As the president of Old Tyme Grocery, Ross Murphree emphasized that their shrimp po-boys are a significant factor in the business’s success, accounting for 60% of sales. The Lafayette eatery has gained notoriety for its catering services, particularly providing meals for athletic teams at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. During football team’s summer camp, they can prepare up to 1,500 bag lunches each day.
Throughout the week, Old Tyme Grocery’s staff prepares about 700 sandwiches daily from Monday to Thursday and increases to 1,000 on Fridays. During Lent, business doubles with up to 2,000 sandwiches prepared on Fridays, requiring 600 pounds of Gulf white shrimp each time.
Old Tyme Grocery was originally a grocery store with a small delicatessen space before being purchased by Glenn Murphree in 1982. Despite lacking experience in the food industry, Glenn borrowed money to buy the business. Over time, Old Tyme Grocery has received recognition for its food and has been named the No. 1 Budget Dining spot in the nation on Trip Advisor Travelers’ Choice Awards and the No. 2 Best Po’Boys in Louisiana by USA Today.
In addition to Old Tyme Grocery, the Murphree family also owns Sandra’s Café and Health Food Store in Lafayette and BJ’s Sandwich Shop in Broussard.
