In a big, sprawling city like Phoenix, most convenience stores have a K or a 7 in their name. Happily, Downtown has an exception: John and Kathy’s Shop, a neighborhood convenience store that’s owned by a couple, not a corporation.
Two ex-Chicagoans, John and Kathy Plunkett bought the shop in the Luhrs Building some 24 years ago. “Coming from Chicago, we wanted to be part of the big city,” says John, explaining why they chose Downtown for their business.
More recently, the Plunketts moved to a street front location on the first floor of the Orpheum Lofts, a high rise next to the Orpheum Theatre.  Though their customers have changed a bit – from the jurors who frequented them in the Luhrs Building to the businesspeople and loft owners in their new location – their shop continues to offer the same wide selection of items.
So, what can you get at John and Kathy’s? Pretty much whatever you’d expect from a convenience store, plus a few things you wouldn’t expect. That includes snacks, sandwiches, fountain drinks, ice cream, magazines, an ATM, Arizona Lottery tickets, cards, gift baskets, and health and beauty items. Even a U.S. post office and dry cleaning services.
Over the years, John and Kathy have gotten to know a lot of their customers. They’ve also witnessed a lot of changes in Downtown Phoenix. “Though the process has been slow, I’m hopeful about the future,” John says. “There have been a lot of positive changes, and we’d love to see more people moving to the area.”
Be sure to stop by and say hi, and while you’re there, get a burrito or some lottery tickets. One piece of advice: John is an ardent Cubs fan, so while Sox fans are always welcome, try not to mention their 2005 World Series win while you’re there.
John and Kathy’s Shop is open Monday-Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the post office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Address: 114 W. Adams, Suite 107A; 602-258-4859.
Editor’s Note: We love featuring businesses in our core’s expanding retail, restaurant and services marketplace. If you have an opinion on which businesses should be featured or if you’d like to contribute to the Blog as a writer, email R.J. Price at rjprice@downtownphx.org