C-store Rises Again

Things are looking up for Portland’s C-store.  The convenience retailer and Marathon station at the intersection of Grand River Ave and Kent St. has had a rocky few months of transition.  Those problems are all fading into the rear-view mirror, hopes new owners Prakash Chaudhari and Chinean Patel. 

The brothers own and operate several other convenience stores, so this is not a new experience. Mr. Chaudhari says that the reopening and getting the store back on its feet has been going well so far but it is far from finished. The first thing they did was rehire as many of the local staff who had worked at the C-store previously as possible.  Having that experience and connection to the community is important, says Chaudhari.  At this point about 70% of his staff are rehired former employees and he aims to rehire others if they are interested. 

Cleaning the neglected facility and equipment was long overdue, Chaudhari says.  As they go, they are gradually restocking the shelves.  Not wanting to overstock before customers return, they are taking a slow approach adding additional products little at a time.  Part of that comes down to licenses.  They are currently awaiting liquor licenses as well as lottery licenses from the State of Michigan for instance.  Those are anticipated shortly, and they will then restock alcohol and restart lottery sales.

Probably the most notable change though is that gas is back on sale!  There were rumors of leaking tanks being a concern, but Chaudhari says that it was actually a pump issue.  The sale did require inspections and maintenance on the pumps which is why repairmen have been on site recently.  As a result, they are taking the pumps not covered by the awning completely out of service.   

Chauadhari asks for the public’s patience for one more month as they bring things back up to standard.  “I want to regain trust with the community,” he tells the Beacon.  Currently, they are planning a grand reopening scheduled tentatively for May 1st.  In the meantime, if you visit the C-store you may see some familiar faces and have the chance to welcome Chaudahari to the Portland community.