ATLANTA -- My journey started in Atlanta, with the goal of visiting the fine folks at Flash Foods in Waycross, Ga., and to see what conveniences the greater Georgia countryside had to offer. Along the way, I encountered soaked peanuts, surprisingly clean restrooms and hot pizza from the Enigma market--dare I say, a riddle wrapped in a mystery.
Going in somewhat of a circular route, I started down I-75 to I-16, then east to Highway 1 and south to Waycross. After a generous and detailed tour of Flash Foods' new travel center, my return trip took me west along Highway 82 back to I-75 north. All-in-all it was about 500 miles.
The convenience stores I stopped at all shared common price postings for gasoline, between $3.67 and $3.69 per gallon of regular unleaded in early spring, as well as surprisingly clean restrooms. Not all the restrooms were modern, up-to-date facilities (the Enigma store was attached but outside, like an outhouse), but the men's rooms at all of these decidedly rural locations were in acceptable shape.
- My first stop was a Marathon-branded site along I-75. It was clean, though somewhat cluttered. Its biggest distinction to me was its wine offering. The store promoted inexpensive wine specials.
- The next store was along Highway 1 called Pantry Shelf. It had more of a grocery feel and featured Hispanic baked goods. On the central checkout counter were two crock pots of Vidalia peanuts, which were basically hot, soaked peanuts. They were mildly flavored and easy to chew, of course. I found myself grinding on them the next few dozen miles.
- Just before hitting Waycross, I stopped at a CITGO location that had a large restaurant space inside. I evidently came during a down time because the seating area was dark and seemingly unkempt. Though a large location--probably 4,000 square feet--the space seemed underused.
- After staying the night in Waycross, my journey began anew with a stop at one of Flash Foods' own c-stores. (See Related Content below.) It was another clean experience. Friendly staff and well-stocked, but definitely not a crammed layout. It was comfortable and convenient. Known for its inventory technology and fulfillment strategies, the chain does a good job of having relevant merchandise in stock, while not overwhelming the customer.
Pulling out of Waycross and driving for an hour or so, I noticed the town I was entering was called "Enigma." Of course, there would be a c-store called Enigma, I thought, and I'd have to pull in.
And there was.
- Inside, I got the sense of grocery, heavily. Tall shelves, packed with basics for the home pantry, although an older gentlemen behind the counter was putting pizzas through a conveyor set-up (spraying the pizza with a water bottle before sending it through). For its name, the store really wasn't an enigma, but more the area grocery store. And popular, as in my short stay, a line formed.
- Heading back toward Atlanta, I encountered another c-store called Homeland, which, similar to the other restaurant-formatted site I visited, had a seating area that was dark and unused. While the restrooms were clean, they needed updating. The cashier, however, was jovial and laughing robustly at a customer's joke.
- Finally, closer in to Atlanta, I stopped at a Love's Travel Center. Lured by the McDonald's, I saw the fast-feeder was testing a "bite" version of its filet-o-fish sandwich. The bites differed from the chicken version that I'm more familiar with in that the fish seemed more uniform in shape and size. Where the chicken bites are arbitrary pieces ranging from bite-sized to crumbs, the fish was more boxy and cookie-cutter.
Back on the road, the traffic grew as I made my way into Atlanta. The roads broadened and I looked in my rear-view mirror to watch the ease of the Georgia country side slowly disappear.
Click here to see photos from this road trip.
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