Bits of Business

Grocer ready to set up shop in Philipsburg

Nick Malawskey

Almost a year after the Comet grocer checked out its last customer, a new owner has bought the property on Route 53 and is looking to open a grocery market there next month.

Hometown Markets, which also has a store in Bellwood, has been extensively renovating the property, said Scott Brechbiel, who will manage the new store.

“I don’t believe there’s anything that’s been untouched,” he said.

“We stripped everything — store, walls, electrical, plumbing ... it’s all fresh.”

When it opens in October, the store will be almost exactly like the Hometown Markets store in Bellwood, south of Tipton, offering produce, meats, dry goods and other perishable offerings.

Over the next few weeks the company will look to hire associates — Brechbhiel said he expects to need about 30 people — and finish up all the final preparations.

“I believe it’s real exciting for Philipsburg — that store’s (the Comet) been closed for just about a year now and I do believe the town misses it,” he said.

Brechbiel said he’s also excited, not only to open the store but to become a part of the community.

He said he was out Tuesday picking up a P-O Mounties sign for the store and was looking forward to helping support local organizations.

“I haven’t been this excited for years,” he said. “I think we can do good for the town.”

The store in Bellwood may be contacted at 742-7049.

Dealership looks to offer choices

Sometimes, when opportunity knocks, you have to answer the door regardless of timing.

For instance, now would not seem to be the ideal time to open a new car dealership —economic recession, rising unemployment, consumer spending down.

But, Tom Mertz, owner of Lion Country Kia, stays upbeat.

“I think we’re at the tail end of the recession,” he said this past week, standing on the floor of his brand-new showroom on Dreibelbis Road in College Township. “It’s not the easiest time in the world ... but you can’t always choose the timing.”

The dealership opened around Labor Day and will hold a grand opening celebration next month.

While times may be tough, Mertz said he is confident that the dealership can successfully compete for the car buyers out there.

“You want style, you want performance, you want fuel efficiency and you want reliability — all of those speaks as to why someone would by one vehicle over another one,” he said. “And our product is as good as any out there.”

He said he was approached by Kia about opening a State College franchise based on his track record and reputation as the fourth-generation owner of Sunbury Motor Co. He said he felt lucky to get the opportunity.

“We’re fortunate to be able to represent the brand in such a phenomenal community,” he said. “And we’re obviously going to do the best we can to satisfy everyone that walks through the door.”

The dealership may be visited online at www.lioncountrykia.com or at 800-768-4112. Nick Malawskey can be reached at 235-3928 or nmalawsk@centredaily.com.