Added safety protocols at Little Star Convenience

To stop spread of COVID-19, convenience store implemented full service at gas pumps
By: 
Luke Reimer
Reporter

One convenience store in Shawano County has implemented what was a common sight years ago, as an extra step to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

The Little Star Convenience Store, located next to the North Star Mohican Casino and Resort near Bowler, has introduced the practice of providing gas pump attendants.

“The gas pump attendants were put into place as a COVID security protocol,” said Al Quinney, executive director of the Stockbridge-Munsee Community, which operates both the casino and the store. “To minimize the risk of spread — this would eliminate customers from having to touch the pumps.”

Quinney believes that having this practice in place is a good idea and is a good help for the community.

The gas pump attendants are employees of the convenience store who work on a rotating schedule to pump gas, while their other duties consist of cleaning, stocking and working the till, Quinney said.

In February, the convenience store changed from a U.S. Oil station to ARCO.

According to Quinney, the change was a simple matter of the old contract expiring with U.S. Oil.

“We just went through the process of looking who could provide the best deal and it ended up being ARCO,” Quinney said.

According to North Star’s website, new computers, gas pumps and sales systems were installed during the changeover.

Quinney said having the convenience store next to North Star has benefits for both the community and the Stockbridge-Munsee Tribe as well.

“From a business practice, the location is great — it serves both casino patrons and community members,” said Quinney. “Logistically it just makes sense because of the traffic.”

Quinney said the casino and the convenience store work hand-in-hand together.

“We do share opportunities between customer bases, by providing promotional coupons and discounts,” said Quinney. “People are coming to the casino, so the convenience store benefits.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the convenience store went through periods where it was open and closed. When the store reopened, strict safety measures were put into place, like the gas pump attendants, putting hand sanitizer around the store and implementing temperature checks.

Having the attendants available has transitioned into something more than just a COVID-19 safety protocol, Quinney said.

“It really became a customer service thing,” he said. “In addition to being a safety measure, as time has gone on, it has become as much customer service as it has been a safety measure.”

Quinney mentioned that hand sanitizing stations and hand wipe stations are also included at the pumps.

“We installed dispensers at each pump, so that patrons can ultimately pump gas themselves and wipe things down,” he said. “So we are prepared to perhaps not have gas pump attendants in the future.”

That decision would be up to the tribal council, he added.

According to Quinney, the convenience store plays a role within the Stockbridge-Munsee community.

“It is a benefit for our community members, patrons of the casino, the surrounding communities and the Stockbridge-Munsee community as a whole,” Quinney said.

There are plans in the works for a grand opening of the Mohican Little Star Convenience Store, but it has been delayed due to the pandemic. Quinney said ARCO representatives will be invited as well as customers.