Tickle Turns Restaurant into Secret Moonshine Stash Site Amid Crew Challenges in Franklin County

In Franklin County, Virginia, Stephen “Tickle” Tickle, a beloved figure from the world of outlaw moonshining, is taking his illicit liquor empire to new heights with a bold and risky venture. With his long-time partner Josh sidelined by injury and another crew member, Kenny, hospitalized, Tickle is navigating a tough season with dwindling resources and mounting customer demand. His solution? Transforming his newly opened restaurant, a former truck stop, into a clandestine storage and distribution hub for moonshine. By striking a deal with veteran moonshiner Perry Whitlock to supply liquor and leveraging the restaurant’s layout for secrecy, Tickle is betting big on a legal front to mask his illegal operations, all while dodging increased police presence and surveillance cameras.

A New Chapter for Tickle

Tickle’s latest venture marks a significant shift in his career. Known for his moonshining exploits, the Moonshiners star has poured his earnings from illegal liquor into a legitimate business: a restaurant in Franklin County. “I’ve made real good money with my illegal activities, but it’s time I start thinking about some legal investments,” Tickle explained to his associate Henry. The restaurant, a far cry from the “grilled cheeses out of the backyard” Henry jokingly expected, is a sprawling former truck stop with a large shop area—perfect for Tickle’s dual-purpose plan. While the front of the house serves up corn beef hash, the back is set to become a “drive-thru for bootleg,” as Tickle describes it, where vehicles can load up on moonshine out of sight.

The restaurant’s strategic location and layout make it an ideal stash site. “This shop is big enough to pull any vehicle in,” Tickle said, noting that cars can enter through one door, load up with liquor, and exit through another, minimizing exposure. The building’s secluded back entrance, shielded from the main road, adds an extra layer of secrecy. However, the plan hit an early snag when Henry spotted a surveillance camera in the shop. “Henry does not like surveillance cameras—they’re like the man’s Kryptonite,” Tickle remarked. After disabling the camera, the crew moved forward, confident that their operation could remain under the radar.

A Crew in Crisis

The timing of Tickle’s venture couldn’t be more critical. With Josh recovering from an injury and Kenny facing weeks in the hospital after a sudden health scare, Tickle and Henry are stretched thin. “Kenny couldn’t even hardly walk,” Tickle recounted. “We had to pick him up and take him to the emergency room.” The medical bills and expenses piling up for Kenny add financial pressure, while the absence of two key crew members threatens their ability to meet customer demand. “We’ve been working hard for years to get the customer base we’ve got,” Tickle said. “If we don’t get liquor to them, they’ll buy it from somebody else.”

To keep their operation afloat, Tickle and Henry turned to Perry Whitlock, a veteran moonshiner with deep roots in Franklin County’s moonshine culture. Perry, who also manages a young boxer named Rick Reed, agreed to supply Tickle’s crew with liquor to bridge the gap. “We’ve always had a moonshiners’ code around here,” Tickle explained. “If they need liquor, they can call us up. If we’ve got extra, we’ll give it to them. That way, everybody keeps their customers.” Perry committed to delivering 100 cases a week for several months, starting with an initial load of 20 cases. “That’s what we’re looking for,” Tickle said, relieved to secure a steady supply.

The First Delivery and a Close Call

The deal with Perry proved seamless at first. His truck fit perfectly into the restaurant’s shop, allowing the crew to unload the moonshine discreetly. “Nobody can see what we’re doing,” Tickle noted. “This is going to work out perfect.” But the operation faced a near-miss when an unexpected visitor knocked on the door during the transfer. “Somebody’s out there,” Tickle whispered, quickly deflecting the intruder by claiming the trailer repair business that once occupied the building had closed years ago. The close call underscored the risks of their venture, especially with a new casino in the area increasing police presence. “Laws are going to be everywhere, looking for drunk drivers or speeders,” Henry warned.

The casino’s arrival complicates Tickle’s plans to transport larger loads of moonshine. While Perry’s initial delivery fit under a tarp in his pickup, scaling up will require more creative solutions to avoid suspicion. “We’re taking it all over the damn place,” Tickle admitted, describing the restaurant as a hub for moving liquor across the region. To maintain secrecy, he and Henry are exploring ways to disguise their shipments, aware that large-scale transport could attract unwanted attention from law enforcement.

A Moonshiners’ Code and Community Ties

Tickle’s reliance on Perry reflects the tight-knit community of moonshiners in Franklin County, where mutual support has long been a cornerstone. “We’ve been friends for years,” Tickle said of Perry. The agreement to supply liquor is more than a business deal; it’s a lifeline for Tickle’s operation during a challenging time. With Josh and Kenny sidelined, the steady flow of moonshine from Perry ensures that Tickle can keep his customers satisfied and maintain the reputation he’s built over years of hard work.

The restaurant itself is a testament to Tickle’s ambition to secure a stable future. While moonshining has been lucrative, its illegality carries constant risks. By investing in a legitimate business, Tickle is hedging his bets, using the restaurant as both a front and a potential long-term income source. “I’ve always loved to cook, whether it’s corn mash or corn beef hash,” he said, blending his passion for food with his entrepreneurial spirit. The stash site, cleverly hidden within the restaurant’s shop, allows him to continue his moonshine trade while presenting a respectable face to the community.

Navigating Risks and Rewards

The stakes are high for Tickle and his crew. The increased police presence, driven by the nearby casino, heightens the risk of detection, and the surveillance camera incident serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance. Yet, the potential rewards are significant. The restaurant not only provides a cover for the moonshine operation but also positions Tickle to capitalize on Franklin County’s growing tourism, driven by its moonshine heritage and new attractions like the casino. If successful, the stash site could become a model for other moonshiners looking to blend legal and illegal enterprises.

As Tickle and Henry unload Perry’s first delivery, they’re already planning the next steps. “You keep bringing loads like this, and we’re going to have us a good time together,” Tickle told Perry, optimistic about their partnership. With Kenny’s medical bills looming and Josh’s recovery uncertain, the pressure is on to make the operation work. Tickle’s ingenuity—turning a restaurant into a moonshine hub—reflects the resourcefulness that has made him a standout in the world of outlaw shiners.

A Bold Vision for the Future

Tickle’s restaurant venture is a bold gamble, blending the thrill of moonshining with the stability of a legitimate business. As he navigates the challenges of a depleted crew, a demanding customer base, and heightened law enforcement scrutiny, his ability to adapt will be key. The deal with Perry and the secret stash site are just the beginning, as Tickle looks to secure his place in Franklin County’s moonshine legacy while building a sustainable future. For now, the restaurant stands as a symbol of his ambition—a place where corn beef hash and corn mash coexist, and where Tickle’s outlaw spirit thrives behind closed doors.