Business Profile: Pay-N-Save Brings Forth "Rattlesnake" and "Hillbilly" Flavors for the Taste Buds!

It's a rare moment that one can catch up with Robert Plouffe at his place of business, the Saco Pay-n-Save, however, it's an opportunity to savor the aroma of fresh fruits and meats while he scurries and bustles between customers. He appears to have more energy than the Energizer Bunny, or comparable stamina. His love for his work shows on his face through his friendly smile.

Don't kid yourself or be misled, Robert is a dedicated man...dedicated to his family, his work...and his community. He is a strong supporter of the activities and on-goings that keep the little town that lays claim to being the Mosquito Capitol of our state.

In a recent visit with Robert, he was able to share the recent awards that he captured at the State Meat Convention in Billings recently. Winning the award is one thing, this humble man equally enjoys the two to three-day get-away that gets him out of the shop.

Robert and his bride (Betty) have been in the business since 1982 and started competing in 1992 or so. This year he received awards for his smoked turkey, boneless ham, bacon, and on BBQ jerky. He won plaques for first, second, third, and fourth place.

"The main reason I go to these conventions besides the comradery, to meet up with old friends, is to try and improve your product and try new things...things change all the time, I try to keep up."

The little well-known store employs five in the meat and processing section of the store and five other employees, and stated he could always use more.

"We picked two new ideas for bacon this year...there's rattlesnake bacon and hillbilly bacon."

He said, "I get a lot of crazy ideas," and when I inquired if he had gopher bacon or prairie dog, he chuckled, shook his head and stated he doesn't as of yet. We mutually agreed that with the success rate of the Loring Gopher Hunt on April 29th there were plenty of opportunities just waiting for someone to jump on the idea.

"We picked up a couple of ideas lately, we have a lot of new flavors, I'm always looking..." and it might be part of the drive that keeps him attempting to keep up with the demand for his jerky products.

With the latest flavors added to his list of palette-pleasers, he now produces between 30-40 flavors. Where else can you find apple cinnamon, onion, peach, spicy southwest chili, and lime chipotle-flavored bacon? Add some dark chocolate, bloody mary, coffee, garlic, or dill pickle-flavored bacon to your grocery list for your next shopping day.

The walls display his plaques from over the years, around 80 of them. This is a true testimonial of both quality and excellence.

This is why people across the state come or stop when passing through Saco. Not only is it the best flavored secret on the hi-line, it's a secret that's making its' way from border to border. It's a "Made in Montana" product, guided from "well-kept and preserved" recipes.

Congratulations, Robert and Betty, on a fine product and your awards.