Opening Volley

from Stock & Barrel | Summer 2023

When Snacks Attack! 2

From The Editor

Just here for the snacks...

Whenever you walk down the aisle at the grocery store, or allow yourself a quick glance at the vibrantly-wrapped gas station candy display, those snacks are looking right back at you.

Well, no. Not literally.

Whether it’s from the electric-green text bubble on a soda can or the impossibly shiny red pouch that holds those fruit-flavored candies, snacks, more than anything, feel like they’re designed to not just get your attention, but to grab it. There’s an agency there, a presence, a forcefulness even.

But here’s the thing: I’ve come to love it.

Yes, I’ve read White Noise, and yes, deceptive marketing practices do exist in the world, but we’re talking about snacks here. And like the title says: I’m just here for the snacks.

In a small way, walking into a supermarket or the fluorescent-lit hallways of a pharmacy chain, I know an entire world of flavor possibilities, of fun, awaits me.

Call me a capitalist, or just call me hungry (although I don’t think I’m either), but there’s a small yet very real surge of joy I get when stepping into the chip aisle to find a seemingly-endless array of wild new flavors (ketchup tortilla chips, I’m looking at you) that WIlly Wonka himself would be impressed by.

I’m choosing to lean into this, to throw any political or philosophical notions out the window for the time being, because, first and foremost: snacks are fun. Yes, they should be enjoyed in moderation, just like anything, but there’s a time and place for them, and when it’s that time, we should all be able to let ourselves dive in.

I know more than anyone that quiet guilt that comes when I’m eating too much of something that’s not really healthy, and I’ve been working to be able to let that go. Because in the summer sun, surrounded by friends, a cool pool, and a bowl full of whatever you love, who has time for the doubt?

I doubt that anyone does. So let’s enjoy the summer and get into some serious snacking. Welcome to Stellar Snacks.

Calendar

Summer is here, Columbus! Check out ways to celebrate below, and keep an eye on 614now.com and our social media for more.

Ohio State Fair

July 26-Aug. 6

Location: 717 E. 17th Ave. (Ohio Expo Center & State Fair)

Columbus Beerfest

Aug. 12

Location: 405 Neil Ave. (KEMBA Live!)

Columbus Food Truck Festival

Aug. 19-20

Location: 4951 Northwest Pkwy. (Franklin County Fairgrounds)

Columbus Fiery Food Festival

Aug. 26-27

Location: 303 W. Broad St. (Genoa Park)

Staff Picks

By Stock & Barrel staff

What bear has no teeth? A gummy bear.

Whether you’re on team salty or team sweet, summer is a season for snacks. What goes better at a barbeque than a trusted bag of kettle chips? Need to make the drive-in theater experience just a bit better? Grab popcorn or something chocolate to dig into. This summer, we asked our staff about their favorite Columbus-based snacks, and here’s what they said.

Crazy cucumber pickles 100% (Extra Hot Garlic flavor is my fav).

-Tori Smith, Creative Designer

I would eat my bodyweight in Al’s Delicious Popcorn every day if I had an endless supply.

-Jack McLaughlin, Editor-In-Chief

Global Gallery’s Oat Milk Iced Matcha OR Graeter’s Banana Spilt OR Cottage Inn Garlic Cheese Bread with ranch.

-Lizzy Saunders, Brand Manager, (614) Beer

Admittedly, it’s not exactly a snack, but my go-to evening treat is a glass of High Bank Whiskey War.

-Paul VanHorn, Account Executive

Brownie Delight or Warrior Blitzer from The Dairy Hut in Pataskala! Soooooo good.

Justynne Pride, Marketing Director

It’s more of a dessert but Whit’s Frozen Custard!

-Bryce Patterson, Creative Designer

Products We're Loving

Hellfire Club Pub Grub, Bite This by Annie

Take your snack mix game to the next level with this local blend from Budd Dairy Food Hall vendor Bite this by Annie. Offering a satisfying crunch and a level of spice that’s definitely, but definitely not overbearing, Hellfire Club Pub Grub takes the dub.

Worth It Chews

Created by local social media star turned entrepreneur Kelly Yager and her husband Chris Vogel, this fruit-flavored candies come in three different sizes and five different flavors. You can buy them at the brand’s website. And it’s Worth It.

Cold-Blooded IPA Columbus Brewing Co.

Warm weather doesn’t just mean cold beer, it means cold IPA. A recent trend in the world of craft beer, this CBC offering their first cold IPA, which is fermented at lower temperatures, resulting in a ultracrisp and incredibly drinkable ale that will be around for the next few weeks.

Ohio State Classic Thins, Ballerich Snack Food Company

It’s never too early to start cheering for the Buckeyes, and since football season will be here before we know it, Ballerich’s is one step ahead of the game. The Tiffin, Ohio-based snack company has rolled out OSU brand potato chips as both Classic Thins and Cheddar Slider Chips.

Press Play: 614 Video

Did you know that (614) has a YouTube channel with some very shareable video content, including delicious food stories from Stock & Barrel? It’s true. We've expanded our ever-growing content to include video across our web and magazine stories. Keep an eye out for more on our (614) Columbus account and on social media. In the meantime, check out the newest videos on our channel:

Cotton Sugar Co: The Highlight of Your Next Party

After years in the corporate world, learn how Stephanie Dougherty left it all behind to chase this deliciously sweet dream.

Tasting Columbus: 3 Bites Bakery

Pulling together a fusion of globally inspired bakes treats, 3 Bites Bakery is creating some delectable treats.

How Argentina is Spicing Up the Columbus Food Scene

Bringing flavors and unique cooking styles of his home of Argentina, Sebastian LaRocca serves as the head chef of one of Columbus's staple gathering places.

Tasting Columbus: CJ's Soulfood

Serving soulful meals that hit the spot and live music to match any appetite.

#Eat614

It’s difficult for us here at Stock & Barrel to catch it all. That’s where you come in: while you’re out there capturing the city, you might as well slide some of your best shots our way. Use the hashtag #Eat614 on twitter or instagram to put your photos on our radar.