Starting tomorrow Lahaina residents will have a big choice when it comes to convenience stores. The much anticipated grand opening of Bob Abramo’s “Big Bites” store is sure to bring in meat lovers and the curious from across the island. For weeks reports of the meat-centric convenience store and some of its unique products have captured the attention of locals and tourists alike. Abramo and Manager Brandi Essen gave us an exclusive tour of the store a day ahead of the opening and talked with us about Big Bites’ mission. It was a mouthful.
Well known for his commercials where he declared, “Big Bob Abramo eats the competition,” the local real estate entrepreneur branched out into the restaurant business last year when he opened Robert Abramo’s Chophouse on Aloha Shores. It was a huge success. Banking on the positive response to the meatery, Abramo began making plans for a convenience store that would “cater to carnivores”. He says that Lahaina is just the first stop on a meat train that he plans to expand to all of Maui.
At first glance, the inside of Big Bites looks like any other convenience chain. Coolers on the back wall contain a variety of beverages. Racks of chips, pretzels, and other salty snacks face the front door, but that’s where the similarities end. “We have a few of the essentials that everyone goes to a convenience store for, but if you look closely you’ll see even those items have meat options,” says Essen.
She points out a package of bacon-scented wet naps, toothpicks made of jerky, and a case of brisket flavored soda. “Our goal is to fulfill all your meat snacking needs, even the ones you don’t know you have yet,” Abramo says that samples aren’t just offered at Big Bites, they’re required. “We want to help expand your meat horizons,” he says
Big Bites boasts that they will have the biggest variety of meat snacks and meat-related products anywhere on the islands, and from the looks of it, they might be right. 46 different flavors and cuts of jerky are displayed on the wall. 20 large glass containers provide all manner of pickled meats for the aficionado. The loose meat bin offers a little bit of everything if you’re feeling adventurous, but it’s the grinding stations that Abramo is most proud of.
On the South wall, 4 of the finest hand-cranked meat grinders are arranged. “Our grinding stations are open to anyone who wants to explore the wonderful world of charcuterie. We’ll even grind meat that you purchased somewhere else for a small fee, although I have no idea why you’d buy meat from anyone else. And don’t worry about bringing casings; we have everything you need. All of our staff are knowledgeable in the art of sausage making and can answer any questions you have, or help you get started.” Most people would think that making their own mettwurst at a convenience store was an odd idea, but Abramo’s not most people. The back of the store is where he really pushes the meat envelope.
He noticeably bristles when I ask about some of the novelty products and services available there. Essen quickly steps in, saying, “We don’t consider these novelties and stand behind the deliciousness of every product. Up until now, meat lovers have been put in a box and we’re just opening the lid.”
Some of the more unusual offerings here include: crispy duck piñatas, colorfully-marinaded-meats in artistic arrangements for special occasions, and a machine called the Meat Twister. For $10 a customer can stand inside the clear plastic box while compressed air circulates cold cuts around them for the grabbing. “The kids love that thing, and you get to eat what you can grab,” Abramo says with a smile.
“Our grand opening on Friday is just the next step in turning my food dreams into reality. I plan on spreading Big Bites across the islands like a luscious pâté. This isn’t just a store to me, it’s the start of a delicious meat movement.”
