Glenn Lindgren: Here's a question we get from tourists a lot.
Jorge Castillo: What in the heck are those COW STORES?
Glenn Lindgren: The Farm Stores Express are great places for picking up milk, soda, beer or snacks. The Miami stores carry a complete selection of Cuban snacks: Chifles, meringues, Maria cookies, Cuban crackers, Jupiña - even a decent loaf of Cuban bread.
Jorge Castillo: And the best thing is, you never have to leave your car! Just drive up, roll down the window, and tell them what you want.
Raúl Musibay: Cubans call them "La Vaquita" (the little cow). You'll find them all over Miami. Many are open 24 hours a day. As far as we know, these stores are only located in Florida.
Glenn Lindgren: They have a bread warmer that keeps the loaves hot and fresh – they almost taste like they just came out of the oven.
Jorge Castillo: The stores began way back in 1957, when there just weren't that many Cubans in Miami. The company's patented double drive-thru, full-service markets now include more than 100 stores.
Glenn Lindgren: The concept would never work in Minnesota. Maybe in the summer, but not in the winter at 20 degrees below zero!
Jorge Castillo: That would give an entirely new meaning to the term FROZEN foods!
Raúl Musibay: There are about 50 stores in the Miami area.
The Best Place for "Drive-By" Shopping: Miami's Farm Stores Express
Glenn Lindgren: They're all over the place. Just look for the giant cow sign.
Jorge Castillo: Here's a little tip: If you are traveling with kids, and they have never been to the "little cow" pull through and buy something just for the heck of it.
Glenn Lindgren: Some stores sell soft serve ice cream, so get the kids a cone or another little treat.
Raúl Musibay: Kids always get a big kick out of the Cow Stores.
Many locations are open 24 hours per day.
Glenn Lindgren: Loyal customers can take advantage of a prepaid card for gallons of milk that offers significant savings and is pretty convenient.
Jorge Castillo: You can purchase a 10 or 25-gallon card.
Glenn Lindgren: They really pack a lot of different items into a small space, so you might be surprised at some of the thinks they sell.
Raúl Musibay: Kids always get a big kick out of the Cow Stores.
