By TOM CALLIS
By TOM CALLIS
Tribune-Herald staff writer
Got a minute this Saturday?
Then you may want to stop by the grand opening of the new Minit Stop in Keaau.
The store at 16-119 Orchidland Drive is the company’s 15th and its first in Puna.
As in typical Minit Stop fashion, the company is pulling out all the stops for the celebration, which runs from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Samples of the convenience store’s famous chicken and potato wedges, including the new “wedgettes,” will be offered, along with drinks and other food items.
“It’s going to be a food fare atmosphere, said Minit Stop spokeswoman Kimberly Caywood. “We make it fun.”
Caywood said the wedgettes are simply smaller potato wedges, which allows them to have more breading.
The store will offer 10 cents off each gallon of gas at the pump, and it will host a keiki corner with popcorn, balloons and a spin-the-wheel game.
Minit Stop’s mascot, Kris P. Chicken, will entertain.
District Manager Marissa Kaukani said the store opened May 14.
“It’s been good,” she said. “Right now, we’re bringing out our great customer service and a convenient, clean store.”
Minit Stop has five other stores on the Big Island, including one that opened in Waimea last January. Caywood said the company is looking to open its next store on Maui sometime next year.
Minit Stop has nine stores on Maui.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.