New Johnnie Mart opens

Over the summer, Johnnie Mart, a 24/7 convenience store with a self-checkout station, was installed in the Mckeown Center in Flynntown. This follows in the wake of the success of the first Johnnie Mart, installed in the ground floor of Sexton Commons during the 2023-24 school year.

The addition was first pioneered by Mary Geller, the Associate Provost for Student Success.

“When I first started at SJU in 2021 I quickly noted there was nowhere for SJU students to go get food or basic supplies late at night,” Geller said via email.

Geller contacted the Dean of Students and soon, the Facility Director, Russ Klein, was set upon the task of creating the space. According to Geller, Klein was the driving force behind the movement to transform a small, unused storage facility into a small marketplace.

Many people now use Johnnie Mart every day. According to Geller, the success of the store has far passed the expectations for it.

“It has exceeded our expectations in terms of use, which underscores the convenience its service adds to the student experience,” Geller said.

“When you wake up at 2 a.m. and you’re hungry, you can’t order Gary’s, but the Johnnie Mart is there with chips and microwave meals ready for your convenience. All you need to do is tap your wallet and you are good to go,” said SJU senior Elias Wehr.

The two Johnnie Mart locations can be found on the ground floor of Sexton Commons, directly across from the St. John’s Bookstore, and in the Mckeown Center, on Fruit Farm Road in Flynntown. It sells food items, such as sports drinks, sodas, water, snacks, candy and refrigerator meals; and basic items, such as chapstick, playing cards and face masks. All that is needed to enter the facility is a student ID, and payment is as simple as tapping or swiping a credit card. If you find yourself needing a quick bite of food at any given time, or in a quick need of any small specialty, make sure to stop by.