Ash Grove's Korner Mart replaced with a "Super" store

New owner hopes to update building; also owns store in Monett

Ash Grove will be receiving a different convenience store at highways F and 160 as the business known as Korner Mart has sold. The new store, which will be known as the "Ash Grove Super Stop," was purchased by Shubu Shrestha three weeks ago and is already setting out to make many improvements to the parts of the store that need some updating.

One of the many things on her to-do list is to upgrade the gasoline pumps outside. The pumps are pretty dated according to Shrestha, stating that some of them don't even take a credit card. Also slated for improvement is the selection and organization of the store, where Shrestha will be working to improve the variety of goods offered for purchase. The store has yet to change its branding, however, as the Korner Mart signs are still displayed.

The convenience store at the four-way stop in Ash Grove has been around for a long while, housing many different businesses over the years—for decades it was Clair's C Store, then New Store, Korner Mart, and now the Super Stop. Over that time the store has undergone changes to make it more accommodating like adding a deli area. But one aspect that has remained untouched since the station was owned by Tommy Clair, is the garage, which Shrestha will be hoping to put to good use.

One of the more important improvements that Shrestha hopes she will be able to complete is the addition of a laundromat to better serve the community. She hopes to convert what is now the out-of-service garage to fit her needs.  

Shrestha said she has always wanted to own a business, but this isn't the first time her dream has been realized. She is already the owner of another convenience store in Monett, going by the name of "Pack and Go."

"This is what I have always been passionate about, starting a business," Shrestha said.

With this new store, she said that her goal is to better serve the community and the people living in it.

"I feel welcomed by every person I've interacted with here, it's been really great."