In the Spring of 1977…
the Gas Lite moved to its current location and started its new identity as a budding grocery store, the northernmost grocery store in the state of Michigan! It was also one of the few businesses that remained open all year long in Copper Harbor as it still does today.
The store was sold in May of 1981 to Tom and Tish Boost who operated the store with their daughter Erin Trish until May of 2001. Jeff and Kelly Coltas purchased the store in May 2001 and sold it in February 2019 to Staci Gibson who had enjoyed working for them for 14 years prior.
In 2019 the Gas Lite General Store was rebranded as The Genny. It remains officially as The Gas Lite General store however the nickname ‘The Genny’ had been adopted by seasonal employees in the area and the name stuck.
The Gas Lite General Store began life in Copper Harbor as an antique store, started by Frank and Mable Judnich in 1964. It was originally located around the corner at what is now the Laughing Loon.
The Gas Lite name was inspired by the idea to incorporate gas lights into many of the stores and homes inCopper Harbor. While many did include gas lights in their establishments, as time marched on, few of the gas lights remain today. Ironically, the relocated Gas Lite General Store did not have any gas lights on site.
Where we came from…
Who We Are Now…
We believe that small business is the lifeblood of America and our communities. Our goal is to support both local and small independent businesses just like us! As a result we have learned of so many fabulous food, beverage and spirit products that folks just like you and I are producing! It can be a challenge to be a small business and supporting each other is more important than ever. We still stock the old favorites but invite you to enjoy discovering the fun and delicious new products we bring in each week!
Where Visitors Become Regulars
ou don’t accidentally end up in Copper Harbor. You choose to come here.
Maybe it’s the trails.
Maybe Lake Superior.
Maybe the quiet.
Maybe the feeling that you’ve reached somewhere different.
At the very top of Michigan sits a grocery store built for exactly that kind of place. The Genny exists because life at the end of the road requires a little creativity — and a lot of community.
More Than a Grocery Store
Visitors arrive needing supplies.
Locals arrive needing conversation.
Snowshoers and skiers arrive needing warmth.
Mountain bikers arrive needing fuel for their next adventure.
Sometimes people just stop in because the lights are on and it feels welcoming.
We like it that way.
Weathered Together
When we became The Genny, none of us knew what was ahead.
Supply chain challenges.
Long winters.
Busy summers.
Unexpected hurdles.
We have weathered a lot — and came out stronger because of the people around us.
Powered by Coffee & Community
Copper Harbor shows up for its people.
Businesses support neighbors.
Visitors become friends.
Kindness isn’t unusual here — it’s expected. We never stop being amazed by how giving and supportive this community is. It is incredibly special. And we are deeply blessed to call it home.
You Never Know What You’ll Find
Fresh produce arrivals.
Seasonal surprises.
Hard-to-find favorites.
Local collaborations.
And occasionally something customers thought disappeared forever. (Looking at you, Ladyfingers.)
Don’t see something you want, just ask!