Rison Convenience Store Expected to Re-Open Soon

RISON - A Rison convenience store that was heavily damaged by a fire last year following a burglary is expected to open soon after being closed for about 11 months, the new operator of the store has announced.Uday Gaddam, who will be operating the store, said he expects inventory for the remodeled store to arrive this week, allowing him to re-open the store after being closed for nearly a year. Rison Fire Chief Alan Parnell reported last year that firefighters responded to a call at 5:03 a.m. Sunday, June 11, 2023, at the Rison One Stop located at the corner of Magnolia (Hwy. 35) and Pine Street in Rison.Parnell said firefighters were able to access the fire through the back door, but the fire had destroyed the inside of the building before it could be extinguished. He said it appeared the fire had been burning for some time by the time the fire department arrived. Parnell described the interior of the building as a total loss.Gary Young, chief deputy for the Cleveland County Sheriff's Department, said some items were found missing from inside the store which prompted an investigation. The sheriff's department subsequently arrested Heidi Cash and Kristal Kirkpatrick, both of Rison,and Justin Wright of Warren, and charged them with commercial burglary, theft of property, and arson.The store has been completely rebuilt inside since the fire, and the outside of the building has been improved with new paint and trim work.Renovations to the building include an expanded kitchen area and a larger counter space at the front, and new lighting has been installed throughout. Gaddam said he will have dine-in seating available inside the store, and is also considering the possibility of adding refrigerator space for fresh produce along the back wall.Gaddam said the store will continue to offer a hot deli as before, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner items including daily lunch specials and pizza. He already had some promotional pieces advertising "combo" specials attached to…