Ben’s Convenient Food Mart

By ELLEN KOLMAN - Staff Writer - ekolman@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

November 27, 2007 03:00 am

— MADISON — Whatever the immediate grocery need, Ben’s Convenient Food Mart is ready to serve the public.
Owned and operated by 28-year-old Ben Archinal, a Madison native, and former football player for the Blue Streaks; Ben’s Convenient Food Mart has been open for business since Jan. 1. The store is located at the corner of Hubbard and Middle Roads.
“I come from a grocery business family,” Archinal said. “My parents and later myself, were part owners of the Giant Eagle store in Geneva.”
The Geneva Giant Eagle was the sixth store the Archinal family had owned. Now retired, Bruce and Barb Archinal stay busy helping their son whenever they are in town.
“I really want to thank my parents. My Dad helps with accounting and my Mom with merchandising; she does a great job decorating for the seasons for me,” Archinal said.
Archinal, who has a bachelors degree in business administration from Ashland University, already knew he wanted his own store someday.
“There are not very many independent stores anymore, but the Convenient’s are — I couldn’t see myself doing anything else and I wanted to come back to Madison,” he said. “Once I got enough capital together, I bought my own store.”
Archinal has also made many improvements to his store such as: a brand new coffee island; new floors and ceilings; new registers and scanners; new hot foods case; Krispy Creme Donut display; new bathrooms; new signs out front and new parking lot. The Sunoco Brand pumps are also new and they accept credit cards.
“This is very clean store with polite, courteous people ready to serve you,” he said.
Ben’s Convenient Food Mart employs eight people, with a couple of extra during the busier summer months.
What can customers expect to find at Ben’s?
Besides the top sellers cigarettes, beer and gas; bread and milk are always in good supply.
“We re-did the whole beer section, it now includes imports like Great Lakes Brewing Company,” Archinal said.
There are hot foods, sandwiches and a full service deli including cheese trays. Slushies, snack items, ice cream (all sorts) and general grocery store items are always available. Extra items include automotive and cleaning supplies. Ben’s also boasts of a large wine section featuring all of the local wineries.
This store also has Ohio Lottery games and Ameripay, which is an online utility paying system.
“We have every lottery instant game available right now,” Archinal said.
Archinal hopes that someday he can pass along the love of owning a grocery store to the next generation.
“I enjoy the whole business,” he said. “Dealing with people everyday — we listen to what our customers want to see in this store — we really appreciate our regulars.”
Ben’s Convenient Food Mart is located at 3119 Hubbard Road. Call at 440-428-2215. Hours are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., Thurs. - Sat. and 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sun. - Wed.

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