In downtown Itasca, the Olde Towne Country Store brings old-fashioned charm to life with handcrafted goods, homemade treats, and genuinely warm hospitality. This charming grocery store captures the essence of Amish tradition right here in the heart of Texas, offering everything from made-to-order sandwiches to artisan breads and locally sourced products. Whether you’re a local looking for unique ingredients or a traveler seeking an authentic taste of country living, this hidden gem delivers an experience that feels worlds away from modern supermarkets.
1. Made-to-Order Deli Sandwiches That Put Chain Shops to Shame
Walk to the back of the store and you’ll find a deli counter that’s become legendary among locals and travelers alike. The process is refreshingly simple: grab a sheet, check off your choices, and watch as friendly staff craft your sandwich right before your eyes. Options range from classic ham and cheese to Lebanon bologna, chicken salad, and German bologna, all piled generously onto fresh bread.
What sets these sandwiches apart is the sheer size and quality. A six-inch sub here dwarfs what you’d get at national chains, and it’ll only set you back around five bucks. The twelve-inch option could easily feed two hungry adults.
Customers consistently rave about how the meat is stacked thick, the ingredients taste fresh, and the bread comes from local bakers who know their craft.
You can choose between wraps, regular sandwiches, or subs in two sizes. The meat selection includes options you won’t find at typical delis, giving adventurous eaters something to explore. Pair your creation with a cold drink from the back coolers, where you’ll discover craft sodas and sweet tea alongside standard beverages.
Seating is available at about eight tables near the front, where the dining area buzzes with conversation during lunch hours. Service moves quickly despite the made-to-order approach, so you won’t be waiting long even when the place is packed. Many visitors make the drive from Fort Worth or Dallas specifically for these sandwiches, proving they’re worth the journey down Highway 35.
2. Fried Pies That Disappear Before You Make It Home
Hidden in the back coolers, these handheld treasures represent old-fashioned baking at its finest. Fried pies have been a Southern tradition for generations, and the ones at Olde Towne Country Store honor that heritage with every flaky, golden bite. Flavors rotate, but chocolate remains a customer favorite that’s mentioned repeatedly in glowing reviews.
The texture strikes a perfect balance between crispy exterior and tender filling. Unlike mass-produced versions found in gas stations, these pies taste unmistakably homemade, with fillings that aren’t overly sweet or artificial. They’re substantial enough to satisfy a sweet tooth but not so heavy that you’ll regret indulging.
One enthusiastic customer admitted to buying eight pies in a single visit, and two vanished from the shopping bags before they even left town. That kind of temptation is understandable once you taste the real deal. The pies are kept cold, which helps them travel well if you’re heading back to Fort Worth or beyond.
Pricing remains reasonable, making it easy to grab several flavors without breaking the bank. They also make excellent gifts for friends and family who appreciate authentic country cooking. Just be warned: if you’re sharing a car with someone, you might want to buy extras because nobody can resist sneaking one during the drive home.
These fried pies embody comfort food at its most irresistible, proving that sometimes the simplest pleasures are the most memorable ones worth seeking out.
3. Jalapeño Cheese Bread That Texans Drive Miles to Buy
This isn’t your average grocery store loaf. The jalapeño cheese bread baked here has developed such a devoted following that customers plan road trips around picking up a fresh batch. The bread arrives so aromatic and flavorful that people admit to eating slices straight from the bag without bothering with plates or butter.
What makes it special? The jalapeños are distributed evenly throughout, providing just enough kick without overwhelming the cheese or bread itself. The cheese melts into the crumb, creating pockets of richness that pair beautifully with the slight heat from the peppers.
The crust has the perfect amount of chew, while the interior stays soft and tender.
One regular customer shared that they bought a loaf and immediately made four slices into sandwiches with German bologna, devouring them before the day ended. That kind of enthusiasm speaks volumes about the quality. The bread stays fresh for days when stored properly, though most people finish it long before that becomes a concern.
It’s also incredibly versatile beyond just eating it plain. Toast it for breakfast, use it for grilled cheese, or serve it alongside soup or chili. The flavor profile works with both savory and slightly sweet accompaniments.
You can find it near the front of the store with other fresh-baked goods.
The recipe clearly comes from someone who understands that great bread requires quality ingredients and proper technique. This is the kind of product that turns casual shoppers into loyal customers who won’t settle for substitutes from anywhere else.
4. Handmade Jellies and Jams That Capture Local Flavors
The shelves practically groan under the weight of mason jars filled with jewel-toned preserves. This collection represents one of the most impressive selections you’ll find outside of a dedicated farmer’s market. From classic grape and strawberry to more adventurous flavors like jalapeño or peach, there’s something to please every palate and complement any meal.
These aren’t factory-made products with artificial colors and corn syrup. The jellies and jams here come from small-batch producers who still follow traditional methods. You can actually taste the difference when you spread them on toast or biscuits.
The fruit flavors shine through clearly, and the texture has that perfect spreadable consistency that only comes from careful preparation.
Many customers stock up on multiple jars during each visit, using them for gifts or simply ensuring their pantry never runs empty. The variety means you can try something new every time without exhausting the options. Some flavors work beautifully with cheese boards, while others are perfect for baking or glazing meats.
Pricing reflects the handmade quality without being prohibitively expensive. You’re paying for real ingredients and skilled craftsmanship, not marketing budgets and fancy packaging. The simple labels often include the producer’s name, connecting you directly to the person who made what you’re enjoying.
