Remembering Wetzel’s Supermarket in Owensboro, KY

When I was kid, I vividly remember going to Wetzel's Supermarket. I think anyone who lived in Owensboro, Kentucky in the 70s and 80s remembers Wetzel's. Of course, who could forget the gigantic Wetzel's grocery bag that sat in front of the location on Frederica Street by the bypass? That oversized replica of a brown grocery sack was the quite the Owensboro landmark for years. I even know someone personally who, as a prank, took a can of spray paint to it.  I have vowed to protect his identity, so don't ask.

I also fondly remember Don Wetzel.

I am longtime friends with his daughters Shannon and Melanie. We all went to high school together and have remained friends through adulthood. Their dad was also avid listener of my morning show years ago. He routinely called in to see how things were going and we'd chat every week or so. We had much in common.  He was a graduate at Kentucky Wesleyan College.  I went to college there two years before transferring. He attended Settle Memorial United Methodist Church. That's where my parents went to church when I was in high school.  And, of course, we had his daughters in common. Don passed away in March of 2009, but the former President and CEO of Wetzel's Incorporated certainly left a legacy behind for all Owensboroans. Again, I think we all have fond memories of shopping in his supermarkets.

My radio cohost Mary-Katherine certainly remembers Wetzel's well. Her dad, Jerry Weber, worked in their meat department for years.  He was known to many as Wetzel's Meat Man.

Well, here's a blast from the past for you. My friend Jim Parr recently shared audio of the popular Wetzel's Supermarket radio jingle that dates back all the way to 1974.  Jim has an incredible archive of random "blasts from the pasts" and this is certainly one of his treasured gems.

Take a listen!