By Alexis Archilla
PLATTSBURGH N.Y In this college town, there are very few convenient stores that have been
around for the public to buy goods. Needless to say there are very few stores that have a long
history like Chuck Wagon.
Chuck Delcore took over the store in 1969 which originally was a pharmacy. The
pharmacy was named after Chuck Ferrington.
“It made sense to leave the name” said Delcore. Mr. Delcore, not only owns Chuck
Wagon which is located on 121 Brinkerhoff street but also owns the laundromat on Williams
Street and two apartments.
One apartment that is right above Zukes Deli and the other that is upstairs of Chuck
Wagons. This helps out college kids or locals find a place to live. So far it’s been forty seven
years and still going strong.
“ We have many customers coming in, most are college students but some are locals that
come every day” said Chuck.
One person that loves Chuck Wagons that is so called a “regular customer” goes by the
name of Sharon Raymond. Mrs. Raymond has been going to the store for two years just about
everyday for lunch.
“I usually get michigan's which is one of their specials on the menu or I just enjoy a nice
sandwich” said Raymond.
It’s a great place to eat and get to know people, maybe that’s why they have been around
for so long.”
Her experience there has made her feel very welcome every time she steps through the
door. “They are very caring people who treat everybody equally, even those with disabilities”
says Raymond.
His family has been a big help with the process of keeping his business running
smoothly.
His daughter, Kim Delcore, has been working in the family business for thirty two years.
She started when she was eighteen years old and has loved it ever since.
“I don’t come to work and hate working, something funny happens every day” says Delcore.
Unlike Express Lane and other stores. Chuck Wagon’s or Chuck’s which some people
call the store for short, use to deliver Sandwiches and alcohol to dorms and houses back when
the drinking age was eighteen which was in 1982.
“Yes we run our store on college kids” Ms. Delcore said. “It’s good to be busy through
the school year and then have a break in the summers, even though the days are a lot slower”.
The Delcores have helped numerous people by giving them jobs at their store. One young
man by the name of James Oliver has been working with the family for seven years.
Mr. Oliver suffers from ADHD which was caused by his brain injury, but even though he
suffers from this illness he seeks many positives while working in the store.
“ I love working and meeting new students every year” said Mr. Oliver.
Mr. Oliver, who is thirty years old, feels at home when he is at the store and wouldn’t rather be
anywhere else.
“Chuck and his family have taught me a lot about work ethic” said Oliver.
Even when I’m not here working, I like being here because the regulars are like family.”
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