Nom Nom Nom’s Rob Stang on Gnomes, New York-Style Deli Life, and Building Community in Wilmington On the Whiskey and Wisdom podcast, Chris Kellum and Tyler Yaw welcome guest Rob Stang of Nom Nom Nom, tasting Penelope Havana whiskey and discussing drink preferences. Rob shares his background from upstate New York, years in retail management, and his shift to entrepreneurship with his wife, leading to three gnome-inspired Wilmington businesses: Nom Nom Nom deli in the Cotton Exchange, Gnome Garden ILM (gnomes, mushrooms, houseplants), and Cape Fear Gnomies Dispensary focused on education and quality. He explains the origin of the gnome/“nom nom” concept, the deli’s New York-style emphasis on fresh-sliced ingredients, Apple Annie’s bread, Jess Bagels from the Bronx, breakfast all day, and empanadas tied to his Puerto Rican heritage. They cover community support, seasonal traffic, new desserts, social handles, and Rob’s views on success and advice to his younger self.

00:00 Welcome And Guest Intro

00:44 Penelope Havana Tasting

02:40 Mixers And Whiskey Habits

03:25 Rob Origin Story Retail To Owner

04:38 Gnome Obsession Explained

08:48 Nom Nom Nom Brand Origin

10:01 Three Gnome Businesses Tour

11:21 Dispensary Education And Market

13:47 What Makes A Real Deli

18:32 Cotton Exchange Community Buzz

20:21 Growth Plans Empanadas Hours

21:55 All Day Breakfast NY Bagels

23:50 Bagels Bread Debates

24:24 Travel Food Mixups

25:19 Too Tired To Cook

25:56 Chicken Coop Chronicles

28:15 Egg Brand And Side Hustle

29:00 Finding Nom Nom Nom

29:50 Empanada Flavor Lab

30:34 Hotdog Cart Upgrade

32:38 Store Collabs And Merch

34:40 Dessert Drops And Specials

37:08 Schmear Vs Cream Cheese

39:12 Defining Success And Advice

42:16 Wrap Up And Where To Go