By James B. Bartle
A dream to own and operate their own convenience store has come true for Bryan and Annette Griffith, as they have opened Lil’ Something For Everyone, located at 10226 Wildwood Lane, Sullivan, which is located just before Woodland Lakes and across the road from the Sullivan Fire District firehouse off Mine Rd.
“We planned on doing something like this for a long time and it was something we always wanted to do,” said Bryan Griffith. “It took us about two years to clear the property and construct the building.”
Lil’ Something For Everyone officially opened on June 15, and is 1,050 sq. ft.
“Business has been picking up here more and more each week,” said Annette Griffith. “Customers are starting to know we’re here and open.”
The Griffiths, like many Sullivan area residents, are hoping that the former Pea Ridge Mine reopens, as has been discussed in the recent year which could also impact their business year-round.
“We would love to see the mine reopen to full operations. We’re starting to see nearby communities, such as Anthonies Mill, visit our store,” said Bryan Griffith. “The customers that come in here like the fact that they don’t have to drive back to town and waste fuel when they can get items here at our store. We have a very clean operation here and look forward to meeting more people.”
According to the Griffiths, they have tried to stock the store with just about everything you could possibly need, and add items weekly.
From rakes and shovels to motocross helmets to food, beverages, supplies, fishing items, tobacco, ice, DVD machine rentals, DVD movies and Lotto tickets, they feel that they are bringing a wide range of items to meet customer demands.
“We hope to add gasoline services in the future and we have the only ATM machine within 20 miles,” said Bryan Griffith. “We are also carrying the small buildings that are for sale and manufactured in Cuba and Steelville by  Classic Buildings.”
The business is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and can be reached by calling 573-468-9026.