Bob's Pantry

On Monday November 24th, our local neighborhood convenience store (which is actually way more than a convenience store) re-opened. Bob Crimo, the owner and manager, had previously owned the White Hen franchise in Highland Park which he ran for 18 years. Last year when White Hen was bought out by Seven Eleven, Bob was forced out and left with no store and no job. Well, not one to get screwed by the man... Bob got the financing together, bought an old rundown location, fixed it up and re-opened as Bob's Pantry. So, on Monday morning Nic and I showed our support by arriving at 3:30am with video and photo cameras in hand to help document the opening day. It was a day of many "firsts":

The first customers arrived at 4:00am for the 4:30 opening:







At 4:30 am sharp, Bob opened the store with a ceremonious and always popular "take-down-the-brown-paper-covering-the-'now open sign'" moment.







The first customers and the first bills given to the store:



Paulie (Bob's brother and trusted super-sidekick) makes the first sandwich. Paulie makes the BEST sandwiches:



There...it...goes...



The first sandwich brings this young man much confidence:



The first multi-flavored icee may induce early-onset puberty in this young ruffian (watch out ladies)!



The first "Nicky D" (one POUND of meat topped with every available vegetable and a kaiser roll) is made:



This young lad is the first to try the Nicky D. Little does he know that in 20 minutes he'll be leaning over the garbage can trying not to vomit!



The first (and proudest) to use the bathroom:



Here we interview him about his experience:



A final shot of Bob with his wife and kids (a great day!!!):



Bob worked that first day for 24 hours because so many people came out. Nic and I went back two days later and Bob declared that in 25 years working in the field he has never seen so much business. The people of Highland Park have officially welcomed him back with open arms.

Viva Bob's Pantry!