LAKEPORT— Last month a new snack shop on the block “Exotics by the Guy” opened its doors at 149 North Main Street in downtown Lakeport bringing exotic imported snacks like Melon Kit Kats and Flaming Hot Cheeto Mountain Dew to this small city. Owner and operator Steven Ianczok could be considered a connoisseur of rare and delicate flavors, and immediately saw the need to share his passion with the community in opening his imported, exotic snack shop and filling the shelves with hard to find items from all over the world.
Growing up in San Jose, Ianczok first learned of his love for exotic snacks at a convenience store after purchasing a box of cereal he had never seen before. Having liked the different flavors, Ianczok did some research and found that same cereal selling for over $20 dollars a box. He promptly went back and bought the remaining inventory and started selling them out of his car, beginning his career in reselling exotic imports.
Now Ianczok holds one of five permits in the entire country in his field speaking to the rarity of the profession. Inside the store located next door to the Record Bee’s office are numerous potato chips, candy, drinks and the hottest beef jerky on the market all imported from various countries including Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Korea, and Canada.
There are popular brands like Kit Kat, Lays, Minute Maid and Mountain Dew but in flavors never before imagined and in languages not everyone can understand, which is where Ianczok’s expertise and slogan come in – “Trust me, I’m the Guy.” He goes into detail to fully explain products to customers so that they are not walking away with Fried Squid chips unless of course they like Fried Squid. He also can sometimes provide samples, hoping to get people trying flavors they normally would shy away from and is constantly bringing in new items as others sell out quickly, some spending less than 24 hours on the shelves. He was extremely grateful for such amazing local response thanking both the community and the Lakeport Chamber of Commerce as both have helped him immensely stating “Without the community this wouldn’t be possible.”
With plenty of upcoming events to choose from “Exotics by the Guy” will be participating in as many as possible with several already planned including the Clearlake Car Show and Lower Lake Parade. Recently “Exotics by the Guy” could be found at the Kelseyville School Swap meet as well as the Lakeport “Inside Out” event which Ianczok enjoyed sharing “It’s all about the kids, and we always got something for the kids.”
“Exotics by the Guy” is open Tuesday through Saturday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and does provide curbside pickup with online ordering ability on their website www.exoticsbytheguy.com. Delivery will also be available soon via Door Dash and more information can be found on their website and social media @exoticsbytheguy_.
