Suffolk News-Herald

For the past few months, Chuckatuck residents and passers-by on Route 10/Godwin Boulevard may have noticed a different aroma in the air in the vicinity of the Take A Break convenience store.

Around 9 a.m. everyday, owner Randy Kraemer and staff begin firing up the oil to cook golden fried pork chops and jumbo chicken wings the establishment has quickly become famous for.

Last September, Kraemer assumed ownership of the business. He moved from Nebraska, in part, to be near his father, Dean Kraemer, who owns Tom and Jerry convenience stores in Smithfield. Randy had originally worked in the tanning salon industry for almost nine years.

Making the move to Chuckatuck was a matter of timing, and taking what Kraemer considered &uot;a diamond in the rough&uot; and making it a viable outlet for the community. He’s been busy improving the facade, landscaping and making other aesthetic changes to the interior.

Kraemer considers his business more than a convenience store, but a place that customers can count on for a hot meal whether breakfast, lunch or dinner. He’s has become an instant favorite for long and short-distance truck drivers, construction crews and other employees of nearby businesses.

Sam Kiser, a driver for R. A. Matney Trucking, is a regular. He finds Take A Break quick and easy as he’s headed for the nearby sand pit.

&uot;I like the chicken,&uot; he said as he picked up his order.

Take A Break’s menu also includes several sandwich varieties and meals.

The convenience store has been a mainstay in Chuckatuck for more than 20 years, changing hands several times within the recent years. Its original owner was Holiday Foods and in recent years, became home to an Italian pizza and sub shop before changing back over to the convenience store model.

Rebuilding the business from the standpoint of its appearance to its offerings is a priority of Kraemer’s, he emphasized.

&uot;I want people to know that there’s someone here that finally cares,&uot; said Kraemer. &uot;This is my living. I’m not an off-site owner….I would like the community to give us a try again. It’s different now.&uot;

He added that he has a successful model to follow, referencing the road map his father provided to him.

Take A Break is located at 5933 Godwin Blvd. From Monday through Friday, the store is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.