Ernie greets every customer by name. If it's your first time, he calls you Baby, makes you hold out your open palm, hands out a bunch of Hershey Kisses, and then introduces himself as a friend for life.
It may not seem so smart to start a business in a down economy, but I'm in the school of thought that says the time is never perfect, but action overcomes obstacles. Getting your great idea out of your head and into reality is one of life's most satisfying experiences.