Fud’s goes Hollywood as TLC reality show "Kate Plus 8" films locally - airs Tuesday night
By LAUREN DELGADO 315-4406 | @LaurenDnwfdn ldelgado@nwfdailynews.com
Destin, FL
Chester Kroeger’s mission in life is to make people smile. The founder of Fudpucker’s nearly met his match with TLC’s “Kate Plus 8” reality star Kate Gosselin.
The famous mother of eight (a set of twins and sextuplets) was focused on ensuring a smooth filming schedule. Kroeger said her smile was finally captured on film after a few minutes of joking around, likely about Fudpucker’s often mispronounced name.
“I broke the ice,” he said. “We had a blast.”
The episode that features the group’s Fudpucker’s visit – and other activities in Florida – will be aired at 8 p.m. Dec. 15 on TLC.
A representative from the show contacted Fudpucker’s to organize the segment, which was filmed several months ago. Kroeger credited the restaurant’s appearance in an episode of Bravo TV’s “Don’t be Tardy” for the call – as well as the restaurant itself.
“Fudpucker’s is a pretty unique place,” he said. “It starts with the name and then it goes down the line to all the crazy stuff people can do here.”
The Gosselin crew enjoyed all of that “crazy stuff.” They fed alligators, played in the arcade, visited the T-shirt shop, wrote on the walls and, of course, ate dinner.
“They had the full Monty,” Kroeger said.
The crew downed two hot crab dips, two orders of fried pickles, potato teasers, two Gator Tails A La Fud, four Chicken Strippers Salads, a chicken nacho grande, two orders of coconut shrimp, a side order of stone crab, a kid’s pizza, crab balls, a Chicken Pucker and more.
The family was fantastic, Kroeger said, adding that everyone was well-mannered.
“Honest to God,” he said. “They’re no different than what you see on TV.”