Moore Haven, Florida- THE STEVE SANDWICH - When Steve told Ahern’s Service Center & Convenience Store co-owner Jason Griner that the breakfast sandwich was kind of small, Jason came up with a solution. He starts with a 5-inch bun, scrambles 5 eggs with 3 slices of American cheese and offers a choice of 4 slices of bacon or 2 sausage patties. Is this … [Read more...]
BARBECUE TRAIN-NACS JUNE ISSUE
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA The digital-issue of NACS Magazine is available. The print edition is not far behind. I found barbecue in Bloomington, Indiana. I was surprised. The guy behind it is barbecue guru Chris Smith. He's put a lot of thought into the process and the sides are engineered for powerful flavor. It took weeks in the Sysco test kitchen to create … [Read more...]
Convenience Store Sales-Record High 2013
(This is a great story. Could the growth in the foodservice section have something to do with the Gas Station Gourmet? We don't know, but we will ponder after lunch.) CHICAGO – U.S. convenience stores reached record in-store sales in 2013, with sales climbing 2.4% to $204 billion. Combined with motor fuels sales of $491.5 billion, overall convenience store … [Read more...]
C-Store Cajun Barbecue-Eunice, LA
Tailgating at the Oasis Travel Center
NACS Magazine – January Issue
My profile of Mudbugs in Eunice, Louisiana is in the January issue of NACS Magazine. Thanks to Tom Voinche for tipping me off and lunch. Unicorn sightings are a rare event. Even more rare is Voinche paying for lunch. That day, I knew I'd seen everything Too Bad Pigs Only Have One Stomach A doctor once told me, "It's too bad pigs only have one stomach. She was referring to … [Read more...]
Chicken Salad Tour – Lexington, VA
Lexington, VA - When I entered the state of Virginia I stopped at the welcome center. I asked about convenience store and truck stop food. I was told few tourists ask about this. I was the first. Strange. I was told not to miss LeeHi Travel Center off I-64 in Lexington. How many people in welcome centers would think about a truck stop hours away? This was a place I had to … [Read more...]
Large Shrimp Sandwich-(not an oxymoron)
Abbeville, LA - Bourbon Street Delis are located in many ShopRite convenience stores in south Louisiana. If you’re going to pay $50 to fill up your tank, you might as well treat yourself to fresh Louisiana seafood at a very reasonable price. Abbeville is a picturesque little town about 25 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. People here take fresh seafood for granted sometimes. The … [Read more...]
Big Store-Big on Customer Service
BROUSSARD, LA- Blanchet's Exxon is profiled in the September issue of NACS Magazine. This is the first two-story c-store with a food court I've visited. Subway and Krispy Krunchy Chicken are avaialble. Josh Blanchet throws in Cajun flare with great rice dressing, crawfish etouffee' and other Louisiana favorites. M&R Creole's stuffed bread is available here. It's … [Read more...]
Texas Best RIbs, Chicken Salad and Friendly Staff
Texas Best Smokehouse-Tyler, TX - is a must-stop truck stop on I-20. You should experience the food and the people here. These ribs are perfectly done. The meat falls off the bone. There's a big choice of sides. The hardest thing is making a choice. The building is beautiful, the bathrooms are super clean and the staff makes the traveler feel like welcome. It's like … [Read more...]