Originally a take-out dairy bar, The Custard Stand quickly became known for its Custard Stand Hot Dog Chili, a local favorite that led to the opening of Custard Stand Food Products production facility in 2003.  

Now, The Custard Stand produces over 4,000 pounds of hot dog chili each day that is distributed to grocery stores across 15 states, and is served at local football, basketball and baseball games for both West Virginia and Glenville State Universities. The Custard Stand restaurant has also opened up shop in five other West Virginia locations, including Danville, Elkins, Flatwoods, Mannington and Oak Hill. In 2014, The Custard Stand began further expansion with the renovation of the former Carpenter 5 & 10 store on Main Street in Webster Springs.

Role of NCIF

The Cowgers wanted to ensure that their downtown revitalization project would be an energy efficient one. That’s where NCIF came in. In addition to providing early-stage support for equipment and working capital, we provided technical assistance—arranging an energy audit of the building through the West Virginia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WVMEP), and providing help applying for a U.S.D.A. Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant, which covered 25 percent of their energy-related project costs.

The renovation included improvements to equipment, fixtures, and the building itself. The Custard Stand replaced the roof as well as HVAC, lighting, and windows which were old and inefficient. They also improved the layout, including a new drop ceiling, and added insulation. 

Impact

The Custard Stand now enjoys $8,000 in annual savings at their Webster Springs Main Street location, conserving 67,000 kWh per year as the result of these energy improvements.

To learn more about Custard Stand Food Products, visit their website at www.custardstand.com. Also, be sure to catch Dee and Angie Cowger's appearance on ABC's Shark Tank.