Local pawn shop to have own TV show

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - A Lafayette business is getting its own show that will air on WLFI. Ram-Z's Emporium will be the host of the new show called "Hoosier Pawn."

From baseballs to mounted coyotes and everything in between, Ram-Z's Emporium in Lafayette sees some unusual items, including items from a Purdue graduate that later became U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.

With a push from their customers and inspired by other hit TV shows, "Hoosier Pawn" will begin airing on WLFI on April 13.

"The timing is right," Owner of Ram-Z's Emporium Randy Ramsey said. "With the kind of response we're getting from the public, we're really excited about not only doing it but the exciting things that are coming in. It's just like they say, you never know what's going to walk through the door."

Ramsey says this show will appear very similar to other shows featuring pawn shops, but this one will have its own unique style.

"We just don't fit well with a lot of the bickering and things that we see on some of the programs," said Ramsey.  "We don't want to reflect that at all. We want it to be an honest reflection of people coming in from the Lafayette area, selling unusual things like we see on TV and the interaction that takes place with that."

Ramsey says he works with dealers and collectors on a regular basis and says based on his clientele and the popularity of similar shows, he thinks his show will be successful.

"It's just funny to be watching Vegas 'Pawn Stars' program and the guy brings in a dagger from Ireland and the next day somebody comes in with a dagger from Ireland," Ramsey said.

Ramsey says they also plan to feature stories of people who purchase some of their unusual items, like a chair which belonged to Robert Todd Lincoln, son of Abraham Lincoln.

"Hoosier Pawn" will air for the first time right here on WLFI at 7:30 p.m. on April 13.