Cover Image: The warmth that Ketan “Shiv” Patel extends to University of South Carolina students is why Shiv’s Convenience is such a popular place. 

Ketan “Shiv” and Kalpana Patel, husband and wife owners of Shiv’s Convenience Store, view their customers like family. “My mom and dad want the store, which is located on the University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus, to feel like home,” said daughter Banci Patel, who manages the store’s Instagram page. “The students treat my father like he’s their best friend, coming by to tell him about their job interviews or tests. Both my parents have formed a family through the store within the student community at USC.”

BUILDING A FAMILY

Nine years ago, the Patels purchased the store property in the middle of the campus. “It had previously been a convenience store but had been closed for several years before my parents bought it,” Banci said. It took them six months to renovate the store before it reopened as Shiv’s Convenience.

Starting from scratch with the inventory, the Patels focused on products oriented to students. “We began with the essentials, such as snacks and drinks, as well as USC-branded merchandise,” Banci said. “We noticed that students looked for or asked for particular things like granola bars and Gatorade.” Through trial and error, the elder Patels “discovered what works best and what didn’t” for the merchandise mix.

While the store hasn’t branched out into fresh foodservice yet, it stocks the staples, such as milk, eggs and butter, in addition to grab-and-go options and beer. “We also sell a lot of Gamecock [the university mascot] t-shirts and hats,” Banci said.

The store supports university clubs with sponsorships and posts flyers for on-campus events, such as student theater productions. “We are more than happy to help the students and clubs as much as we’re able,” she said.

Late last year, a second Shiv’s Convenience Store opened across from a student apartment complex. Run by Shiv’s brother, Bakul Patel, the store has a similar product assortment as the original Shiv’s. “We’re excited to get started and eager to see students,” said Bakul’s daughter Kesha Patel in a news article about the opening. “We hope to become a permanent fixture in the Columbia community.”

A FRIENDLY FACE

What makes Shiv’s Convenience unique is Shiv himself. “My father is just a very caring person,” Banci said. “He cares for the students a lot and is genuinely happy when they come in. He’s always asking them how they are, and if they’re sad, he asks them what’s wrong—and they tell him. He has a big heart.”

In 2021, Banci started an Instagram page for her father. “He’s garnered quite an Instagram following through my posting pictures of him—with his approval, of course,” she said. “Students seem to like seeing him in the store and when he travels.”

While Banci also advertises store sales, the Instagram page is mostly photos of her father explaining Indian culture. “For example, when wewent to India for my sister’s wedding recently, my dad wanted me to post pictures of him there so he could teach the students where he’s from and his culture.”

These posts have “really resonated with the students,” Banci said. “They like seeing another side of my dad. It’s become a more personal way for him to connect with students, and we get a lot of good interaction from the posts.”

Banci said her father’s desire is that everyone who comes into the store leaves with “a good feeling that whenever they need anything, they know the store’s going to be there for them.” A testament to Shiv Patel’s impact on customers is when former students drop by to visit when they’re in town. “Those who have graduated will often return to say hello, which makes him very happy,” Banci said.