After being closed for several months, the Ossipee Store on Crow Wing County Road 3 in Merrifield is open under new ownership.
Steve and Terri Croak opened the store July 4 and are excited about transfomring the business from a convience store to a complete country store to serve the needs of area residents and visitors.
Rather than focusing on gas, snacks, beer and convience, the store is expanding and will have fresh fruits and vegetables along with typical grocery store items.
Steve Croak, who said the store was first opened in 1946, plans to put together a history of the store, as well as include an area to feature works of local artists.
He plans to make the store into what his customers want and has a tablet with a "wish list" where people can make their requests of what they would like to see in the store.
So far the store is a hit with area children who have been riding their bikes to the store to buy ice cream novelties and candy bars.
