Meet Michael Ashley of Bushel ‘N Peck in Metro West

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Ashley.

Michael, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started as a busboy at the age of 15 at the North works in Worcester. I worked my way up to lead night cook at just the age of 17. Over the years I have worked every position front and back of the house, from the bar back and dishwasher to a manager and head chef, building my knowledge and experience in every aspect of the restaurant industry.

In 2013 Michael Bartosiewicz, owner of the Bushel N Peck, friend, and former co-worker expanded his company to Grafton with a new location in my town. Looking for a new challenge and change of pace, I joined the Bushel and am now the General Manager of all five locations.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Certainly has not been a smooth road. I was born in poor upbringings to a young single mother, a lot of drugs and violence around. Today I can look back and know it made me stronger. I have seen the bottom and don’t ever want my children to experience that life.

Professionally I would say my fast rise in the industry at an early age probably set me back long term. It took me some time to learn to manage people that were older than me and had more experience. I have big goals and always have, coming from a poor upbringing with no college degree there have been plenty of people who try to dull those dreams and goals but that only helps to fuel me.

Bushel ‘N Peck – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The Bushel ‘N Peck owned by Michael and Ann Bartosiewicz has been a staple in the Worcester area for over 30 years. Known for our large, fully packed grinders and a huge selection of homemade deli items.

I am most proud of the growth and betterment of the company over the past five years. We have opened three additional locations all while re-branding the company with a new modern sandwich and catering menus as well as expanding our homemade grab and go dinner options and delivery with GrubHub app and EZcatering all while keeping our core identity as your local family owned deli with good value, great food, and service.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
When we opened the Grafton location was probably the proudest. It was a pretty cool experience to see something start from scratch and be such a big part of it.

Contact Info:

• Address: 8 Worcester Street, Grafton, MA
  643 Chandler Street, Worcester, MA
• 17 East Mountain Street, Worcester, MA
• 120 Union Street, Clinton, MA
• 72 East Main Street, Westborough, MA
• Website: www.bushelnpeckdeli.com
• Email: bushelnpeckma@gmail.com
• Instagram: @bushelnpeck / @bushelnpecktatnucksq
• Facebook: @bushelnpeckgrafton / @bushelnpecktatnuck /@bushelnpecksummit / @bushelnpeckclinton /@bushelnpeckwestborough
• Twitter: @bushelnpeck

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