AAPI HERITAGE MONTH (Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month) :: Uplifting & Honoring Asian Americans in Downtown Troy, NY.

Mr. Rhee do you have...? Hi Mr. Rhee! [hands a dollar for coffee and quickly leaves.] Mr. Rhee will you get any more of these hair clips? Mr. Rhee, Usted tiene aretes? [gestures to ears] (earrings) When we sat down to chat with Mr. Rhee, every customer that came in knew his name, or knew to find him for quick directions in the large store. It's unexpectedly deep, with long aisles and floor-to-ceiling displays. Nite Owl News has steadfastly occupied a classic historical front corner of the Illium Building for the past 27 years.

Mr. Rhee, originally from Seoul, South Korea, came to the US in 1986. First to New York City, then after visiting a friend in Troy, he relocated to the area. He learned and gained experience first working at stores in Troy and Clifton Park, doing every job from stocking shelves to cutting meat at the deli counter. In 1994, Young Rhee opened Nite Owl News at 400 Fulton Street. The store is one part grocery and one part beauty supply. Before opening, he researched by visiting stores in New York City, following trends and popular products. He is a member of the Merchant Association for Beauty and Cosmetic Supplies and attends annual exhibitions and trade shows. The grocery section carries household items, snacks and drinks. The deli counter offers made-to-order sandwiches and self-serve coffee. Mr. Rhee begins his day at 5:30am in the morning, picking up rolls from Bella Napoli Bakery, slicing and prepping them and unpacking boxes of muffins for the 6:00am crowd.

It's the same routine every day, much like the routine of his customers. Conveniently located near a CDTA bus stop, customers require quick and fresh service on their way to work. A lot of businesses aren't open as early as Nite Owl News. Mr. Rhee is there every morning, with hot coffee and muffins ready for his customers, watching the kids of his customers grown up. When asked whom were his oldest customers, he immediately says Stephanie, Ashley. Then conversation was cut short by a customer, "Mr. Rhee, do you have...?"

Nite Owl News is very much a family-run business. Mr. Rhee's wife works with him, his son-in-law is usually behind the counter, his nephew and church members have also work at the store over the years. Mr. Rhee believes that in order to build a strong community, you have to give back to the community. Nite Owl News has regularly donated backpacks and school supplies for Back-to-School and winter coats during the holidays to Kingdom Ministry.

For AAPI Month, Mr. Rhee believes that all of us are human beings. To help each other and love each other, makes everyone in all communities stronger. If things are focused on money, it doesn't build a strong community. We all need to be involved, with hearts and open minds.

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