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...]
Aherns Service Center & Convenience Store-NACS July Issue
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...]
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...]
World Famous Chili Dog
Gulfway Sporting Goods on LA 35, South of Kaplan, Louisiana has a chili dog known throughout the world. A man from Mexico touring America on his Harley heard about it. That's great word of mouth. People will go to great lengths to experience great food. He veered off I-10 and drove south. Gulfway is off the beaten path to say the least. This intrepid hotdog aficionado … [Read more...]
Stress Free Thanksgiving Dinner
Ideas 2 Go: Talkin’ Turkey - NACS Magazine, October 2012 By Al Hebert Can a convenience store contribute to the mental well being of an entire community? It’s totally possible if the store helps harried customers deal with a stressful, seasonal disorder: Thanksgiving dinner preparation. “Holiday meal planning is a major stressor, especially for women who … [Read more...]