It doesn't look like the drama surrounding The Simpsons' character Apu Nahasapeemapetilon is stopping the show from expanding. Even though Apu has been cited as a racist interpretation of South Asian culture, his storefront has made its way from the cartoon show into the real world. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has gotten the first brick and mortar Kwik-E-Mart, and residents are freaking out.
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Several Simpsons' classic items make an appearance at the shop, including Duff energy drinks, Squishees, Lard Lad Donuts, Flaming Moe's energy drinks, Buzz Cola, Heat-Lamp Dogs, and more. "This is the first, world's first authentic Kwik-E-Mart," stated Mark Cornell, the Senior Vice President of Attractions Development at SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment. He told WMBF News that, "Every inch of this store is themed, including bringing products to life. The products that are on the show, you can actually come and experience in the store first hand. Sort of like getting a taste of the show."
"This store, when you look around, took four years to design and that's a lot of detail," Cornell continued."It's a magnificent sort of East Coast destination. Millions of people vacation here annually and I feel Homer Simpson would vacation here."
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