Mustang Corral provides outlet for kids

BY DENNIS BARTLOW

VEEDERSBURG, Ind. — Jeff Carver and Brian Krout drove by the former business on the northeast corner on U.S. Routes 41 and 136 east of Veedersburg, Ind., believing it was a viable location.

The two Fountain Central High School graduates and their wives, also Fountain Central grads, took the plunge and bought the business and are making it a successful business, especially for those people coming and going from the nearby school sports events.

“We kept driving past it,” Carver said. “It is a good location.”

Many people may remember the location as the former Fountain Park built about 15 years ago to include a miniature golf course and batting cages. Later it became a gas station and convenience mart.

The business sat idle until the Carvers and Krouts took over early in the summer.

The Carvers’ son, Ryan, came up with the name Mustang Corral, in recognition of the Fountain Central High School Mustangs.

There was talk of Mustang Mart, which would be similar to Trojan Mart and Patriot Mart near rivals Covington and Seeger Memorial.

“There are too many marts,” Ryan told his parents.

And the Mustang theme caught on. The inside of the building is in blue and yellow, in recognition of the blue and gold Mustangs. An M is marked in blue with the windows on the south end of the building.

And the Fountain Central students have shown their loyalty. Several of the football players have made their reservations at spots at tables for after football games.

“All of our kids are in sports,” said Carver’s wife, LaDonna. “We wanted to bring the theme of the school.”

While the gas station and convenience mart are staples, the Pizza King franchise is there with pizzas served Thursday through Mondays.

The oven was already in the business, so adding pizzas again was a natural. They also serve the Pizza King line of sandwiches, which include Texas barbecue, stromboli and ham and cheese. Another special attraction for some is the White Castle hamburger which can be purchased and heated in the microwave. They have been averaging 30-35 pizza orders a night; the high was 49.

There are a limited number of tables inside, but a pavilion outside allows for additional seating.

An 18-hole miniature golf course hadn’t been used in five years. And had grown up in weeds. It is open again at $1 a round.

“We are asked about the batting cages, but they are not in good shape,” Carver said. They are looking at a use for that area. Eventually they would like to build a car wash behind the existing business.

“We got into this at the right time,” Krout said.

“This gives kids somewhere to go that is a safe environment,” said Krout’s wife, Anna. “It is a place to hang out.”

The Krouts’ daughter, Ashley, a student at Danville Area Community College, is managing the business. Eight part-time employees work there.

The business’ supplier of Marathon gasoline has been surprised at the demand for gas. In addition, the owners have found they always are giving directions, especially to nearby Turkey Run State Park.

“The reaction has been so popular,” Carver said. “We are so blessed. We thought it would go, and we have been really lucky.”

FAST FACTS

The Mustang Corral at U.S. Route 41 and U.S. Route 136 east of Veedersburg is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT Sundays through Thursdays and from 6 a.m. to midnight on Saturdays and Sundays.

Pizza is served Thursday through Monday until an hour before closing.

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