The story of how Phileas Fogg made Charlie "Cheap":
Charlie Walters (a.k.a. Cheap Charlie) joined the Navy in 1970. He never before left his home town of
Elyria, Ohio, so he was inexperienced with the outside world. His first paycheck, after graduating high school, was only $600.00 from the military. He tucked it away and only allotted himself $10.00 per week to buy snacks in
order to save money. Phileas Fogg was a traveler who enjoyed the idea of picking up and moving every year. Who would ever think that their paths would cross to create such a demanding snack. Well, as time went on, Charlie began to "burn-out" on the
same old daily snacks. He had the perfect budget for a young single
sailor so, spending even a dollar more would make him feel guilty. Charlie really loved his money. So, he came up with an idea for his daily snacks. He decided to season the snacks
in a non-traditional way by mixing different flavors all together. This meant, he mixed different shapes, different flavors; just to break his monotony. Phileas Fogg was an adventurer but at the same time he found himself at the bar by the end of the night. That seemed to be the highlight of his travel. However, he could not find an ice breaker to begin conversations with the local women at the bar. Along came Charlie, who was deployed in
the Asian Pacific for 8 months. While he was deployed, his ship pulled into
Subic Bay, Philippines. When he explored the town, he was amazed at how
inexpensive things were in the Philippines. Since he was sticking with his special made snack, he was able to spend money as he pleased. However, he began to spend his money very carelessly. Charlie soon met the girl of his dreams while in the Philippines.
She was very beautiful and treated him to her country as if he
were an actual native. In return, Charlie felt that
he could give her anything her heart desired. Anytime she asked for anything, he implied that money was not a big issue in their
country. However, after 3 months Charlie had no money and no honey. He spoiled his girlfriend so much
that she found it strange when he had to say no to her daily shopping request
that he initially suggested. They soon broke up because the thrill was gone and Charlie had to return to his country. He
found himself back at square one; eating his self made snacks and saving
money again as before. 2 years later Charlie's ship returned to Subic Bay, PI. Charlie
headed to the nearest bar that night, only to find his ex lover sitting next to Phileas Fogg. Charlie took the only available seat next to Phileas; on the left side, opposite of his ex lover who was on the right side. As the two began to conversate, Charlie offered Phileas his self made snacks. However, Phileas eventually began to talk with Charlie's ex and they began to share the snack; which was the ice breaker for Phileas.
Charlie pretended to be down-and-out to avoid the
pressure of spending excessive money with pretty girls as he did before. While at the bar, now alone conversation wise; the waitress offered him a drink. He only (cheaply) asked for a small single rum & coke and a
small bowl to put his snacks in. The young lady fetched his request and joined him to socialize because he was alone and encountered his ex-girlfriend, now talking with Phileas Fogg. He reached
into his small travel bag and pulled out another bag of his "special snack" and asked her opinion on the taste. She
was amazed at how the taste complimented the drinks. He became drunk and confessed
that it was his own mix and gave her the ingredients. However, when they finished, his tab was only $15. As he opened his wallet, the waitress noticed he had wads
of cash but, he did not bother to leave a tip or buy anything more. The lady asked him
his name before he left and he stated, "Charlie"... and she
replied, "Yes!... Cheap Charlie!" Phileas Fogg over heard their conversation but Charlie was never to be seen again. Phileas Fogg then coined the name "Cheap Charlie" along with the other women in the bar that night. As a result, the snack is now sold for only $5 per bag at any bar. This snack is for customers who seem to be reserved with spending money at the bar. The snack can mean either 2 things..it makes the person feel "guilty" for being cheap or it says "I'm saving money in class". It's also used as a joke as well.
The product will be packaged as a collectors item. It will be served in a can that changes every year. The cans will always include a story of a military person who is abroad and the wold stories they may have overseas.
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