ROCHELLE – Benny’s Corner Market and Mobil gas station held a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony outside in the sunshine Friday morning.
The new Benny’s Corner Market and Mobil Gas station located at the intersection of Illinois Route 251 and Flagg Road in Rochelle has been open for business since the first week of November. But the official grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony was done out front of the building on Friday morning.
The establishment, which is owned by Tim Hayden and his family, aims to provide customers with all of the choices that would be at a traditional gas station, as well as offering local and fresh choices.  
“We got all of the traditional options one would expect at a gas station, as well as partnering with other businesses such as Headon Meats and South Moon BBQ,” explained Tim Hayden, co-owner. “We also have a fresh blend all natural smoothie machine as well as other healthy food options.”
The owners want their business to feel more like a corner market than a convenience store.

At the ceremony, there were many different people and organizations including Rochelle Mayor John Bearrows, representatives from Holcomb Bank, Unity Hospice and the Rochelle Chamber of Commerce. Speeches were given at the ceremony by Hayden, Liquor n Wine onwer K.P. Patel and Bearrows.
“This is about more than the tax revenue or any other taxes, but more importantly it is about a local family who has made a generous investment into their community and we as a city are so thankful for that,” expressed Bearrows.
The Hayden family is very thankful to everyone who came out to the ribbon cutting ceremony and is very excited for the future of the business.
“Thank you to everyone who came out, we are very glad to be here and we think that this will be a great addition to the community. Lots of people drive by this location as it is the first spot into town from a couple of different directions,” added Hayden.