By: Kyla Martin
Published: Sept. 14, 2012
Just before downtown Gas City ends, take a sharp left into the white cement garage.
Look to your right, and you'll see everything from pretzels, condiments and chips to dish soap, coal and toothpaste.
The garage once functioned as a car shop called "Happy's," so locals Bo and Robin Chapman dropped a "C" in front and called it their own just a couple weeks shy of a year ago.
This drive-through convenience store means never leaving your car or Gas City for snacking, baking and cleaning needs.
"It definitely gets pretty busy in here," said Blake Chapman, 21, son of Bo and Robin.
Blake Chapman has experienced a few carloads of Taylor students this year.
"They're usually smiling and laughing," Chapman said. "I guess because they're not used to this."
Chappy's, at 157 W. Main St., is the first of its kind in the area. Anyone can simply drive or walk in, say what he or she wants, and an employee brings it out.
"Some old ladies come through here, just out of the shower . . . so no one will see them," said Chapman.
"With their hair in a towel," said employee Whitney Owens, 22.
"We get a lot of regulars," Owens said. "People come in and say they want their usual."
"Most of the time we know what they want before they ask," said Chapman.
Chapman even has a few regulars who are wheelchair bound. One such woman comes all the way from Fairmount, Ind., to avoid navigating through regular grocery stores.
Gas City is a small town, but you won't hear Chapman complaining.
"I wouldn't want to live anywhere else," Chapman said.
Chapman is proud of this place. The Marion Chronicle-Tribune called this business venture "risky" because of the economy, but Chapman is confident, selling fountain pops to almost every customer who comes through.
"What all did she get?" Chapman asked as he sorted another customer's money.
"Just the 32," Owens said as she slid a cup under the pop dispenser.
Chapman gave Owens the change, and she stepped outside. The pair may only be 3 months into their dating relationship, but they work as a solid team in this arena.
Chapman claims his fountain pop is the best because that's what regulars tell him. Give him three quarters, and he'll give you a 32-ounce styrofoam cup full of whatever you request. A quarter more, and you'll get 44 ounces.
"(A Polar Pop) is more of a fashion statement than anything else," Chapman said. "It's what's on the inside that counts."
Chapman also showed off his coffee station, selling a 16-ounce cup for $1 and a cappuccino for only a quarter more.
Chappy's is also working toward getting in some hot food, possibly starting with a pizza oven, according to Chapman. They also hope to get approved by the state to accept food stamps from the many community members who use them.
Located right in front of a neighborhood, kids on their way home from school or people walking their dogs stroll through looking for a little something to toss in their mouths.
Whitney will reach under the counter and grab a couple Tootsie Rolls or a dog treat so they can do just that.
"The people coming through, you know them - you joke around," said Owens smiling.
Chappy's is a "drive-through convenience store" - it says so right on the sign, but it's more than a business. It's a place to gather for this small community of regulars.
