Anna Judy was working at Groucho’s two years ago when Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly dropped in to the deli — famous for its Formula 45 sauce — in downtown Spartanburg.
Kuechly brought customers donuts from the nearby Krispy Kreme, took pictures, signed autographs and grabbed a to-go sandwich, Judy recalled.
The appearance was part of a takeover of Spartanburg businesses by several Panthers players — a move aimed at exciting the locals about the team’s annual arrival for training camp.
Judy didn’t need any marketing gimmicks to be reminded of the Panthers’ impact on Spartanburg businesses.