Business

Little Night Owl now open

New convenience store located on Valley Street, Lewistown

LEWISTOWN ­-- Shawn and Rachel Gisewhite realize not everyone can hit stores during "normal" business hours.

That's why their new convenience store is open Monday through Saturday until midnight and called appropriately enough, The Little Night Owl.

"We named it such because one of our goals is to offer the community an option for late-night items, food and entertainment, when most businesses close by 9 p.m.," Shawn said.

The Little Night Owl, located at 624 Valley St., Lewistown, in the former location of the Hilltop Laundromat, opened on Jan. 16.

The Gisewhites, along with son Mark, own the business, which offers convenience items such as drinks, groceries, snacks and tobacco products as well as Skills Games. They are also in the process of opening a firefighter-themed restaurant that will offer late-night eats until 3 a.m. They hope to have the restaurant open by the spring. A portion of the restaurant sales will be donated to area fire departments.

Mark is a firefighter and works for Fame EMS in Lewistown. Both Shawn and Rachel have a background in retail, hospitality and food service management.

The Gisewhites fell in love with the location of the complex, which houses The Little Night Owl and has been a part of the community for many years.

They were concerned about the reputation of the area and wanted to do their part to improve it.

"When we decided we wanted to open our business, we knew that we wanted to offer this community something they are in need of and serve them and we wanted to help make this town a better place," Shawn said. "We have done, and continue to do, extensive renovations and upgrades at the property to transform the complex from an eye sore to a bright, well-lit, attractive and above all safe location."

The Gisewhites are Mifflin County natives. Growing up in the town, they've seen it decline over the years. "Recently though, officials and area businesses and churches have been doing a lot to help beautify and revive Lewistown," Shawn said. "We just wanted to do our part as well."

The Gisewhites also opened their store on Valley Street because of the potential foot traffic in the area. "We wanted to specifically serve those around us who cannot shop at other locations due to transportation hardships," he said.

They sell products that they hope regular customers need. "In fact, we keep a notebook at the counter for customers to write down products they want us to carry," Shawn explained. "We will then do our very best to stock those items. Because it's all about the customer."

He also wants his customers to be greeted with a warm welcome and smile each time they walk through the door.

"We have name brand items as well as local items, which allows us to support other area small businesses," Shawn added. They also sell vape and Delta 8 products. There are grand opening promotions ongoing.

Opening day was uneventful until a customer won $600 on a Skills machine on a $10 chance.

The Little Night Owl is open from noon to midnight Monday through Saturday. For more information, you can find them on Facebook.