Richeyville gets a new business

January 7, 2016

Rick Shrum
Observer Reporter

Following the disappearance of several businesses, Richeyville is watching one materialize.

A Dollar General store is being built on Route 40, across from a CVS pharmacy and next to a former PNC Bank branch. PennTex Ventures of Greensburg is erecting it during this El Nino-influenced winter, with a spring target for opening.

“Based on the number of phone calls, I’d say people are very excited that it’s coming in,” said Cheryl Matesich, secretary of Centerville Borough. Richeyville is a neighborhood at the center of Centerville.

The address, however, does not include Richeyville or Centerville. It is 3220 National Pike, Fredericktown.

Dollar General is a national chain of budget variety stores that sell food and health, cleaning, household, baby and pet items. The chain has more than 11,000 locations in 40 states.

Katie Kile, spokeswoman for the Goodlettsville, Tenn.-based company, said the Richeyville store will have about 7,400 to 9,000 square feet of operational space, including coolers for refrigerated and frozen items. She added that Dollar General generally hires six to 10, and that would-be applicants can view available positions at www.dollargeneral.com/careers.

The addition of Dollar General is a boost for Richeyville, which over the past two years has endured the PNC shuttering, C. Harper Honda’s relocation to Rostraver Township, and the closure of its sole grocery – Country Fresh Market.

St. Agnes Catholic Church almost closed, an experience that traumatized a small but steadfastly devoted group of parishioners. Eleven months ago, the Pittsburgh Diocese announced it would shut the parish by midsummer because of insufficient funding. That did not happen, but St. Agnes now offers only one mass a week, at 4 p.m. Saturday.

“Any new business for the borough is a good thing,” said Matesich, a Centerville resident. Zoning officer Michael Ewedosh could not be reached for comment.

Dollar General won’t be the only newcomer. The Greater Washington County Food Bank has relocated to the Country Fresh Market space on Route 40. Schultz Cycle & ATV has taken over the former Honda site. And, according to Matesich, the owner is fervently trying to sell the bank building.

All of this spells a healthier business climate in Richeyville.