SHELBY — A new Mickey’s in Shelby is unlike any gas station folks have likely ventured to patronize.
Add a conjoined Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and donut franchise and a trip to the newly-opened facility quickly becomes an adventure — not to mention the jurassic-themed decor folks as greeted with upon entrance.
Dan Coles, president of The Coles Group — a family owned retail development company based in Milan, — has Shelby roots of his own, which added to the excitement of Monday’s grand opening.
Coles’ father owned a gas station in Shelby and the family currently still owns the Mickey Mart gas station at 116 W. Main St., which will remain open.
“I’ve been proud to be a part of the community for a very long time,” he said Monday. “(I’m) happy to be in Shelby and (I’m) a big believer in Shelby and Richland County for that matter.
“We are Ohio-based, Ohio proud and really are just super excited to be here,” the president said.
Coles said the new Shelby location is Mickey’s “new model” moving forward. He said a similar design was opened one month ago about 27 miles north in Norwalk.
“If anybody ever needs anything or however Mickey’s can be of service to the community, we’re here to be that partner,” Coles said.
A shopping experience
Several local officials attended Monday’s ceremony, including Shelby Mayor Steve Schag, Richland County Commissioner Cliff Mears, state Rep. Marilyn John, Shelby’s Economic Development Manager Jessica Gribben and Shelby City Councilman Charlie Roub.
Most said they were stunned by the scale of the new gas station.
“We feel extremely blessed to be the home of this impressive project,” Schag said. “As we stand here today, you cannot help but think of the word immensity.
“One year ago, it was almost impossible to envision the colossal scope of this project. As the site began to take shape, we realized this was truly going to be a one-of-a-kind location in north central Ohio,” the mayor said.
Besides fueling their vehicle, customers can enjoy a wide variety of food options, including Mickey’s Chicken & Deli, fully stocked snack aisles, refreshing cooler selections and a full-service Dunkin’ Donuts.
Along with the location’s jurassic theme, Mickey’s Dino-World Adventure — a one-of-a-kind immersive experience — will be installed inside the store later this year.
(Below are more photos of the grand opening of Mickey’s and Dunkin’ Donuts on Monday at State Route 191 in Shelby.)
The wait is over
Schag first announced in February 2023 that Mickey’s and Dunkin’ would be coming to one of the city’s most highly-traveled roadways.
Work at the site kicked off in April 2024 with the demolition of the former Skarl Motors building. On-site efforts remained constant, including active construction on Thanksgiving Day last year, Shelby Project Coordinator Joe Gies previously said.
More than two years in the making, Monday’s grand opening was the finishing touch.
