Mr. Peanut and the NUTmobile Rolls Into Town

By Steffen Klenk

For the last ten months, the Planter’s NUTmobile has been on a nationwide journey to make people smile. From Maine to Washington state, Grand Teton National Park and the Baseball Hall of Fame, the 26 foot-long peanut-shaped vehicle has been criss-crossing the entire country. Last week, the vehicle made a special visit to the Atlantic City area. Accompanied by Mr. Peanut and their Peanutter ambassadors, the NUTmobile has been at the ShopRite in Somers Point, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey,  the Atlantic City Boardwalk and on Asbury Avenue in Ocean City.

Mr. Peanut is the longtime mascot and icon of the Planters brand. He was created in 1916 by a young schoolboy named Antonio Gentile. His drawing of the peanut was chosen, with artist Andrew W. Wallach adding the top hat and monacle to complete the image. The popular icon has appeared on many TV commercials and cartoons.

For many years, the Planter’s Peanuts store was a staple of the Atlantic City boardwalk. Located across from Steel Pier, the store drew in visitors with the aroma of roasting nuts. The mascot once greeted guests on the Atlantic City boardwalk, advertising the 5-cent bag of roasted peanuts, known as “The Nickel Lunch.” While the store closed in 1978, his presence on the Boardwalk continues to live.

I was given the opportunity to step inside the newest version of the NUTmobile. Unveiled in 2018, the vehicle was recently featured in the last two Super Bowl commercials. It comes equipped with GPS navigation and six custom-embroidered seats showcasing Mr. Peanut. On the ceiling is a timeline of Mr. Peanut, displaying how he has evolved over the last 105 years, a bar where salty snacks are served, and a TV for watching and playing video games. And, of course, you can’t forget the snacks. In the rear is the Cashew Closet, where a recent shipment of over 350 pounds of nuts and cashews are stored and ready for serving.

In total, there are three vehicles that tour the entire country, with stops along the East, Central and West coast. Tyler Towne has been a brand ambassador for Planters for the last year. Also known by his Peanutter name, “Ty the Nut-Drivin’ Guy,” he is a recent graduate of the University of Illinois and has been on tour with the NUTmobile since July of last year. Towne has traveled from Seattle all the way to Portland, ME. “It’s definitely been an eye-opening experience,” Tyler describes.

Every year, Planters recruits new ambassadors, also known as Peanutters, through University programs and applications submitted online. Recent college graduates get the experience to drive across the country, promoting and representing the Planters brand.

During a typical year, the NUTmobile would make scheduled visits at supermarkets and grocery stores throughout the country. This year, their ambassadors have been on the road, stopping at food banks, animal shelters, and various community organizations, according to Towne. “This is the first time we’ve been able to be active in the community and be more hands-on.”

So far this year, the NUTmobile has traveled to 33 different cities and 26 states total. Following their visit here in our region, the NUTmobile continues its nationwide trek, with scheduled stops in Wilmington, DE, Raleigh, NC, Macon, GA and Louisville, KY. You can track Mr. Peanut’s travels on Instagram @plantersnutmobileofficial.

Steffen Klenk is a multimedia journalist. He resides in Ocean City and enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life.

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