Staff writer
Thanks to efforts by Marion County Economic Development Director Teresa Huffman, Lincolnville now has a convenience store.
Benny and Sheryl Key opened Key Convenience Sept. 19 in the former Chipped Cup Café building on Lincolnville Avenue and U.S. 56/77. They live just south of Lincolnville.
Benny Key said Huffman got the ball rolling last December when she held two public meetings at the former café to see if there was any interest in a co-op with community residents or if someone would be interested in private ownership.
Key shared his ideas with Huffman, and Huffman assisted the couple in obtaining financing.
“Benny was tired of us running out of bread and having to travel 12 miles in either direction to get it,” Sheryl Key said.
Pilsen State Bank owned the building. Huffman assisted the Keys in obtaining a Marion County Micro-loan, a Marion County Rural Business Enterprise Grant, and a small bank loan to purchase the building and stock the store.
They met in Huffman’s office with Lisa Braumbaugh, a representative of Kansas Small Business Development Center at Emporia State University. She helped them fill out application forms.
“Lisa Braumbaugh took us by the hand and led us through every step,” Sheryl said. “She still is helping us.”
Business hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. Booths and tables are available. Coffee, tea, soda, snacks, and microwavable sandwiches are offered along with the usual convenience items.
More items will be added as time goes along, Benny Key said. A deli is in the works.
Sheryl Key said local residents are happy to have the business in town and already have provided a lot of support. She operates the store while Benny retains his full-time job as a production superintendent for Shawmar Oil Co.
They are planning a grand opening.