Queen For a Day

Previously: DQ's Chicken & Dumplings

Most businesses spend a fair amount of time and money on market research.  Before you roll out a new product you're going to want to make it as good as possible and to do that you need to test it out.  And that's what brought me to an East Texas Dairy Queen today.

The DQ in Emory, TX was one of the four franchises in the entire state selected to take part in the experiment.  I was told it was because the manager is very active in giving feedback to corporate regarding what is and is not working.

So what exactly was on the tasting menu?  It turns out they have an interest in serving up a Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwich.  And it's pretty much what it sounds like: your standard chicken sandwich (fried or grilled) with Buffalo Sauce and Ranch Dressing.  While they headed to the kitchen to whip one up, they handed out the questionnaire:

There were only a handful of questions and they were all pretty much straightforward: How did you like it?  Would you recommend it?  Etc. That's all you have to do to sing for your supper.  So here's what all the fuss is about:

I got the "grilled" version.  You can definitely taste the buffalo sauce...I'll say that for it.  So I ate my sandwich, filled out the form and went on my way.  Will we end up seeing the Chicken Buffalo Ranch Sandwich at Dairy Queens across Texas?  Only time will tell..

Snakes on a Stage

This weekend is Eagle Fest in Emory, TX and, as usual, it's packed with events.  Unfortunately our schedule didn't allow us to shoot video for the podcast or to even attend for more than an hour or two.  But we were able to stop by to catch the Snake Encounters show and here are a few pics:

Hopefully next year we'll have more time to take in the rest of the Fest including seeing some real raptors instead of just our own little birds of prey:

Founder's Keepers

A quick look at the annual Founder's Day event and some of the history of Rains County and the town of Emory, TX in an all new episode of "East Texas Explorer":

Post-Show: 2015 Rains County Fair

So last week we checked out the "Classics Round the Square" Car Show in Emory, TX which was the kick off of the Rains County Fair.  This week is the fair itself and we checked out:

Rides and Games:

    

 The Kids' Sheep Riding Contest:

    

The Chili Cook-Off:

    

And, of course, the Parade:

    

    

See you next year!

Round About Town

Usually the "Classics Round the Square" Car Show in Emory, TX happens at the end of the Rains County Fair.  This year though, it kicks off the Fair and we were lucky enough to check it out.  And now, because YOU demand it, here are our top ten picks from the show:

10.  1923 Ford T-Bucket

9.  '56 Chevy

 

8.  The General Lee! (1970 Dodge Charger)

7. 1948 Ford F3 1 Ton

6.  1955 Chevy Sedan

5.  1940 Mercury Eight Convertible

4.  1961 Corvair Pickup

3.  1962 Buick Special Wagon

2.  1933 Dodge DO

1,  1976 Chevy Corvette

Agree?  Disagree?  (You better not disagree about that Corvette!)  Tell me in the comments.  And stay tuned for coverage of the actual Fair.