Nine years ago, Lisa Matthys, along with her late husband, took ownership of Honey-Bee Ham & Deli, located in the Cochran’s Crossing Village Center. The couple opted to undertake a dramatic career change that meant a shift away from the world of finance to the restaurant industry.
The Matthys both worked as accountants in California before moving back to Lisa’s home state of Texas and deciding they wanted to own a business, she said. The couple purchased Honey-Bee Ham & Deli, which originally opened in 1994 in the same location in the Village of Cochran’s Crossing.
Today, Matthys wears three hats—owner, manager and bookkeeper—and works alongside four other staff members, all of whom have worked in the deli for several years.
“[Owning a restaurant] is a challenge, and if you’ve never done it before it can be very overwhelming if you want everything perfect,” Matthys said. “But we pride ourselves on good service and good food. We always try to make sure everyone is happy.”
Catering—for both corporate and private events—and selling their signature glazed hams are the driving forces of the business, she said. During a typical holiday season, which runs from November through December, Honey-Bee can expect to sell 1,000 hams, Matthys said.
Customers can also purchase homestyle side dishes to accompany the hams, including potato salad, green bean casserole and cornbread dressing. Hams come in four sizes and are cut and glazed in-house, Matthys said.
“Our business is very different because spiral hams are a unique thing to do, and not many places do them in this area,” she said. “It takes special skills because a lot goes into them and the logistics of sales during the holidays.”
Aside from spiral hams, the everyday menu’s most popular item is the deli’s signature burger. The burger comes in one-third pound or two-thirds pound patties with toppings and is served with french fries or potato salad and a drink for $6.79-$7.99, respectively.
Matthys said the eatery’s burger challenge is a big draw for local high school students.
“We do a challenge where if you can eat a six-patty burger, which is about 2 pounds [of beef], you get your picture on the wall,” she said.
Other top sellers include the Cajun-fried turkey sandwich ($5.99) and the club sandwich ($6.59), both which are served on fresh baked bread.
In addition, the deli makes a variety of homemade desserts, including chocolate mousse and cookies baked daily.
Matthys said the deli has enjoyed its success over the years because of loyal customers, including Rae Lynn Jukkola and her son. The Jukkolas have lived in The Woodlands for 10 years and have been visiting Honey-Bee Ham & Deli for nearly as long.
“We love the food—especially lunch and their fruit salad,” Jukkola said. “Everything is always fresh. The staff is always friendly, and we just always enjoy it here.”
Hams and turkeys
- Spiral sliced honey-glazed ham: $7.59 per pound
• 6-8 pounds (feeds 10): $45-$60
• 8-10 pounds (feeds 15): $60-$75
• 10-12 pounds (feeds 20): $75-$90
• Full ham (feeds 30 plus): $115-$145 - Cajun fried turkey, 9-11 pounds (feeds 10-15): $50
- Whole smoked turkey, 9-11 pounds (feeds 10-15): $40
- Tur-duc-hens (stuffed with sausage, cornbread and rice), 15 pounds (feeds 20): $77
4747 Research Forest Drive, , The Woodlands, 281-364-9200, www.honeybeehamthewoodlands.com
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., closed Sun.
