Many Brookside residents will remember the old 7-11 store at the corner of Oak and 63rd St.  As the years went on, the place was neglected by its out of town owners:  dirty floors, trash outside, unstocked shelves; many folks just didn’t feel comfortable stepping inside.  Now under new management, the owners of Cheema’s Mini Market promise that won’t happen to their shop!

I stopped by recently to meet the new owners, Adnan and Adeel Cheema. The brothers have lots of experience running this type of operation-since 1998, they have owned and managed several gas stations in Kansas City KS.  When the opportunity came up to take over this location, they put in an offer.  Their first official opening day was December 23.  It took many months to get the store in shape to meet their high standards.  Adnan noted they spent about $200,000 renovating the store, adding all new lighting, shelves, flooring, equipment and a new cashier area.  “We feel our job as local owners is to protect the neighborhood.  All employees undergo background checks” and both of the brothers spend a lot of time in the store assisting customers and making sure everything is clean and in order.  “The neighbors  have been great” says Adnan, “they are excited we are finally open and they like the upgrades”. 

Inside Cheema’s, you’ll find all the usual quick stop items:  various food  products, beverages, pet food, ice cream, milk, prepackaged sandwiches and burritos.  The best selling items? “Energy drinks and candy” says Adnan.  You’ll also find charcoal and propane, tobacco products, paper goods..and maybe a few impulse buy items!   Adnan is adding a slushy machine and is working on getting a liquor license.  He also wants customers to suggest stocking items they don’t have–the brothers encourage suggestions from their customers!  Sometime this spring, Cheema’s will have a grand opening for the neighborhood.

In the meantime you can stop by anytime and check out the store–they are open 24/7!  Cheema’s Mini Market is located at 319 E 63rd St.