Martha Rossini Olson, Owner, Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar
What made you choose to be a State Fair vendor? How did the idea come about?
We had gone to the State Fair all the time so we thought it would be a good idea to apply with our yogurt. At the time, we owned a frozen yogurt shop, and we were putting crushed chocolate chip cookies on top of our yogurt.
What was the application process like?
You fill out an application and pray. We were rejected the first year because there were other yogurt vendors there already. The next year we applied with yogurt and cookies. Three weeks before the State Fair, they called us and said someone cancelled and asked if we could take the spot. But they just wanted our cookies! We started in a little 9-by-11 stand on the boulevard. We moved locations almost every year along the way and picked up a second stand. Last year was the first year with our third stand.
How many years have you been at the State Fair?
Since 1979 – I was two years old when I started! Haha!
How long does it take to prepare every year? How early do you get started?
We start in February with our schedule and hiring. Throughout the summer we do a couple other events at the State Fair that are warm ups for us. After the 12 days of the Fair, we have crews cleaning and then there’s payroll.
How many people work in your booth?
That first year we started with a baker, a server and someone pouring milk. Now we’re up to 615 employees with three stands!
How did you choose Canadian Linen?
We’ve been with you since day one. The minute we came to the State Fair, I had heard from other vendors that your company was on the grounds and I said, “Sign me up!”
How does Canadian Linen help you survive the State Fair?
Your team picks up and delivers every day. What more could I ask for? With the volume of linens we go through, your service is so key. We’ve always enjoyed your services, and you guys make us look so clean, especially in the mornings when we put on those sparkling clean aprons. You just don’t know how much we appreciate your service.
Besides your booth (of course) what is your must-have food at the State Fair?
I always have to get a Pronto Pup. And I love Dino’s gyros. Anothe favorite is right across the street from us, Mancini’s.
Stephanie Shimp, Owner, The Blue Barn
What made you choose to be a State Fair vendor? How did the idea come about?
We consider it a badge of honor to be a vendor at the State Fair. It’s something we’ve always wanted to do. And since the State Fair is like its own mini neighborhood for 12 days of the year, it was a great fit for Blue Plate. We bring the Blue Plate food, philosophy and hospitality to the State Fair neighborhood.
What was the application process like?
Long! It took nine years on the waiting list (and some real patience) to get into the State Fair. 2017 will be our fourth year.
How long does it take to prepare every year? How early do you get started?
Almost immediately after the State Fair ends! We do a post-Fair meeting to highlight what went well and what we can do better the next year. Then around February, we start preparing our menu for August. We have monthly meetings until July and then commence weekly planning meetings with our operations, culinary, finance and marketing teams.
How many people work in your booth?
We employ about 140 people at The Blue Barn. At any given time we can have between 15-40 people working.
How did you choose Canadian Linen?
We use your service in our restaurants, and we know you’re reliable and dependable, so it was natural for us to partner with you at the State Fair.
How does Canadian Linen help you survive the State Fair?
Canadian Linen is a solid business partner. You understand what it takes to be at the State Fair and that every second counts. We know we can depend on your team.
Besides your booth (of course) what is your must-have food at the State Fair?
We love the Produce Exchange – their booth is right across from The Blue Barn in the West End Market. They have awesome peaches, and their watermelon slices with kombucha is one of our favorite snacks. We also love the State Fair staples – cheese curds, cookies and French fries!
Tina Jordan, Big Fat Bacon
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How did you get started in your business?
Our family has been at the State Fair since 1977. My uncle, Larry Abdo, started the Big Fat Bacon booth 10 years ago. His daughter, Mandy, and I now operate the business with Larry.
How many people work in your booth?
This year we are fortunate enough to be expanding our business. In the past, our total staff was about 25 people. This year we are doubling that number.
How does Canadian Linen help you survive the State Fair?
You have been a reliable vendor for other restaurants and came highly recommended to us. As you can imagine, maple glazed bacon is very messy, greasy and sticky! We go through lots of aprons and towels each day. Our representative delivers daily and makes frequent check-ins with us to make sure we have an ample supply of what we need.
Besides your booth (of course) what is your must-have food at the State Fair?
Pickles with the cream cheese in the middle from The Perfect Pickle, French fries and an Original Beergarita from Tejas Express.
Do you have any fond memories of the State Fair as a child?
When I lost my first tooth, I got 50 cents to spend at the State Fair from the Tooth Fairy. I waited all day but finally decided to spend it on the Giant Slide. It was an awesome ride. I still ride it every year!
Mark C. Andrew, Owner, World’s Greatest French Fries and Real S’mores
How did you get started in your business?
I borrowed $200 from my father to pay for materials to build the first Real S’mores stand. During my first year at the State Fair, one s’more was 25 cents, and I gave away free spring water to bring customers to the stand. That stand put me through college.
How many years have you been at the State Fair?
I’ve been at the Fair for 47 years with Real S’mores and 43 years with the World’s Greatest French Fries.
How many people work in your booth?
We have between 35 and 40 employees each year.
How did you choose Canadian Linen?
I can’t remember when we weren’t with your company. I just email our sales representative each year with my order, and the linens miraculously appear daily.
How does Canadian Linen help you survive the State Fair?
Our representative checks in with my manager to make sure her linen needs are met daily. You take the worry out of her job. It has been a great collaboration being able to trust that your team will take care of our linen needs each year. We love you!
Besides your booth (of course) what is your must-have food at the State Fair?
I have to get corn-on-the-cob with lots of butter!
Do you have any fond memories of the State Fair as a child?
I remember all the rides at the Midway and sneaking into the Fair when we were short on cash as teenagers!