Mr Be Welcome Center

You know, one can’t allow the « Unilocal Elite» status to prevent from trying gas station food. I chose to «keep it real» by partaking in the «best fried chicken in town» (hell, it may had been the ONLY fried chicken in town), according to the big banner plastered on the front of the building. OK, I’ll admit I was weak — my friend and I were traveling for a few hours and I was hungry! I would had eaten most anything short of roadkill. And I was a bit worried that the «chicken» was just that. Once inside, I was curiously looking for some sort of Board of Health placard but I’m sure I just missed it. Where was I going with this? Oh yeah, the chicken! It was surprisingly delicious. The young lady behind the counter was so nice and cheery — I can see why this is a welcome center (welcoming us to what, though? Is Harrisonburg a «bucket list» destination or something?). She was happy to pick out the fried chicken breast and an egg roll for me (I know — weird combo — I had travel fatigue). After making the sign of the cross, I took a bite of the chicken and I was proud of myself. Yes, proud that, even though I am growing my level of sophistication in the world of culinary tastes and preferences, (violin chamber music playing in the background now and I have developed an English accent), I’m happy to report that I have no problem exploring places unknown — sort of an Anthony Bourdain-​esque champion of Route 81 south — to try some of life’s surprises. Happy to also report that I’m writing this several days later. No barium diet, no pumping of the stomach and no activation of my Power-​of-​Attorney allowing my wife to act on my comatose behalf. All is good — and so’s that darn chicken!

Although this place is part of a gas station, don’t let that fact scare you away. At first I was worried whether their food would taste any good like most would think, but I decided to try it anyways. The first time I had their food, I had fried chicken, potato wedges and macaroni and cheese. Everything was freshly/​home made; nothing was pre-​frozen or anything like that. The food tasted a lot better than what I was expecting; I was pretty surprised. The fried chicken was one of the better homemade fried chicken I’ve had. The service was also wonderful. Luckily, this gas station is on the way from my home to the school I go to. I’ve gone back to this place several times just for their food. I would definitely recommend trying their food if you ever happen to stop at this gas station.