Mickey King (Michael J. King) is a fourth-generation leader and co-owner of Hays Supermarkets, serving as Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Born into the Hays family legacy — his father Mike King was a key figure in expanding the company — Mickey grew up immersed in the grocery industry and started working at Hays at just 14 years old, cleaning parking lots and carrying out groceries.
He has risen through the ranks alongside his brother Jon David King and cousins, now helping oversee the company's operations across its stores in Arkansas and Missouri. Hays Supermarkets traces its roots to 1906 in Oklahoma and was established in Blytheville, Arkansas, in 1935. The family has grown it into a regional chain known for community focus, fresh products, and customer service.
Mickey has been instrumental in modern initiatives, such as implementing digital rewards programs like AppCard to enhance shopper engagement, personalize promotions, and compete effectively with larger retailers. He emphasizes the use of data and analytics to boost sales and customer loyalty.
Most importantly for the Brothers Q, Mickey championed getting Sauce Beautiful and Spice Beautiful onto Hays shelves — giving the Quessenberry brand its first major regional retail presence. As a fourth-generation member of the Hays/King family business, he represents the ongoing commitment to the values of vision, hard work, and community involvement that have defined the company for over a century.