Month: September 2019

Silver Lake and its town people saw a feat and an action so close to their hearts the day their infamous and favorite silver lake foot sign was saved from apparent theft. On a fateful evening, Markus Spencer, the store owner, of “Quirk this way” at Los Feliz by Vermont Avenue, had an idea that something sinister was afoot.

Markus wouldn’t be easily convinced that two men in their black sedan were screeching their car tires. As Markus observed these men further, they were unfazed by what they seemed to be doing. They were unscrewing one of the letters from the silver lake foot sign. Markus stated, “I know when something is fishy, I own a quirky store myself. I know when something is weird.”

In his store, ‘quirk this way, ‘ Markus sells weird-looking antiques to t-shirts with worms on a skateboard design. Markus also sports wall frames with views overlooking silver lake town and the picture of the silver lake foot sign at sunset. Markus Spencer is the kind of man everyone knows and is fond of. The way he makes the city his home is seen from the measures and steps he takes to save the silver foot sign as though it were his own. The town’s people, including Markus Spencer, have long become fond of the iconic silver lake foot sign.

The Silver Lake foot sign first made it’s spin dating back to 1985. Ever since then, the sign twirling around the sunset rays of Sunset Boulevard has become the town’s favorite and signature. So, Markus did not waste any minute when he sensed something odd and fishy about these two men. Upon questioning them under whose order they were doing what they were doing, still, the two men did not respond to Markus. He, therefore, contacted the motel and alerted the town people on his Instagram and in a public community group on Facebook.

The motel contacted Dr. Sam Terry, who is the owner and the podiatrist of the Silver Lake foot clinic. Dr. Terry then confirmed that no order was issued for these two men or anyone to take the foot sign away. At first, it must’ve occurred to some bystanders and onlookers besides Markus, who might’ve thought nothing was wrong because there had been news that this foot clinic would be relocating to a new place. But for Markus, it was a feat he couldn’t stop himself from doing since he has been with Dr. Sam Terry since the start of a well-documented plan for this relocation.

Markus recalls the situation when he questioned the two men unscrewing the panels about who they were working for, and they couldn’t seem to answer his queries. Markus added, “It was too unamusing to see their confusion and the silence that followed after the questions.” But the unwavering effort of a local person like Markus saved the sign that entirely symbolizes the sunset boulevard of Silver Lake.

Markus decided to sit under the sign in the hopes that extra help would soon arrive while he tried to hinder the two men from continuing their uninvited service of theft. Eventually, Spencer could do what he was hoping for, and his effort finally paid off, and the town’s iconic sign stood still.

The town people were all happy to have their favorite old sign back. A man and his wife strolling commented, “we were scared and sad thinking we might never see the iconic sign of the town again.” Another woman with her child outside their house stood in awe and commented, “I mean, it’s as old as my house. I was in shock to see the chaos around the sign earlier.” After the situation was brought under control, there were questions arising. Markus Spencer, in his success of saving the sign, was so excited to tell the story to the people and answer the questions.

Dr. Sam Terry seemed so much at ease and relieved knowing his foot sign was saved from possible robbery. Dr. Terry and along with the co-owner of the clinic and the property, proposed to keep the sign with Markus Perry at his store before further relocation to the new location. At this, Markus was all the more willing to accept the proposal to keep it in his store. Markus added, “I have a soft spot in my heart for silver lake foot sign and being able to keep it safe will definitely keep my heart full.”At this, Markus was all the more willing to accept the proposal to keep it in his store. Markus added, “I have a soft spot in my heart for silver lake foot sign and being able to keep it safe will definitely keep my heart full.”

Dr. Sam and the owner of the property, Mr. Ricky Kelly, were so grateful and at ease knowing that their property and the sign were both far from being destroyed. Dr. Sam, the podiatrist of the clinic, was planning on relocating the clinic to a new location in the historic Filipinotown, and, therefore, Markus was helping him out in taking the measurements of the sign, arranging the pick-up trucks to help in the shifting of the clinic.

Due to this close association with the clinic and especially during the relocation process, Markus was aware of the people helping him and the doctor with the clinic’s shifting process. Therefore, when he saw the two men in their black sedan trying to unscrew the panels while looking extremely unfazed, yet it was not a show to be missed out on for Markus Spencer. The faces of the two men were not familiar nor were they able to answer the questions.

Markus commented, “They looked like they were not bothered or maybe that was their plan to seem unfazed at their actions to avoid any commotion but Markus knows when things are weird.” The whole situation alarmed the people of the town, and almost all the people living in a close proximity to the clinic came rushing as Markus was quick to alarm the people through his social media accounts.

