy, or vibe, that you can feel whenever you enter any one of their restaurants. Be it in Hookset, New London, Dover, Merrimack, Concord – or even their newest restaurant located in Bedford, New Hampshire – there is an immediate feeling of joy and positivity the moment you walk through the door. To get a sense for this great spirit, here’s a video link that captures it beautifully. Please take a quick look: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaH4_WoD1l0

This positive approach also translates into the culture that Hale and Erica have created and continue to nurture. The Cole-Tuckers treat their employees as valued team members, as part of an extended family and importantly, truly as business partners. With profit sharing built into their pay, employees are motivated to not just do a good job, but a great one. Not surprisingly this has led to team great satisfaction, enjoyment and loyalty. And, of course from a customer perspective, such a winning approach ensures an outstanding customer experience.

Although Karen and I have enjoyed eating at their restaurants over the years, we first met Hale and Erica back in 2019 when The Sunshine Initiative participated in an awards dinner in Manchester where the Cole-Tuckers were the guests of honor. Their success was being recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration which named them the Small Business of the Year in New Hampshire in 2019.

With an expanding business and the wind clearly at their backs, we hope the 7th “Tuckers” is not too far away. Most importantly, we thank the Cole-Tuckers for their positive energy, their entrepreneurial spirit, and for their wonderful contribution to the quality of life in our Granite State. Thank you, Hale and Erica!