By NICK YAMASHITA
Moapa Valley Progress
The Maverik gas station in Overton implemented new business hours last week as part of a company-wide directive due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Previously a 24/7 business, the store will now operate between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Maverik, which is based in Salt Lake City, Utah, runs about 300 convenience stores in 10 different states.
“Every store, across the company, is now on this new schedule of being open at 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.,” said Overton Maverik Store Director Holly Kammeyer. “Basically the graveyard shift was cut.”
Though the store is closed overnight, the company has instituted a sanitation/cleaning position. This position will help those who usually work the graveyard be able to maintain employment.
“The company has been really wonderful and so amazing in keeping the employees in mind during these crazy times,” Kammeyer said.
Maverik administration issued the directive on new hours on Sunday, March 29. Local stores in both Overton and Mesquite started implementing it immediately.
A few people showed up in Overton on that first night and were surprised that the store was closed, Kammeryer said. But they were understanding.
“The customers have been so wonderful,” she said. “They have been so supportive, and we have not had any problems with unruly or upset customers.”
Mesquite Maverik store manager Tracy Carter reported a similar response from customers. “We haven’t really felt any effects of it,” Carter said. “It is definitely a bit of a shift after running 24 hours. But we haven’t had any complaints. People have been very understanding and willing to work with us.
Though the transition has been smooth for the stores and employers, the pandemic has definitely been hard on business for the Overton Maverik.
“People are not traveling right now and they are at home from work,” Kammeyer said. “Gas sales are definitely down as well as other items. Regulars are not coming in and getting food and drinks while gassing up.”
“We also know that the ones who still are working in the early hours of the morning are no longer able to come in and get their breakfast, coffee and other items,” Kammeyer added. “We miss serving them a lot!”
Carter said that sales in the Mesquite store are down a bit but holding pretty steady. “Of course, we miss the night business, but there wasn’t really much of that, especially right now,” she said. “Generally we are doing pretty good.”
Kammeyer hopes that the restrictions will be able to be lifted soon so that the Overton store can return to its normal hours. “We are thankful to everyone and their support,” she said. “This is temporary and we will continue to serve you with the best service we can offer.”
For night owls and extreme early risers, the Green Valley Grocery store in Logandale, and the two in Mesquite, are still open 24 hours daily.
