Right off Interstate 10, which leads to Los Angeles from Arizona, a market and roadside attraction is tucked into a pasture. Inside the warehouse-sized business, rows of spicy jam and hot sauce line the shelves, each container adorned with cartoon donkeys.
On a recent weekday morning, this store — called Ass Kickin’ Gift Shop — was quiet. Across the street, signs of another market were beginning to emerge – one with a familiar smiling beaver.
Ass Kickin’ Products was founded in downtown Glendale in 1986 by the owner, Jeff Jacobs, who manufactured a few barbecue and hot sauces. He met his wife, Linda, who took on the business with him…