Mike Bassett, of Bassett's Markets, earns top-shelf recognition

PORT CLINTON — No matter paper or plastic, a prestigious distinction is in the bag for a man dedicating his entire life to exemplary grocery store service.The Ohio Grocers Hall of Fame Class of 2018 includes Mike Bassett, who serves as chairman of Bassett's Market in Bellevue and Port Clinton. A local enshrinement ceremony should take place in September at the Catawba Island Club.Only a select few become immortalized in the illustrious museum because of strict criteria all honorees must meet. About 40 people belong to the grocers' hall. Mike, however, checked off each qualification, earning him a well-deserved induction, selection committee members said."Congratulations to Mike Bassett," according to a hall statement. The association added how this award "pays tribute to an individual who has dedicated much of his or her life to the Ohio food industry and who consistently achieved greatness." Mike Bassett, the chairman of Bassett Market's in Bellevue and Port Clinton, will be inducted into the Ohio Grocers Hall of Fame Class of 2018. The induction "pays tribute to an individual who has dedicated much of his or her life to the Ohio food industry and who consistently achieved greatness."Mike couldn't comment on the announcement, coming down this past week, because he's vacationing in Florida. Mike's son Charlie, the company's president, provided some background and context to his dad's love for the grocery industry.Bassett's Markets dates back to 1898, when Mike's grandfather Nahmy Bassett, an immigrant from Syria, started the business 120 years ago in Oak Harbor. Nahmy would travel "with a horse and buggy and went door-to-door selling hard goods, nuts, candy and cigarettes," Charlie said. "Eventually, the business grew into a one-room store in which the family lived above in a two-bedroom apartment."When Nahmy died, he left the business to his wife, Mary, who ran the store until 1957. She sold the business to her son and Mike's dad, Richard Bassett."Mike grew up in the grocery business as a young boy," Charlie said. "His parents would take him to work with them, and the store would act as the babysitter," Charlie said.After attending Ohio State University, and receiving a degree in real estate, Mike soon returned to the family business.Mike Bassett, the chairman of Bassett Market's in Bellevue and Port Clinton, will be inducted into the Ohio Grocers Hall of Fame Class of 2018. The induction "pays tribute to an individual who has dedicated much of his or her life to the Ohio food industry and who consistently achieved greatness."Among some notable years in Mike's career:• In 1974, he, along with his brother David, bought out Richard, making them the outright owners of Bassett's Markets.• In 1986, he opened his first store in Port Clinton.• In 1997, he sold the original Oak Harbor location and simultaneously started construction on a new 65,000-square-foot facility to replace the older Port Clinton store. Today the store, in addition to groceries, offers a coffee bar; fresh seafood and sushi; a health food center; one of the state's largest beer and wine selections; a full-service pharmacy; and more.• In 2002, he purchased a second grocery store in Bellevue. At 36,000 square feet, it offers a similar variety and same quality of products on a slightly smaller scale.Charlie couldn't be prouder of his father's accomplishments."Dad, you have left some huge shoes to fill. I have never seen someone work so hard in my entire life. You are, truly, a master of your craft."Charlie also credited the entire Bassett's Markets staff for their contributions as well."This award shows we have a very diligent team working hard day in and day out."Mike Bassett, the chairman of Bassett Market's in Bellevue and Port Clinton, will be inducted into the Ohio Grocers Hall of Fame Class of 2018. The induction "pays tribute to an individual who has dedicated much of his or her life to the Ohio food industry and who consistently achieved greatness."Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.