Collegiate Times

Gumby's is on Prices Fork

The clock ticks toward 2 a.m. on a Saturday night, and you begin to look at your friends and give the indicative “It’s time to go” nod. As you begin to walk back from the party, everyone in your group suddenly looks at each other and blurts out those two infamous words: Pokey Stix.

They’re a staple of post-party cuisine at Virginia Tech.

When visitors come from out of town, they always request an order of Gumby’s Pokey Stix at some point during their
visit.

The food is completely embedded into this college’s culture.

Eating Pokey Stix is as spirited as wearing maroon and orange, as routine as doing the Hokie Pokey at football games.

You go out for the night, you come back and you order Gumby’s. It’s just what you do. In fact, I’m willing to bet Gumby’s number is programmed into far more phones than Jimmy John’s or DP Dough.

Gumby’s ranking third on the list is simply an injustice.

Sure, it tends to be a bit more expensive than the others, depending on your order, and it also may not be quite as quick as Jimmy John’s “freaky fast” service, but you just cannot deny that cheesy goodness.

Gumby’s also encourages socialization.

As soon as the pizza or Stix arrive, everyone crowds around to dig in. The feeding frenzy resembles a group of animals gathered around the watering hole.

Everyone is enjoying each other’s company as they chomp through the piping-hot dough covered in parmesan and a variety of dipping sauces.

Then there’s the lone gazelle off in the corner munching on Jimmy John’s. Eating a sub just isn’t a group bonding experience. Personally, I don’t like to be anti-social when I’m eating, so I steer clear of single-person foods for late night
snacking.

Also, I’m just not craving a sandwich during the wee morning hours If I am still awake past midnight, I’m more inclined to reach for something greasy or deep fried.

If I really wanted a sandwich, I would go to Subway or just make my own.

I’m consistently disappointed with Jimmy John’s despite its enticing “free smells.”

I always think I’m going to love it, but the odor misleads me and I’m left with an unfulfilled stomach.

Gumby’s consistently delivers a quality product that offers more than just a happy tummy. It facilitates friendships and creates an enjoyable atmosphere for all.

Nothing compares to the wonderful sound of the delivery person knocking on the door.
I know what awaits me on the other side.

When I open that door, I’m looking for an experience that transcends just the exquisite food, and on that front, Gumby’s
“delivers.”

A version of this article appeared in the Oct 19 issue of the Collegiate Times.