We’ve been waiting thirty years for an actual, real-life Kwik-E-Mart, as appears in the longest running scripted primetime series of all time, ‘The Simpsons’. Run by Apu Nahasapeemapetilon, the convenience store parodies the likes of 7-Eleven and Wawa Inc., and has become something of a cultural icon which is instantly recognisable.
Back in 2007, eleven ‘7-Eleven’ locations in the US and one in Canada were transformed into Kwik-E-Marts as part of a promotion for 'The Simpsons Movie'. But now, for the first time, there is officially a Kwik-E-Mart.
Jam-packed with ‘Simpsons’ memorabilia, the store is located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina at Broadway at the Beach. Better yet, you can buy squishees, Heat Lamp Hot Dogs and Lard Lad Donuts there, as with the store in the series.
There’s also a sign above the door with Apu’s customary farewell, “Thank you, come again!” as well as plenty of photo opportunities both inside and out.
"This is the first, world's first authentic Kwik-E-Mart. Every inch of this store is themed, including bringing products to life,” Mark Cornell, senior vice president of attractions development with simEx-Iwers Entertainment, told WMBF News. “The products that are on the show, you can actually come and experience in the store first hand. Sort of like getting a taste of the show."
The store took four years to design and Cornell added: "It's a magnificent sort of East Coast destination. Millions of people vacation here annually and I feel Homer Simpson would vacation here."
The store will eventually be where fans exit to when the Aztec Theatre next door opens later this year. The theatre also features in the animated series and will have a ‘Simpsons’ 4D movie experience which is expected to open later this year.
You can see pictures and a video of the Kwik-E-Mart below:
HALLELUJER!!!!! Now we can slurp a Squishee, munch a Heat Lamp Hot Dog & gulp Lard Lad Donuts -- Mmm, donuts! -- It's the world's 1st permanent real-life Kwik-E-Mart in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Who wants to join our resident Homer (Jeff) for a ROAD TRIP???? pic.twitter.com/umLszL9c5C
— Steve&MagicMan (@steve_magicman) August 21, 2018
Just came from the Kwik E Mart! Pretty cool @TheSimpsons ðŸ'ÂÂ? I got the Buzzzz Cola and Lard Lad Donuts 😋 pic.twitter.com/xnpWjMygs7
— Willie Blanton (@Willie_Blanton) August 19, 2018