Hooper Oil Company, a petroleum product distributor for Exxon Oil and Kwik Stop convenience stores, recently set record sales for Long John Silver’s in a non-traditional facility. Hooper’s new location is located in Brownsville, Tennessee, between Memphis and Jackson.

The Hooper Oil unit’s first week sales exceeded the previous record for a non-traditional or convenience store location of a Long John Silver’s by 26 percent. The previous record was set earlier this year in Hardinsburg, Kentucky. Company officials did not release the exact sales figure.

According to David Hooper, Jr., the response to the new Long John Silver’s restaurant was overwhelming in Heywood County, Tennessee, an area of 10,000 residents.

“We’ve yet to hold a Grand Opening, because from the beginning the response was tremendous,” Hooper said. “We had to organize our parking lot better to handle the rush, but all of our customers tell us they appreciate the good service.”

Hooper replaced the Brownsville Exxon’s non-branded delicatessen food operation with the Long John Silver’s menu featuring battered-dipped fish, chicken and shrimp served in plated meals or sandwiches with coleslaw and hush puppies.

“Because our operation is located off a major Interstate Highway (I-40), we attract many visitors and tourists,” Hooper said. “They are looking for a brand name food product. Everyone knows or has heard about Long John Silver’s.”

The 3,000 square feet Brownsville Exxon Petroleum/Kwik Mart features the Long John Silver’s as a “bump-out” restaurant, which has a drive-thru window and seating for 20 people.

Hooper said his next Exxon operation, planned for Oakland, Tennessee, will involve a Long John Silver’s and Baskin Robbins. Construction on the new facility begins this month and is scheduled for completion by late March 2001.