Silver lake town saw something they never thought would happen in their lives where a sign that has been a part of the city for a very long time will undergo through something like a theft. Markus Spencer became the talk of the town as well as a hero who bravely saved the sign from the thieves. In all his quirkiness, Markus was excited to narrate the story to the town people, who were all very curious to know the details as to what actually happened.

The headlines in the news the next day read, “Los Feliz Store Owner rescues the famous Silver Lake Foot sign from Thieves,” and Markus couldn’t help but feel super proud and happy. He felt a sense of true belonging to the town he had been calling home for so many years.

The thieves were trying to escape the scene, but the motel Markus alarmed first was also quick enough to report a possible theft to the nearby police station, and so the police were able to arrest the two men before they could escape from the scene.

In what first seemed like a sudden situation of chaos and confusion, it finally came to a good and successful conclusion where the sign was saved, and the police nabbed the thieves.

Dr. Terry commented, “I am so happy not only because my clinic was saved but to see the corporation of the people. This is what I call a good community.”

He further added to the loyalty of Markus and the rest of the town people how they sincerely took ownership of something which is not in their possession. Dr. Terry was deeply moved by the action of the people.

Markus Spencer also gave a massive shoutout to the manager of the motel he first alarmed of the situation for his willingness to help and not doubt the problem that was going on.

When asked the motel manager what his first reactions were, he replied, “I sensed a great deal and sense of urgency as though my own house was in danger.”

The reactions and the way all the concerned people in the scene reacted and their successful outcomes only teach us the lesson that you need to be accountable for your existence and your being.

“The selfless act of doing and being never goes to waste,” said Markus Spencer as he stood beside the clinic shaking hands and hugging the people of the town, who were all appreciative and thankful for his service that day.

The people of silver lake town were so happy they could retrieve back one of their favorite signs. The silver lake foot sign gives you the feeling of being at home for the town’s people. As many of the people grew up seeing the sign when it was first put up. And for the rest of the older generation, it feels like a sign of good old days, recalling when they were a little younger, a little stronger.

Besides the fact that a possible robbery was going to take place in this peaceful neighborhood, we also saw the beauty of a community that comes hand-in-hand in times of trouble.

The employees at Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen must’ve probably gotten tired of picking up the call and hearing the same question again and again: is that chicken sandwich back? 

It was a crazy summer for the employees at Popeyes, and the reason was their new fast food item, the crispy fried chicken sandwich. This new item on their menu instantly became so popular that everyone wanted a bite. It’s no surprise that people all over the country would swarm at the restaurants to get a taste of their delicious crispy chicken sandwich. 

But it’s worth mentioning that behind the scenes, the employees worked tirelessly with no days off, even on weekends, to cater to the customers. Their dedication was commendable!

Since this famous chicken sandwich was available in over 3000 locations across the U.S., it was successful in satisfying the demands of hungry customers even though it was on the menu only for a couple of weeks. 

It was one of the best decisions that Popeyes ever made to entirely create a new chicken sandwich, as it was a total hit. Sure, they weren’t ready for the overwhelming demand and positive response to their new fast food item. Even The New Yorker couldn’t get enough of Popeyes’ tasty sandwich chicken that was highly praised. 

The magazine described the chicken sandwich as having the perfect combination of every ingredient, and every bite was full of flavor and so balanced that it was worth the hype. 

Popeyes In Hollywood

It was in the middle of August when the chicken sandwich obsession began in Popeyes’ restaurants across L.A. 

In locations like Slauson Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard, hungry customers would start lining up an hour before the store opens. Businesses located at Hollywood Boulevard would place orders in advance, and on La Brea Avenue, endless lines of cars were waiting to order their chicken sandwich at the drive-thru.

It was so popular and tasty that everyone wanted to try Popeyes sandwich chicken at least once. This fast food became instantly famous and remains a favorite among fast food lovers.

Sarah Miles, the general manager of the Hollywood and Cahuenga Boulevards restaurant, said customers were ordering about 50 to 100 sandwiches at one go and selling over 1000 chicken sandwiches in a day. Now, you can picture the madness at Popeyes during the rush!

Though Miles was able to console the long line of hungry customers by handing out water and licorice, one person she couldn’t please was the psychic next door. She was not okay with the long waiting line of customers past her business. Truth be told, that’s understandable, but it was out of their control.

Even now, customers won’t stop calling to ask when the chicken sandwich will be back in stores.

So, what’s the reason behind the delay? Running out of chicken is not an option. So, did they run out of sauce or other items?