Local honey also shares shelf space with the preserves, offering another taste of Texas terroir. Together, these products represent the best of regional food traditions, preserved in jars for modern families to enjoy year-round.
5. Amish Roll Butter and Specialty Ingredients You Can’t Find Elsewhere
Serious home cooks and bakers know that ingredient quality directly impacts the final result. That’s why the specialty section at Olde Towne Country Store draws culinary enthusiasts from across North Texas. Here you’ll discover products that simply don’t appear on standard grocery store shelves, including the coveted Amish roll butter that elevates everything from morning toast to holiday baking.
The butter has that rich, creamy texture and flavor that comes from traditional churning methods. It spreads easily even when cold and adds a depth to recipes that margarine or standard butter can’t match. Bakers especially appreciate how it performs in pie crusts and pastries, creating flakier layers and better flavor.
Beyond butter, the shelves hold golden flaxseed, specialty grains, hard-to-find spices, and baking ingredients that recipe enthusiasts actively hunt for. If you’ve ever abandoned a recipe because you couldn’t source a particular ingredient locally, this is where you need to shop. The selection caters to both traditional country cooking and more specialized dietary preferences.
The herb and spice collection deserves special mention. Rather than the dusty bottles that sit on chain store shelves for months, these products move quickly and stay fresh. You can buy exactly what you need without committing to huge containers that lose potency before you use them up.
This section also includes bulk items like pork rinds, nuts, and candies that you can purchase in whatever quantity makes sense for your household. The approach feels more personal and practical than the one-size-fits-all packaging at big box stores.
6. Fresh Pies and Baked Goods Made Daily
The aroma hits you the moment you walk through the door. Fresh-baked pies cool on racks near the front, their crusts golden and flaky, their fillings still warm from the oven. For visitors trying to maintain willpower, these pies represent the ultimate test.
One customer confessed it took all their strength not to buy one, and you’ll understand that struggle immediately.
Full-size pies are available, but the store also offers smaller versions for those who want to indulge without the commitment of an entire dessert. This thoughtful option means you can try multiple flavors or simply enjoy a treat without worrying about waste. The crusts are made from scratch, and you can tell the difference with the first bite.
Beyond pies, the bakery case holds an assortment of other treats. Whole wheat fig bars offer a slightly healthier option for those who still want something sweet. Various cookies, pastries, and seasonal specialties rotate through the selection, giving regular customers new things to try throughout the year.
Everything is baked locally, often by the same hands that have been perfecting these recipes for years. The quality rivals what you’d find at dedicated bakeries in larger cities, but with that small-town charm and personal touch. Staff can often tell you exactly when items came out of the oven.
These baked goods also make wonderful hostess gifts or contributions to potlucks and family gatherings. Showing up with a pie from Olde Towne Country Store immediately elevates your reputation as someone who knows where to find the good stuff.
7. Craft Sodas and Unique Beverages Including Dublin Sodas
Before you leave with your sandwich and snacks, don’t overlook the beverage selection tucked into the back coolers. This isn’t the usual lineup of national brands you’d find anywhere. Instead, you’ll discover craft sodas with unique flavors, including the beloved Dublin sodas that Texas natives remember fondly from before the company’s complicated history with Dr Pepper.
Dublin sodas earned their reputation by using real cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup, creating a cleaner, crisper taste that soda enthusiasts can immediately detect. Finding them now requires knowing where to look, and Olde Towne Country Store has become a reliable source. Flavors include classics like root beer and cream soda alongside more adventurous options.
The craft soda selection extends beyond Dublin products to include regional bottlers and small producers experimenting with everything from wild cherry to peach. These drinks pair perfectly with the deli sandwiches, offering refreshment that actually complements the food rather than overwhelming it with artificial sweetness.
Sweet tea is also available for those who prefer the Southern staple. The cold drink coolers maintain perfect temperature, so everything is refreshingly chilled and ready to enjoy. You can also find standard options for less adventurous drinkers or kids who prefer familiar flavors.
Many customers make a point of trying a different soda with each visit, turning beverage selection into part of the experience. The bottles themselves often feature retro designs and labels that add to the nostalgic atmosphere. It’s these small details that transform a simple shopping trip into something more memorable and special.
8. Friendly Staff Who Make Every Visit Feel Like Coming Home
You could have the best products in the world, but without genuine hospitality, a store remains just a store. What transforms Olde Towne Country Store into a destination is the warmth radiating from every staff member. They greet customers by name when they recognize them, offer recommendations without being pushy, and clearly take pride in what they’re selling.
The efficiency impresses as much as the friendliness. Despite made-to-order sandwiches and often-busy lunch hours, service moves smoothly. Staff members work together seamlessly, and you never feel rushed or ignored.
They’ll answer questions about products, suggest alternatives if something is out of stock, and make sure you leave satisfied.
This level of service comes from proper management and a culture that values customers as neighbors rather than transactions. The owner responses to online reviews reflect this same warmth and gratitude, showing that the attitude comes from the top down. When management cares, employees follow suit, and customers benefit from the positive environment.
First-time visitors often comment on how welcomed they felt, even as strangers. Regulars talk about staff members like old friends. This kind of relationship-building is increasingly rare in retail, making it even more precious when you find it.
You’re not just another face in line; you’re someone they’re genuinely happy to serve.
The combination of quality products and exceptional people creates customer loyalty that transcends convenience or price. People drive from Cleburne, Fort Worth, and Dallas not just for the food but for the entire experience of being treated well and feeling valued. That’s the real secret ingredient that makes this store special.