SUFFOLK, Va. — I recently visited the Planters Peanut Center to learn more about the store and the history of peanuts in Suffolk from Bobby Beale. I also had the chance to try on the iconic Mr. Peanut suit.
Since the early 1900s, the town of Suffolk has been synonymous with peanuts and for good reason. Beale tells me, "We have the best peanut-type soil in the area. You got to have sandy soil. It can't be dark, rich soil because peanuts just will grow that way."
The Planters Peanut Center has been keeping Suffolk’s peanut history alive for generations. The store looks just like it would in the 1960s. From the iconic yellow, white, and blue paint job to the display cases of Mr. Peanut collectibles. "They'll bring it in and we'll show it, we'll take it, we'll display it. We'll do the best we can with it, preaching the word of peanuts."
The signature piece of history is easy to see and hear. "This is a 1936 roaster that came out of the original Planters nut and chocolate company." The roaster is fired up every morning. The distinct sound, smell, and taste keeps people coming back for a fresh scoop of peanuts and a sample of old-school charm.
"We have several customers that come in every day. And it's a quarter pound or a half pound of peanuts. Or I gotta have a bag of peanuts to go to the ball game tonight."
The Planters Peanut Center is located on Washington Street in Downtown Suffolk. The store is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm.
