ALPENA – While driving back and forth to work, Cliff Beauvais’s attention would always shift to the vacant gas station which used to be Kur Vans and Z’s Crossroads in Alpena and thought it was a shame it wasn’t being utilized to its full potential.

He had such faith that the store could become a respected staple to the Alpena area, that he purchased it, remodeled it and added the best workers possible and named it Mi Stop. His goal is to transform the business into a place customers will be proud to conduct business.

Cliff and Linda Beauvais have owned and operated Propane Plus in Alpena for many years and have always put customer service as a priority. The full service convenience store at the corner of French Road and US-23 South, is open and offers customers not only gasoline, but other products and services as well.

Cliff Beauvais said the decision to invest in the business was one that will be a good one.

“When I would get to the corner you could see this place needed someone locally to take care of it and make it something the community out here really needs,” Beauvais said. “It will basically have everything a person could want to grab-and-go, such as gas, homemade bread, milk or a sandwich.”

The business will have a restaurant in it called Mi Short Stop which will have burgers, fried chicken, as well as breakfast and lunch sandwiches. It will be run by Lynn and Noel Hall, who Beauvais said are tremendous cooks.

“It will be great for the night’s mom doesn’t want to cook,” Beauvais said.

The store will employee 10 people and manager Brett Burke. Propane Plus, which will have its office in the store, employs 12.

The location should be prime for truckers who need to refuel or grab a bite to eat, or just to get some rest after driving hundreds of miles. Beauvais said he expects the store to be popular for them.

“Our local trucking companies have been a huge asset to us,” Beauvais said. “This place really is the only place that provides a safety net for about 100 miles when they run out of drive miles and need to shut it down.”

There has been some questionable business activities at the store prior to the Beauvais’ purchasing it. Beauvais said he knows there was a less than stellar reputation before, but he is confident his staff and top notch customer service will ease any doubts about what the store is today.

“I own it now and I am a reputable business owner who’s morals are sound,” Beauvais said. “It is a pleasure and privilege to be here doing business in Alpena. We want to have a great neighborhood image and give back to the community anyway we can.”

Steve Schulwitz can be reached via email at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689. Follow Steve on Twitter ss_alpenanews. Read his blog, Upon Further Review … at www.thealpenanews.com.