Sometimes, you just need one thing.
Whether it’s a coffee at the crack of dawn, a cigarette before calling it a night, or the gallon of milk you forgot to pick up yesterday, Main Street Convenience has always been there for Southbury.
Celebrating a decade in business on Friday, owner Kristi Pela and his family reflected on their time in the town they also call home.
“We’ve been open 365 days a year, through tornadoes and floodings and all those major events over the years,” said Pela. “Throughout all that, customers kept supporting us. We’re truly blessed.”
Located at 280 Main Street South, the convenience store was once the site of Cumberland Farms for 30 years prior to Pela taking over the property.
Today, the store is a local landmark along the main economic corridor of Southbury and one of the biggest lottery stores in the state.
Due to the sheer volume of lottery sales, the store is equipped with two lottery terminals, and self-serving lottery scanners beep throughout the day from a loyal clientele base. Behind the counter is an illuminated keno board displaying monthly winners of $500 and up.
And for nearly two years, the building has been shared by new neighbors, Puglia Pizza.
“This year alone, we saw a big increase with them being open,” added Pela.
In April, the store was officially able to accept EBT payments – a change that made it easier for seniors and families on assistance to shop close to home.
The store also features fresh pies and pastries delivered daily, as well as live bait and a standing cigar humidor.
For many locals, it’s a symbol of routine and consistency, with dedicated hours from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day.
“If you need something, we’re here for you,” said Pela.
The Southbury Record 