The Local Tourist
Mary Beard Grodsky
My mother was known for her homemade baked goods. Neighborhood kids always came straight from the bus to our house to see what the latest batch consisted of. Could be pies or cakes or various pastries, but her most popular creation was her chocolate chip cookes. People still ask me to this day for the recipe. Spoiler alert: they came from the side of a Crisco Shortening can. And while delicious, I rarely make them. We don’t have a bunch of kids running around in our neighborhood in Collierville, so I find myself eating too many of them rather than giving them away.
And while no one can replace my mom’s bakery, Brook’s Grocery comes super close. That “Made Right Here” sticker is synonymous with amazing. For a mere $4, you can get a batch of cookies and make someone’s day. Whenever I am making a trip from Memphis, my administrative assistant will ask “are you heading to the lake or Iuka?” The answer is “yes” to both since Iuka is on the lake, but what she’s really asking is if I’m going into town to stop at Brooks Grocery. She knows if there’s a visit in town, cookies will be delivered upon my return.
For Thanksgiving each year, I allow my real estate clients to select a pie from Brooks Grocery and you should see the excitement it generates. Favorite selections include the Butterfinger pie, Oreo pie, and any of the Turtle, Blueberry, or Strawberry cheesecakes. Surprisingly, hardly anybody picks the pecan pie because its such a common choice to make yourself during Thanksgiving (but, yes, their pecan pies are better than one you’d make at home). Since the pies are actually made by someone else, I at least give them a handwritten note on each one saying why I’m thankful for them, so my mother won’t be entirely embarrassed of me not making each one.
My husband graciously picked up all of these pies this year on my behalf. The store employee opened a separate lane for him to get through with the pies so they could be loaded properly and not hold up other shoppers in the store. My husband commented on how all the employees are always trained to give the highest level of service to the customer, a rarity these days. Even more surprising, these employees are youngsters. That’s right, I’m officially at an age where these employees seem incredibly young while likely being high school and college age. But as parents trying to raise young boys to be respectful of others, I know whoever is training these employees is doing an exceptional job.
A friendly shopping experience, homemade goods, exceptional customer service, and discount days for Veterans and the elderly are just a few of the reasons to shop at Brooks Grocery. Want to make someone feel extra special during the holiday season? Bring them a pie or some cookies for no good reason and spread some additional cheer. You never know what kind of day someone is having and it’s guaranteed to make them smile.
Click here to learn more about me and how I can help you with your real estate needs. Whether Memphis or Pickwick, primary home or investment, I’m happy to offer my services. Contact me at 901-468-7030 or Marygrodskyrealtor@gmail.com
Mary Grodsky, Crye-Leike Realtors
E: Marygrodskyrealtor@gmail.com
C: 901-468-7030
O: 901-756-8900
