- June 16, 2021
- Posted by: Stratford Team
- Category: Business
When Jaklin Java and her brother opened the doors of their C&S Shell gas station and convenience store 17 years ago in Mission Hills, these first-generation Americans fulfilled lifelong dreams of owning a business in California and creating jobs in their new community. Despite increasing resale taxes on gasoline and the continual increase in the cost of doing business in their new hometown, Java and her brother have managed to keep their business open, support their families, and the families of their four employees.
As with many convenience store owners in Los Angeles, Java works long days. She greets customers who fuel up cars, grab snacks, and purchase critical supplies like toilet paper, soap, eggs, bread, and milk. And if you’re like Ashafaq Khan, the man Zakir Malek has entrusted to manage his 99 Cent Discount Store for the past 20 years; you take great pride in the relationships you’ve made with your customers and neighbors over time.
When…
