South Bend Food Mart to open 24 hours

Starting on March 1, South Bend will have it's own 24-hour gas station to match the 101 Quick Stop Chevron Station in Raymond. The South Bend Food Mart & 76 Station (formerly known as Jackpot) will be opening its doors 24 hours a day, six days a week, according to the store's owner, 46-year-old Paul Kim.

Kim stated in an interview that he opened this particular business eight years ago after deciding to move to the area from up north. Kim said he was able to finance the move and opening of the store in South Bend himself using capital from other business ventures.

"I was sick of living in the city. I wanted to ... live in a small town. I was looking for something small and it happened to be here. ... I love it," said Kim.

At first, Kim said he tried a 24-hour schedule but that just didn't work at the time. Currently the store does not stay open past midnight on any given day. However, moving forward the store will only be closed for a total of four hours a week, with the new schedule being 3 a.m. Monday through 11 p.m. Sunday.

Kim reported that this change is due to customer requests and the fact that currently South Bend residents have to drive into Raymond for gas or any other thing they may need after midnight.

"It's not fair for people that live in South Bend. It's a fairness, giving the customer more convenience," Kim explained.

Kim, who also owns Raymond Grocery, says his Raymond store may go to a 24-hour schedule in the near future as well.