Web Extra: Bad Bob's Bend Store

Kathleen Kaska stopped by Bad Bob’s Bend Store on her Upper Colorado River road trip, featured in the October issue.  Editorial intern Caitlin Sullivan spoke with storeowner Bob Fullerton about how he got to be so bad.

How did you end up with a name like “Bad Bob?”

I am a guitar player, and I used to play in a band in Austin that had two
“Bobs.”  The other Bob was much better than me, which led to me being the “Bad Bob.”

The store is more than 75 years old and has had various owners.  What made you want to take your turn with Bad Bob’s Bend Store?

I bought the store because I liked the idea of not having to go anywhere and people bringing me money.  I named the store “Bad Bob’s” because I used to be a DJ in Lampasas, and I used “Bad Bob” as my DJ name.  I thought maybe people would remember me from that.  Also, several of the store’s previous owners had to close up, and I wanted to make sure nobody confused me with anybody who owed money to someone!

So far, what have you enjoyed most about running the store?

Meeting all of the interesting people and giving the locals a place to hang out. I also enjoy when other musicians come and jam with me on the patio.

If Bad Bob’s Bend Store really has “Everything You Need… Almost,” what’s the one item you especially enjoy providing?

My favorite things to sell are sports cards.  People are so surprised that we carry them!

Have there been any memorable moments at the store?

We have had several bike rallies come through, and it’s neat to see all the different bikes.  Also, there was one day when about a hundred goats got loose from someone’s place, and they all decided to shop at Bad Bob’s.

When people come to the Bend store, what do you want them to remember about their visit?

That Bad Bob’s is the place to be for a different shopping experience and for the best burgers in the Hill Country.

See the full article in the October 2008 issue.

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