Roy’s Grille – NACS Magazine – January 2017
Lexington, South Carolina - Chris Williams dreamed of having a restaurant in which he could create his dream menu. He opened Roy's Grille in 2014. In the January issue of NACS Magazine you'll learn Williams' strategy for overcoming the challenge of getting customers to eat inside a gas station. The food is great because Williams pays attention to detail. He leaves … [Read more...]
Bourbon St. Deli & Shop Rite
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...]
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 October 2015
Jake’s Market & Deli: NACS Magazine, November 2014
Lebanon, NH 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 was his store. Today, he has … [Read more...]
Slovacek’s, Home of the Kissing Pigs: NACS Magazine, Dec 2014
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. This is one of the few stores where you can find Czechoslovakian beer and wine. You … [Read more...]
BOISE STAGE STOP: NACS Magazine, Feb 2015
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...]
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...]