The Au Coin corner store has been serving residents of Verner for some 35 years. It remains a popular convenience store in the small community east of Sudbury.
But it’s gotten a bit more popular, at least in the summer months, since the Three Spuds chipstand opened on the property last summer.
The chipstand is operated by Amanda Murphy and co-owned with her partner, André Lefebvre, whose family has owned Au Coin for more than 35 years.
Known for their yummy burgers, Three Spuds is also known for that thoughtfulness that extends to the addition of new wheelchair accessible picnic tables, and even a stack of maps highlighting the local farmers at the front window.
Murphy said they are also known for their freshly squeezed lemonade, portion packed poutines and deep-fried butter tarts for dessert.
And because she pays attention to details and loves kids, the kids' meals also come with a handmade toy made by Murphy’s 3D printer.
While many of the customers are locals in Verner during the week, she said on evenings and weekends, customers often come from away.
“Some are from Sudbury, North Bay and even Manitoulin Island. We are off Highway 17 so it is quiet for kids to play and flat for motorcyclists,” Murphy said. “We offer small town charm and a small town vibe that people really like along with great prices.”
In keeping with community and celebrating local farmers, produce is supplied from the local co-op grocery store, while Don Poulin Farms in the Sudbury area is responsible for the potatoes. All batters are made in house for pogos.
The secret to their juicy burgers is sauce from Saucy Pete’s based in Sudbury, Murphy said. And that’s no joke; 350 burgers are sold every weekend.
The name and graphic are sentimental and important to the couple. Three Spuds is an homage to their blended family with two sons and one daughter.
The three kids are between the ages of five and 12.
“They are already helping to stock shelves and build a responsibility,” Murphy said. “We want our kids to know that hard work pays off and one day they might work here in a more permanent fashion.”
What’s more, a good place of work often comes down to how awesome your boss treats you. At Three Spuds, the summer students have scored in that department.
“All tips are for the summer students, even when they aren’t on the job,” said Murphy.
Three Spuds is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. everyday of the week except Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
It will follow the same hours until Thanksgiving weekend.
Anastasia Rioux is a writer in Greater Sudbury. Let’s Eat! is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.