By Holly Martin
After seeing the Planters’ Nutmobile all over South Jersey, I can proudly say I’m still nuts for Mr. Peanut! While driving down Washington Avenue in Egg Harbor Township, I saw “Boardwalk Peanut Shoppe” was having a sale. I made the turn and discovered what a treasure their warehouse was!
Pounds and pounds of nuts and candies filled the shelves and cases. Chocolate covered cashews and pretzels filled beautiful gift baskets and wooden gift boats. The owner, Leo Yeager, worked at the Planter’s Peanuts Store on the Famous Boardwalk in Atlantic City. Now, his warehouse is more than just sweets and treats. He has treasures all over like Mr. Peanut Peanutbutter Makers, plastic banks, whistles, plush dolls, pens, pencils, cast iron banks, and so much more. I couldn’t believe my eyes! Not only was it amazing to see Mr. Peanut, but to also remember old Atlantic City.
Yeager showed us some pictures he has printed of the Peanut Store in Atlantic City from the late 50’s. The boardwalk was crowded and so was the store. “I did stock work, and sometimes I was Mr. Peanut!” shares Yeager. “But mainly I was roasting the peanuts. In the early 60’s, that store would sell 10,000 pounds of peanuts a week.” He explains how the store would have multiple roasters, and the peanuts would be bagged and sent down a long chute that would slide down to the sales floor. “Those were the glory days in Atlantic City!”
“We mainly wholesale the casinos,” says Yeager. “Nuts, chocolates, confectionery items, bakery items.” The Boardwalk Peanut Shoppe has been in business for over 50 years. His gift baskets and treats have been featured in all the casinos in Atlantic City. No party is too big. If you need gift baskets they are the experts. Something special I noticed was the wooden and plastic boats that they fill with all their sweets as gifts.
The public is welcome to the warehouse to purchase sweets and antiques Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Yeager is planning to set up displays so the shopping experience will be easier. Who wouldn’t want a 1950’s and 1960’s Mr. Peanut signs, straws, plastic cups, and so much more memorabilia. There are also old fashion candy jars for sale. Tucked away from the road, they are located at 6760 Washington Avenue and look for the “Boardwalk Peanut Shoppe” sign.
For questions about Boardwalk Peanut Shoppe call Leo Yeager at 609-553-4674 or email leopeanuts@msn.com.
Holly Martin has been working in media since 2012. She has worked as a photographer and videographer throughout her high school and college career. Holly is a producer for WOND radio as well as fill in DJ for 103.7 WMGM Rocks. She loves being a concert photographer and working as event staff. She has worked as a reporter for Temple University’s Philadelphia Neighborhoods and submitted Editorials to the Philadelphia Inquirer. She has done multiple multimedia articles for Temple as well as Shore Local Newsmagazine. Her portfolio website is www.hollyamartin.com
