This Extremely Popular Midwestern Convenience Store Chain Has A Mascot?

Man, do I love Kwik Trip. The stores are always clean and well-stocked, the employees are fast and friendly and you can even find some great deals on groceries on top of the regular convenience store stuff they keep in stock.

In fact, I probably frequent Kwik Trip more than any other store in the area. So, imagine my surprise when I learned that Kwik Trip has a mascot!

My introduction to 'The URGE' came via Reddit... and I was not prepared to see this thing in action:

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byu/russemeptd from discussion
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According to Kwik Trip's website, on which The URGE has its own section, the mascot is described as 'that insistent hankerin’ inside us all, ready to emerge without warning and is only stopped by just the right, crunchy, munchy, flavorful bite.

Urge! has many moods. Be ready for whatever hankerin’ comes next with delightfully munchable and always satisfying Urge! snacks.'

A quick eBay search reveals an URGE t-shirt ($44.95.. it's vintage), an URGE cherry scented air freshener ($5 and free shipping), and even an URGE ugly Christmas sweater ($40, which is honestly a steal).

So, what is it exactly? Reddit is all over the place with theories from a taste bud to a relative of Slimer from Ghostbusters.

U/Far-Horror-65:

"I was told when I did my corporate tour that 'it's the Urge Monster,' and that was all the explanation I got."

U/LavenderPint:

"The Urge Monster was drawn by the guy who started Kwik Trip, at least that I can recall from my orientation."

U/AlanKazam424:

"I was told by multiple people that it is an animated taste bud."