A new convenience store in Mineola can now expand its inventory following the Village Board’s approval last Wednesday night.
Retailer Jason Guo can now add pre-packaged food and drinks to his stock of school and office supplies, party items, gifts, hardware and housewares in his Good Luck Discount Store, which opened in September at 155 Jericho Turnpike.
The Mineola Village Board unanimously approved Guo’s application for a special-use permit to sell food and drinks.
Guo said he did not know he needed a special-use permit to sell candy, cookies, bottled water and drinks since he considers them party supplies. They are an integral part of his business, he said.
“Unfortunately, I cannot survive without the ability to sell such items,” he told the board noting that nearly every customer who comes into the store requests these products. “If I’m granted the special-use permit, we can service the community even better.”
A Flushing, Queens resident, Guo has also run a 99-cent store in Valley Stream since 2010.
The board’s approval of his special-use permit in Mineola allows Guo to operate his 4,600-square-foot store on the busy stretch between Willis Avenue and Mineola Boulevard.
When asked why he chose Mineola for his new business, Guo said he “did his research” and “spoke to a lot of people.”
“I think that people need a discount store in this area since my other store is so far away,” he said.
Guo also agreed to remove the scrolling light signs in his storefront window since they distract drivers and do not confirm to village codes.
Deputy Mayor Paul Pereira told Guo that he could have fixed LED lights in his window and that the village Building Department will work with him to make sure “everything is according to code.”
When asked by the board about deliveries and garbage pick-ups, Guo said both took place early in the morning before rush hour and that he’s had “no issue with parking, delivery, or anything else.”
Pereira commended Guo for choosing Mineola for his business.
“I’m glad that there’s another store on Jericho Turnpike that is no longer empty,” he said.
Good Luck Discount Store is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
