Company looks to add drivers for distribution

FLATWOODS — Bobby Grizzle had fond memories of a particular potato chip from his childhood. Art’s and Mary’s was a Kansas-based potato chip brand that expanded their reach through the 1980s, before going out of business in the mid 1990s, according to Grizzle. But, he said, it wasn’t because their recipes weren’t good.

Though they disappeared from local shelves, another company, Albers Development, bought the trademark and recipes and actually grew the company to over 300 locations in the Midwest.

Albers controlled the trademark until March of 2016 when Grizzle and his cousin, John France, bought the company and recipes from them, and Grizzle decided to bring them back to our region.

“I just thought I would give it a go, because I’m from this area,” Grizzle said.

His cousin remained in Kansas, serving as CEO of the company, and Grizzle, the COO, opened local offices in Flatwoods, Kentucky.

“We also purchased the distribution company within the United States,” Grizzle said, explaining why it made sense to open offices locally if they intended to expand their business.

He said that because the local branch is so new, he is currently looking to work with contract drivers, or those who own their own trucking company, for distribution purposes. But he eventually hopes to hire some full time drivers.

“When we get going, we’re hoping to add at least five drivers,” he said, “and we’re always looking for good local people.”

The chips, including their proprietary jalapeno recipe that, according to Grizzle, they “lock in a safe,” are now available in several local groceries and restaurants, as is Grizzle’s own barbecue sauce recipe, Hillbilly Konk. Local shops carrying the chips include The Transit Café, The End Zone, American Legion Post 433 and Bartram’s and Sons in Ironton, Hop’s Carryout in Hanging Rock, Dickess Market and K-Hill Shooting Range in Aid, Spice of Life Catering and Sugar and Spice Sweets in Coal Grove, and South Point Foodfair in South Point. Bartram’s and Sons also carries the barbecue sauce.

“I’m just glad to bring it back and share it with people,” Grizzle said. “So far there has been a lot of good support.”

While the chips are, for now, still manufactured in Kansas, the barbecue sauce is being produced locally, with the assistance of Patter Fam Foods in Wheelersburg. Grizzle said that he’s also looking for other locally owned products to help distribute to a wider market “throughout the Tri-State” with his Sunflower Mountain Distribution company, as well as new recipes to help bring to market.

For more information, or to contact the company, visit them online at artsandmarys.com.