Boise, Idaho The Regina Store opened right here on the Oregon Trail in 1891. Today, the Oregon Trail is now I-84. The Regina Store is now the Boise Stage Stop. If you great food, friendly people in an Old West setting, then this is the place to stop. When I say "Old West setting" I don't mean decorations. They've recreated an authentic western town complete with a saloon, a … [Read more...]
Linda Scott Memorial
Oasis Travel Plaza (Robertsdale, AL) - I am saddened by the passing of Linda Scott, general manager of the Oasis Travel Plaza in Robertsdale, AL. I had a chance to interview Linda. When I visited her and her team in Alabama they extended such warm hospitality. Customers love this unique travel plaza. She was a real success story, starting as a night-shift waitress she moved up … [Read more...]
Bringing the Community Inside Your Store
CENTRAL EXPRESS CASHTON (Cashton, WI) - This is great for the kids. It's great for the store. If you've heard me speak or read my stories, one of the most important things independently owned c-stores can do is to be part of their community. A good start is to bring the community into your store. I love this. The kids are happy. Each time they pass the Central … [Read more...]
BOISE STAGE STOP- NACS Magazine February 2015
THIS MONTH IN NACS MAGAZINE BOISE, IDAHO - The Regina Store opened right here on the Oregon Trail in 1891. Today, the Oregon Trail is now I-84. The Regina Store is now the Boise Stage Stop. If you great food, friendly people in an Old West setting, then this is the place to stop. When I say "Old West setting" I don't mean … [Read more...]
Wear it? Eat it? Potato Jewelry – Boise Stage Stop
I-84 Near Boise, Idaho - I find really neat things on America's highways. In one gas station, I found a mummy. In another, a dog wash big enough for me to enjoy a luxurious bath. I love it when people do creative things with food. So, potato jewelry got my attention. My first thought was that I could wear this then eat it. But, you really cannot. My next NACS Story is about … [Read more...]
SLOVACEK’S – HOME OF THE KISSING PIGS
WEST, TEXAS - I've seen some fascinating things on the road. Kissing pigs really got my attention. You can read about Slovacek's in the December issue of NACS Magazine. Slovacek's has been making great sausage since 1957. I can say great because they will sell 6 millions pounds by year's end. BEER CAVE This is one of the few stores where you can find Czechoslovakian beer … [Read more...]
JAKE’S MARKET & DELI – NACS Magazine-November Issue
LEBANON, NH - Jake's Market & Deli - You can read about this store in the November issue of NACS Magazine. Before I even thought of gas station food, before gas stations thought about fresh food, Jake's Market & Deli were all about food. It was unique for a convenience store two decades ago. Owner, Ed Kerrigan made sure that the best place to get a sandwich in Lebanon … [Read more...]
Papu’s Cafe – NACS Magazine August Story
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 … [Read more...]
Smokey G’s BBQ – Van Alstyne, Texas
SMOKEY G's BBQ - Van Alstyne, TX If you're heading down U.S. Hwy 75 take the Hwy 121 exit at Van Alstyn. You'll see a Shell Station, now, look on the opposite side of the parking lot for Galen Gibson's Smokey G's BBQ. It's neat looking little food trailer and that caught my eye. That's not what got my attention. This heavy, steel smoker got my attention. For … [Read more...]
Cajun Meal Planning At A Gas Station
Sammy's Country Store in Maurice, Louisiana has an easy fix for your dinner dilemma - grillades. This Cajun tradition has been around for over a hundred years. Before electricity came to South Louisiana, Cajuns had a clever way of keeping meat fresh. This technique gave the pork a bold flavor. You can still find grillades around if you look hard enough. I found the … [Read more...]