LOUISIANA - The Bayou State is known for great fishing, hunting and of course Mardi Gras, but year-round, folks are all about the food. Bourbon St. Delis are located in 17 of the 38 Shop Rite locations. This is a must-stop for great Cajun food. Of course, it's in a gas station. That's why I'm here. Cajun Fare & New Orleans Flare I had a chance to learn about … [Read more...]
NACS Magazine – February 2016 – Boubon St. Deli & Shop Rite
2015 NACS Magazine Stories – Thanks to Everyone
I'm humbly grateful to the creative people in these stores for taking the time to let me peak inside. They take risks, work hard and have stories that continue to fascinate me. They're cooking some of the best food in America. Next time you fuel up, take a walk from the pump to the store. I've found lobster bisque, Cornish game hen, crawfish and even ponce. Thanks to the … [Read more...]
Pulled Pork Sundae – Real Convenient Food
Schaeffer's Corner Market, Ruff's Dale, PA - Have you ever been in the car & thought, "I'd love pulled pork. It's going to be a mess to eat in the car"? Krist Ranker & the folks at Schaeffer's Corner Market in Ruff's Dale, PA didn't take their thinking caps off for the Thanksgiving Holiday. They came up with this pork sundae. It's pulled pork & mashed potatoes … [Read more...]
NACS Magazine – November Issue -Schaeffer’s Corner Market
Ruff's Dale, PA - Schaeffer's Corner Market - I profile this store in the current issue of NACS Magazine. The donut-croissant hybrid caught my attention. It's called a cronut. Kris Ranker creates unique menu items with the cronut. Check out the story in NACS Magazine. http://www.nacsonline.com/Magazine … [Read more...]
NACS Magazine – October Issue
Bismarck, North Dakota - Horizon Market has a lot to like. When you need bread or milk, it doesn't get more convenient than a drive-thru window. Horizon's Cup O'Snack makes snacking as easy as drinking a beverage. Casey Clement & his team have a real commitment to the community. They use the Horizon food truck to help local students to raise … [Read more...]
New Spin on Boneless Chicken
Mouton Cove, Louisiana - One of the things I love about doing the Gas Station Gourmet has to be running across the creative marketing of famliar items. Here's a great idea from deep in the marshes of South Louisiana. Not long before you drive straight into the Gulf of Mexico you'll drive by a small gas station in Mouton Cove called Bon Ami, French for good friend . Like … [Read more...]
NACS MAGAZINE- August – Fruitville Texaco & Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse
Sarasota, FL - The fried chicken at Fruitville Texaco has gotten a lot of attention from the Florida media. It's crazy good and there is a secret. Owner, Steve Stottlemyer knew customers could not get enough of his food. So, he decided to expand his food program with the best barbecue around and serve it in a unique atmosphere, a traditional Seminole Chickee Hut. I know it … [Read more...]
NACS MAGAZINE – June – Lawhon’s Grocery
North Fort Myers, FL - Lawhon's Grocery & Meat Market is my kind of place. It's big on food, big on service, big on creativity, but it's small, rural and family owned. My old buddy, Keith Perrin suggested I check this place out for a story. He was spot on. Richard Lawhon owned a grocery store in the Fort Myers, FL area since 1958. He wanted another location and decided on … [Read more...]
Marketing Calls Increase Restaurant Business
https://youtu.be/pA_KordtRKQ … [Read more...]