New county store to end long drive for gas and groceries
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- Published on Wednesday, 06 March 2013 00:37
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A new country store, Erica Mall, will open this summer at the intersection of Mt. Holly Rd. and Erica Rd. in Westmoreland County. The new store will end a long drive of up to 15 miles for residents from Nomini Bay to the Potomac River who are in need of gas and groceries
Ground was recently broken for the new convenience store at a location that previously had been the site of Bud-Dees and also Marie’s Corner Store. Don Hess and Diane Lank, owners of the new store and gas station, said it would be called Erica Mall, a humorous reference by area residents to the limited shopping previously available in the area.
“We’ve been overwhelmed with the support of the community and the county in pursuing this dream,” said Hess. “The community – from their responses to our initial survey, to support at hearings, to newsletter feedback – has indicated a strong need for this facility.”
Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors Chairman Darryl Fisher attended the ground breaking for the new business. The Board of Supervisors gave final approval for the county store at a special exception public hearing last summer.
Hess and Lank said the country store will offer a variety of foods and services to the residents of the area including groceries and convenience items. The store will offer regular as well as non-ethanol gasoline to drivers and boaters.
Hess said he and Lank hope to work in cooperation with area artisans and vendors to provide goods to consumers of the area. “We’re looking forward to serving the community that has already been so supportive,” Hess said.
Richard Leggitt
