South Cairo Country Store gets ready to celebrate

SOUTH CAIRO — Nearly a year after opening its doors to the public, the South Cairo Country Store is preparing to celebrate the completion of a project that its owners say has transformed a longtime local business into a one-stop destination for fuel, food, groceries, beer, wine, and liquor.

On Friday, June 26, the Purani family will host the official grand opening of the South Cairo Country Store, highlighted by a ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for 2 p.m. The event will bring together local officials, business leaders, community members, and customers who have watched the project evolve from concept to reality over the past year.

Store proprietor Ankur Purani operates the business alongside his brother, Sagar Purani, and father, Ketan Purani. According to Ankur Purani, the celebration marks the point at which all of the amenities originally envisioned for the store are finally in place and operating.

"We want it to be very festive and lively," he said.

The day-long celebration will include decorations throughout the property, food offerings, product demonstrations, and special promotions. Customers will also have an opportunity to take advantage of discounted gasoline prices during the event.

A centerpiece of the grand opening will be the store's expanded food service operation, which now includes both Wingman Pizza and Champs Chicken.

Wingman Pizza offers made-to-order pizzas prepared fresh throughout the day, while Champs Chicken brings a nationally recognized convenience-store restaurant brand known for its fried chicken, tenders, wings, biscuits, and comfort-food menu items. Together, the two operations have allowed the South Cairo Country Store to offer customers a much broader dining experience than a traditional convenience store.

According to Ankur Purani, the addition of food service has had an immediate impact on the customer base.

"Since we began selling food, we've seen an increase in traffic," he said. "Repeat customers have been waiting for this."

That increase is especially noticeable during the lunchtime rush. Construction crews and contractors working throughout Greene County have become regular visitors, with dozens of people often taking advantage of the store's outdoor seating area during their lunch breaks.

The food operation is available throughout the store's recently expanded summer hours. Wingman Pizza is now available whenever the store is open, with summer hours running from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m.

Ankur Purani believes that convenience remains key to the business's success.

"We want to bring convenience to our community, and we feel this has been an accomplishment," he said.

That commitment to convenience is expected to expand even further through a growing partnership with DoorDash.

While many residents are familiar with food delivery services that transport pizza or restaurant meals, Purani said the South Cairo Country Store plans to offer something much broader. Customers will be able to order not only pizza and chicken, but also a variety of convenience-store products through an online menu.

Working closely with DoorDash, the Puranis hope to make everyday items available for delivery directly to customers' homes.

Whether someone needs a gallon of milk, a snack, beverages, or other household necessities, Ankur Purani believes the service will provide an added level of convenience for local residents.

"If the order was large enough, I will drive it to your house myself," Purani joked.

The grand opening celebration will also feature a variety of tasting opportunities. Representatives from beverage companies will be on hand to provide samples of energy drinks, beers, wines, and liquors.

The South Cairo Country Store has attracted attention since its opening because of its size and scope. What began as a vision to consolidate multiple business operations into a single modern facility has grown into one of the largest convenience-store destinations in Greene County.

Ankur Purani believes the store, located on Ross Ruland Road just off State Route 23, may feature the largest beer cave and largest gas-station kitchen in the region. But regardless of rankings, visitors quickly notice the expansive selection of beverages, groceries, convenience items, and prepared foods available under one roof.

Now, with all aspects of the project operational, the family is looking forward to celebrating with―and thanking―the community that has supported them.

"We are hoping for a great turnout," Ankur Purani said.