Kelli McRobert | Feb 01, 2023
Curiosity abounds as locals slowly drive past the recently sold Godfrey General Store. The store had been owned for 46 years by Les and Shirley McGowan and it was then handed over to Scott and Laurie Love who managed it until November 2022. It has come a long way from the past days of fur trading beaver, otter, and various pelts, with the Hudson Bay Company, to a modernized convenience store with gas, groceries, and other sundries.
Since the purchase handover, Krushap Patel and Mihir Panchal have been running and living at the store as they learn the ins and outs of small-town retail. When I popped in to see how things were going, they were in the process of training a new employee, Parth Patel, who had moved here from North York, and was diligently learning the ropes. As customers came and went, Parth was mastering the cash register and multi-tasking as supplies were being received, customers were coming and going, and orders were being placed for goods and services.
It was also nice to note, that while I waited for Mihir to finish with a customer outside, small town charm was apparent, as someone forgot their wallet and was provided the courtesy to return and pay, without hesitation. This is one of the appeals of a smaller rural town where most people know each other and one that has not been jaded by big city crime and skepticism. People are treated with honesty and fairness unless they prove otherwise.
The post office itself, is still being managed by Laurie Love and will continue to provide postal services to residents. Dipenkumar and Krushap are the main business owners who have had previous experience in purchasing and managing businesses within the Ontario region. Their hope is to continue to provide service to the local community while they get to know Frontenac and the surrounding area. And we have heard rumours that the chip truck is negotiating it’s return for those that loved the easy access from the KP Trail. Mihir and Krushap would like to thank everyone that has stopped in to say hello, and they look forward to meeting their neighbours far and wide as they provide a convenient, one-stop-shop for fuel, food, beer, and snacks.
We are thankful for it’s location at the end of Westport Road (#8) at Hwy #38 during our ATV/Cycling/Snowmobile adventures.
Welcome to Godfrey!
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