‘Good ol’ boy’ has big plans in Balaton

Tracy McCloud checks out a customer at Balaton One Stop on Nov. 20. McCloud is the new general manager at the store and, along with his staff, aim to please Balaton residents — and passers-by — with the best food and service possible. Photo / Per Peterson

There isn’t much fancy about Tracy McCloud, unless you count his welcoming southern accent. But what does stand out about this hard-working Texan is his drive to make Balaton One Stop the best stop it can be.

McCloud is the new general manager of the gas station/convenience store/restaurant and has a passion to improve on an already-successful business.

While some might see just a gas station as they cruise by on Hwy. 14, a quick walk around the inside of the store tells a different story. Balaton One Stop has long served food, as it has a fully-functioning commercial kitchen, but McCloud wants to take that to the next level.

“I want the quality of food to be consistent,” he said. “I want good customer service, I want a clean store.”

See more in this week’s paper!