Miles says that a unique ingredient is used for their signature sandwich, which is not used for any other food item, including a special sauce that’s equally tangy and spicy. 

She further says that the recipe cannot be replicated as it has a distinct flavor and can easily identify a fake one.

When the demand for chicken sandwiches was at its peak, all the employees at Popeyes across L.A. had to work double shifts, and managers were working 70 to 80 hours a week. As a result, employees in some locations couldn’t handle the workload and backed off, which was a struggle for the remaining crews. 

Soon enough, the chain ran out, and sold-out signs were put up on the restaurant doors and drive-thrus and are now replaced by corporate signs. 

Popeyes In Western Avenue And Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard

If you ever visit the Popeyes on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, you’ll be impressed by how clean the place is. It’s comfortable with efficient space and is nicely decorated. 

You can enjoy ambient music playing through in-ceiling speakers and bask in the sunshine from the large open windows as sunlight pierces through the glass panels. You’ll love it here!

Of course, it’s not a new thing seeing a homeless woman on the streets of L.A. digging through trash looking for food. So, when the store’s general manager, Stella Jones, strictly tells her that digging through someone’s thrash is not allowed, the woman buzzes off with the leftovers.

Jones has been working there for quite a long time, and like most store managers, they were the first ones to try out the new signature sandwich before it was added to their menu. 

She said it tasted delicious but had no idea that people would go crazy over their chicken sandwich. The demand was extraordinary, and sales went through the roof.

Jones further says they’re preparing to bring their instantly famous chicken sandwich. The only reason for the delay is that they want to hire more people and give them proper training to be well-prepared to face the challenge. 

Last time, some employees couldn’t handle the pressure and called it quits. This increased the workload for other crew members who had to work double shifts. So, this time, they want to be fully prepared to bring their most in-demand chicken sandwich back to stores. 

During the mayhem, the Popeyes King store faced some dreading challenges. By saying this, accidents occurred at the location, and customers threw thrash around, even banging on the glass. For this reason, they lost some of their employees as the situation went out of control, and they decided to leave.

The cashier, Mark Roberts, said that although it was chaotic, it was a thrilling experience. 

Roberts said he usually clocks out at 5:00 p.m., but when the demands skyrocketed, he had to work overtime. 

During that time, his shift started at 4:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. 

He said people would still be lining up at 4:00 a.m. to order chicken. It was that serious! 

Even the store’s general manager, Jones, worked for 14 days straight, multitasking several responsibilities. She was answering calls non-stop and was figuring out where to store 40 racks of buns while a room full of angry and hungry customers kept staring at her.

At last, she admitted that it was challenging. But then she says that’s a part of her job and has to jump in when she has to because that’s the responsibility of a store manager. However, she gets no overtime for her extra efforts. So she’s hoping that the franchise owners will send some good news and expects to receive a bonus because she deserves it!

Jones hinted about the possible return of their famous chicken sandwich during the winter but said that some stores might bring it sooner.

She also said that the store at Slauson Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard has just gotten some exclusive sandwiches. So, this curious reporter went there straight away!

Popeyes At Slauson Avenue And Crenshaw Boulevard

At the Popeyes on Slauson Avenue, the first thing you’ll notice is a big flat-screen T.V. running either sports or news channels, and no one seems to be bothered by it. The customers are not there to watch the T.V., and the crew is too busy working on orders to care about which network is on. No one is interested in changing the channel, neither do I. 

Jack Brown manages the store at Slauson Avenue, and he’s been running the place for over 25 years. So, no wonder he proudly says he can immediately identify new guests. 

He says the store has been peacefully running for decades and has never had any issues except one night when he tolerated disrespect because one woman was highly irritated for receiving too many pickles. But that was it. Other than that, there are always long lines of customers in the lobby and drive-thru eagerly waiting for orders.

Do they love the chicken sandwich?

Brown says they enjoy the sandwich so much that they keep coming for it frequently. He smiles and says the store opens at 10:00 a.m., but people start lining up at 9:00 a.m. because they can’t get enough of it. They want to get their hands on it before it’s sold out. Also, they wouldn’t get one but would order 5, 10, 15 at one go. 

So, not only out of curiosity but also equally hungry, an order for the most in-demand chicken sandwich was placed. As the crew prepared the sandwich, payment was made, and finally, this journalist was ready to savor the delicious chicken sandwich. 

Was it worth all the attention and noise made on social media about this fast-food item? Absolutely, and for all the right reasons. With a combination of the generous sauce spread on the fresh bun and the crispy and moist chicken breast, the taste was heavenly. 

Finally, understood why people would line up for hours and hours to order this chicken sandwich. It’s simply addicting!