Grill masters everywhere are getting all fired up
By Patricia Nugent
For centuries, the number seven has been celebrated across cultures as lucky. There are seven days of the week and seven continents. You can even try a slot machine in Las Vegas named “Lucky 7s” and throw the dice to get a seven, since it’s the most probable number when rolling two standard dice.
This month the number is doubly lucky, as the family and staff at Stewart’s TV and Appliance celebrate their 77th anniversary with customer appreciation parties and sales.
Founded in 1946, the family-operated mega-appliance store has earned a reputation for its two-story showroom, with galleries of appliances such as washers and dryers, refrigerators, ovens, stoves, hoods and more.
“At one point or another in time, each member of our family has worked at the store,” says current president Ed Stewart, son of founder Dick Stewart and brother to Pam and Nancy, who manage service and marketing. “We are thrilled to still be flourishing and evolving 77 years later and look forward to the next generation to help us move into the future.”
Ed’s son Kevin has worked here for years, and so does his cousin Brodie Stewart and long-time employee Erich Behler, who will all one day run the store.
Deals on Grills, Smokers, Griddles
According to USA Today, 57 percent of Americans plan to fire up their grills over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
The Stewarts have you covered. If you’re new to grilling, or space-compromised, you can start with a tabletop version. Tailgaters can opt for a nice-sized portable grill on wheels with one-handed setup. The selection goes all the way to larger, built-in grills.
“We carry the top-quality lines that we have been familiar with for years, from Broil King and Weber to Coyote, Wolf and DCS Grills,” says Ed. “This year already has been our biggest year ever for grills and smokers.”
One of the hottest trends in grilling this summer is the Weber Grill Griddle.
“We offer the grill and can sell just the griddle top, too, that goes over our Spirit and Genesis models,” says Ed. “These are perfect for people who like to stir fry or make meals for a crowd since it has such a large and smooth cooking surface.”
One of the most popular models of gas grills is the Weber Genesis, which sports the line’s largest and hottest “sear zone” (cook multiple steaks at once), with an expandable top cooking grate so the main course and sides can be grilled and served at the same time. And the side tables are roomy enough to accommodate serving trays and cutting boards.
Pizza ovens are also being requested in many outdoor kitchen renovations. And the team reports people are adding icemakers, refrigerators and kegerators to keep things chill.
Stewart’s offers an accessories department of grilling must-haves. For instance, Pam and Nancy report that every true grill master’s secret ingredient is the Weber iGrill. This Bluetooth-connected smart thermometer lets you set it into the food, then receive updates on your phone about temperature and food readiness. It’s a steal at $49 (especially when you think of all the meat you’ll be saving from burning).
However your family celebrates the holiday, the Stewarts wish you the very best.
Stewart Family Cookout Recipes
Beer Can Chicken
Double-Duty Pro Tip: The Stewarts always grill two chickens at the same time, so they have plenty of leftovers to keep in the fridge for another meal.
Ingredients:
1 4-6-pound chicken
1 12-ounce can of beer
Lawry’s seasoning salt
Butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Pat the chicken dry with paper towel, then rub the exterior with butter. Sprinkle with Lawry’s, salt and pepper. Pour out one-quarter of the can of beer and sit the chicken upright on top of the can. Place in the center of a hot grill and cook for about an hour, or until an instant-read thermometer registers 165 degrees. Once cooked, cover loosely with foil and let rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Milky Milkshakes
Festive Party Tip: Line the rim of your glasses in red, white and blue cake decorating sprinkles for extra pizzazz.
Ingredients:
1 C almond milk
½ C chocolate or vanilla ice cream
Mix ingredients in a blender and enjoy.
Stewart’s TV & Appliance is located at 468 Cleveland Street in Elyria, just a half-mile west of Abbe Road. There are zero-percent financing programs available. Delivery of appliances is free, and their service technicians will haul away your previous freestanding appliances, too. Stewart’s is currently hiring for all positions. Enjoy good pay and opportunity for advancement. Call 440-365-7321 or visit StewartAppliance.com for more information.