Owen family open first Victorian NightOwl store

A local Mornington family has taken on the exciting challenge of opening Victoria’s first NightOwl store in their home town.

The 24-hour convenience retail franchise store, located at 968 Nepean Highway (Corner Mornington Tyabb Road), Mornington, was opened last month by Mel and Sandra Owen, who have a combined 55 years experience in the retail industry.

In their time in the industry, Mel and Sandra have operated four, 24-hour petrol convenience stores and picked up a swag of accolades along the way.

“As well as running successful stores, we have played an active role within the franchising industry,” Mr Owen said.

“I have been on the State franchise council several times and chaired it twice.

In addition, I have been a member of the National Franchise Council, chairperson for a major petrol convenience chains’ retail marketing committee for five years and the franchise representative for seven interstate and overseas conferences.

“My wife Sandra has always been the backbone of our ventures into small business and again is proving to be the backbone of our company, handling all our accounts.”

The family business will be managed by Mel and Sandra’s daughter Michele, who joined the business operations about 10 years ago.

“Michele is managing more than 10 staff at our Mornington store,” Mr Owen said.

“We have lived on the Mornington peninsula for 30 years and operated businesses in the area for most of that time, employing locals from the area at times two and three from one family – making it a really family-focused operation.

“As a family we really enjoy serving the local community and believe that our new store will be well accepted by locals and the passing trade alike.

Our goal is to be the convenience store of choice for the peninsula with value for money prices and great friendly customer service.”

The Owen family is inviting the Mornington community to come along to their grand opening celebration on Saturday 1 November – complete with a sausage sizzle, jumping castle and entertainment for the whole family.