by Gordon Dickson
SOUTHLAKE - Bryan McLarty let out a bellowing “Hoo-rah!” as he made his way to the checkout counter about 5:30 a.m. Monday at a Kroger supermarket in Southlake.
He was the first customer to buy Blue Bell ice cream at the store, since the Brenham-based company was forced to shut down production because of a food-borne illness scandal. But like many loyal fans of the frozen treat, McLarty had put the controversy behind him and was ready to celebrate with four half-gallons.
“I’ve been waiting six or seven months for this,” proclaimed McLarty, 51, who owns Big Fish BBQ and Catering Co. Then he...