Ryan and Bobbie Grogan have opened Antioch Country Store and Gift Shop at 3867 Antioch Road, where a grand opening is planned from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18.

The building has housed the convenience store for 45 years. It was closed in 2007 and reopened October 22 by the couple, which purchased the structure and 1.23 acres of land at auction.

Mrs. Grogan said she was excited about the new venture. She has always dreamed of owning a business but not necessarily a convenience store. Her goal was to operate a gift shop.

“When this opportunity came about, we jumped in,” she said. “It has been a learning experience, but I wanted to do more to revitalize our community. I want to make it convenient for the people who live here.”

She said she is pleased with progress made and admitted that it takes a leap of faith to open a business in a slow economy. However, she thinks that all things are possible if you believe and don’t mind working hard to make dreams reality.

“I don’t believe worthwhile things are ever easy,” she said. “The atmosphere changes once people see you are sincere and want something to revive the community. They feel ownership in your efforts because they know you are trying to make it more convenient for them.”

She referenced the success with reviving the traditional Corn Boil during the past summer and how many volunteers came together to make it happen. “It was a great success – not because of one or two people – but due to the heartfelt support and dedication of many.”

Mrs. Grogan pointed to the success of Camp Antioch, a wonderful church, Hightower Falls, The Plantation at Antioch and other sites that have been added due to the leadership of people committed to a belief that these things would succeed.

She said her hope is that residents will realize the business is more than a store.

“We want them to feel it is a part of their daily life and hope they will use the option of stopping here to purchase bread, milk, snacks, Cokes, gasoline, fresh made biscuits, hot coffee or other breakfast items.”

Plans are to offer Hunt Brothers Pizza in the near future. These will also be available for breakfast, lunch or dinner and specials will be offered such as hot wings.

The interior of the store features bright primary colors of orange and red that set the stage for the country theme used throughout the space.

“When I first viewed the colors, I questioned if I would repaint,” Mrs. Grogan said.

She decided she would make it work by adding coordinating hues that would create a festive, warm atmosphere inside the business.

“It may not appeal to everyone but we have received a number of compliments,” she said. “It is a cheerful environment for a store during colder weather.”

Enhancing the color theme are specialty gift items such as unique birdhouses, collectibles, stuffed animals, books and even a Christmas tree with American flags.

Antioch Country Store and Gift Shop is open from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 9 to 8 on Saturday. Closed on Sunday. Staff, excluding the owners, includes Susie Odom and Ann Martin.

“Come by and visit with us," Bobbie said. "We even have a special bench for our citizens."