KANSAS CITY, MO – Papu’s Cafe & Shell Convenience Store – You can read about this great store in the August Issue of NACS Magazine. He’s been pleased and surprised by the success of his food. This is the first store I’ve written about that serves Mediterranean cuisine. Shuja put a unique spin on his food by adding some Indian spices. I’m a big fan of chicken shwarma.
Papu’s Chicken Shwarma Sandiwich
Is it popular? People are calling from out of state for reservations. “We’re a gas station,” he tells callers, just come on by.
Team Papu- left to right, Tim Johnson, cook, artist in residence & waitress, Carrie Belker and owner Shuja Sirhindi.
His feelings evolved like this…
“Will people buy food at a gas station?” They do, then he wondered…
“Will people want to sit down and eat in a gas station?” They do and he had to add an indoor dining area and a patio for outdoor dining as well.
He started selling art from local artist and waitress, Carrie Belker. He then wondered, “Will people buy art at a gas station?” Well, they will and local art is displayed on a wall in the store.
Original art by local artists is available in this unique setting.
Shuja is one of those guys you simply root for because he’s nice. He makes sure his staff get plenty of hours so they don’t need to take a second job. I like that.
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