Smokehaus on Wheels
Beginning May 5, Northern Waters Smokehaus sandwiches will be available by bike. We began developing this fantasy years ago, spurred by intense store congestion and the problematic nature of (car) delivery from dead center in Canal Park, where not much speed is possible during the summer months because of the bridge and the gawkers.
Reactions to this plan have ranged from a scale of “awesome” to “that’s hilarious.” While most people seem to really dig the green aspects of ped-powered delivery, many feel that biking in Duluth (in general) is risky. Sometimes it seems that, perhaps due to the lack of bike lanes/awareness, the mere sight of a biker in the traffic lane pisses drivers off. Our bikers are very experienced and bike in Duluth nearly year-round. They know the rules, the dangers, and the potential for road-rage. But this kind of delivery is still an experiment here. As is our policy at the Smokehaus, we hope we mostly delight the public.
What do you think, PDDers? Is rapid-fire bike delivery a viable venture in our frosty little luge track? And speaking of frosty, how insane would it be to offer it year-round?
Can I get a delivery to the beach on Park Point if I give GPS coordinates and specify the color of my towel?
Absolutely not. We are an avenue-specific beach delivery op. Our bikers get distracted, and they hate sand in their tires. We did briefly discuss kayak delivery … next year?
We need more bike delivery in town, to be sure. If they can do it in NYC, we can do it here in regards to the safety aspect.
Considering the fact that much of your sandwiches are cold, and that even the warm ones are really good when they are cold (such as the SoL), I think you NWS is the perfect candidate for this type of experiment.
I just hope the range extends to 10th Avenue East.
Sounds like a great idea! What areas will you deliver to?
They’ll deliver as far east as Fourth Street & 14th Avenue East, so we plan on ordering, then jumping on our bikes and meeting them for the hand-off since it’s about six long blocks from our house.
If only you could utilize these bike lanes in Superior!
Good idea! I would love to do this … as long as I wouldn’t have to go up the hill above Second Street! Downtown and Canal Park and anywhere along the lake would be really simple.
Please and thank you. Downtown order coming your way soon!
Thanks, everybody. Love the enthusiasm! Today was our first day, and everything went smooth, smooth, smooth. No injuries or hungry people (the unofficial Smokehaus motto?).
Hah, I posted earlier when work was blocking the image that showed the delivery.
That is some sweetness right there.
No workplace defamation necessary. The image wasn’t there initially; it was added to the post today.