A couple in Buzzy’s Country Store yesterday told me about Allenwood General Store near their hometown in Bricktown, New Jersey. I checked it out on the ole Google machine and it looks pretty cool even if you don’t usually think of country/general stores currently in New Jersey.
They even have a Facebook page; I know, who doesn’t? The Allenwood Store survives today mostly due to their restaurant side of the business. Like so many of the general stores in our area such as Hills, Chaptico Market, Dents, Quades, St. Inigoes, Mike Ridgell’s Baymart, food service accounts for much of their income.
Buzzy’s as you know went the drink route and once those Stewart gut bomb subs disappeared from the scene, he did not serve much in the way of food. Sometimes when I’m feeling ambitious, I consider offering some food selections in the Store. However, I’m not so sure I have that much ambition in me to do all the work that is required to make it a go. Now if some hard working young guy or gal would like to do so, I’d carve out some space in Buzzy’s for them to set up their shop.
Check out how this guy turned an old country store in Mississippi into a very successful restaurant. Be forewarned however, watching this is gonna make you want some fried chicken.