Garnavillo Mini-Mart opens for business
The Garnavillo Mini Mart opened its doors on Friday, Sept. 9. Store hours are Mondays - Saturdays 5 a.m. - 9 p.m., and Sundays from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. From left are owners Brian and Melissa Schumann and store manager Cassie Tuecke. (Press photo by Caroline Rosacker)
By Caroline Rosacker
Each day, more people visit a convenience store than any other brick-and-mortar retail location. It is estimated that 165 million transactions, per day, take place in convenience stores where customers can refuel their vehicle, purchase a snack, beverage, or freshly prepared meal at their favorite location.
Brian and Melissa Schumann
In rural areas community members own many of these convenience stores. Clayton County natives Brian and Melissa Schumann have recently become part of that growing trend.
The couple has two children, Justin and Colton, and farm outside of Garnavillo. Melissa is also employed as a loan officer with Community Savings Bank, Garnavillo.
The young entrepreneurs opened the doors to their new business venture, Garnavillo Mini Mart LLC, located at 609 S. Main St., on Friday, Sept. 9. "The former mini mart had been closed for a about a year, although they were still selling gas," Brian explained. "My brother, Brad, purchased the building in July for his automotive and diesel repair business, Schumann Repair, and we are leasing this section of the building to open the Garnavillo Mini Mart."
Store hours
The Garnavillo Mini Mart will be open for business Monday - Saturday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Home-style cooking
The convenience store kitchen will be manned by David Gray of Elkader, and will offer daily lunch specials featuring home-style entrees served with two sides. Other featured items include chicken, pizza, sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches, and traditional Belgium waffles served with ice cream once the Schumann's business partners, Anne and Didier Vanderbiest of Belgium arrive in October.
The Vanderbiests and Schumanns are partners in an agricultural business raising Belgium Blue cattle. Didier and Anne have purchased a home in Monona and are looking forward to relocating to northeast Iowa later this year.
Experienced staff
Store manager Cassie Tuecke, and her cooperative, experienced staff will keep the Garnavillo Mini Mart running smoothly. "Our employees are all experienced and work well together, which has been a blessing," said Melissa.
The mini-mart will carry bread, milk, a few grocery items, sweet and salty snacks, a few automotive and household items, as well as beer, wine and tobacco.
Speedee Shop gift cards accepted
The mini-mart will accept Speedee Shop gift cards, which can be used at the pump and in the convenience store. "We have partnered with GrowMark, the originator behind the Speede Shop gift cards," explained Tuecke. "If you have a Speedee Shop gift card we can redeem it here."
"The Garnavillo Mini Mart has a small dine-in bar, and we may potentially do some outdoor grilling next summer," commented Brian.
"We will also offer punch cards for lunch specials, and our own gift cards. We look forward to serving the community," concluded Melissa.
For additional information or daily specials follow the Garnavillo Mini-Mart on Facebook or call 563-964-2005 or email garnyminimart@gmail.com.
