This real-life Kwik-E-Mart from The Simpsons sells Squishees and Lard Lad Donuts
A real-life Kwik-E-Mart from the hit animated TV series The Simpsons has just opened in the popular tourist town of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
The convenience store serves a wide array of the show’s snacks, such as Lard Lad Donuts, Heat Lamp Hot Dogs, Duff Beer, and even the humble Squishee drink.
A replica Aztec Theatre from the show is also due to open later in the year, and both are being developed by special F/X cinematic attraction company SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment, in partnership with FoxNet Destinations and the television show’s production company Gracie Films.
The store is the first of its kind. Image: Instagram
“This is the culmination of years of passionate effort to bring The Simpsons to life beyond the screen,” says Michael Needham, founder and chief executive of SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment.
“We are creating a series of memorable moments enriched with tremendous detail throughout the attraction so that guests feel they are part of The Simpsons universe.”
The store is serving many of the Simpson’s favourite foods. Image: Instagram
The convenience store is located in Myrtle Beach’s Broadway at the Beach, a popular entertainment complex.
Along with The Simpsons food and beverage offerings, Kwik-E-Mart customers will also be able to buy merchandise from the TV show.
This isn’t the first time a Kwik-E-Mart has popped up. A dozen 7-Eleven stores got a Simpsons-themed makeover in time for the release of The Simpsons Movie back in 2007, while there are Kwik-E-Marts in two Universal Studios theme parks in the US, but “but they’re more like merch shops than actual convenience stores”, according to Esquire.
The creators of The Simpsons were recently the target of controversy when many viewers expressed concern over the stereotypical characterisation of Apu, the owner of the Kwik-E-Mart, who is of Indian descent.
But this didn’t stop Apu’s familiar catchphrase from the show, “Thank you, come again!”, from being painted above the doors inside the Myrtle Beach store.
