Pour Boys convenience stores, a longstanding staple of the Excelsior Springs and Mosby communities, will continue with new life under the ownership of Howard Mehdi. Hailing from Pakistan, Mehdi’s journey to the United States began in 1997, eventually leading him to become the steward of Pour Boys and its legacy.
Mehdi moved to Kansas City in 2005 from New Jersey. His family’s first convenience store was on Prospect Avenue in Kansas City, a humble and challenging venture that has led to his current role as the owner of eight area convenience stores, including four Pour Boys locations.
Mehdi’s expansion into the Excelsior Springs area began with his family’s acquisition of the “blue light station,” at the corner of Lightburne St and 69 Hwy. in, Liberty, MO. Taking over in November 2021, he and his brothers embarked on a mission to revitalize the station, investing over $200,000 into renovations and improvements. The station, previously embroiled in legal battles and maintenance issues, has been given a new lease on life under Mehdi’s ownership.
Embracing the importance of family, Mehdi notes that he and his four brothers maintain a joint family system, residing in separate homes while working closely together and operating their business. The loss of their father in 2017 brought them even closer, emphasizing the significance of their strong familial bond.
Mehdi’s vision for Pour Boys revolves around maintaining a clean and inviting atmosphere for the community. The transformation of the “blue light station” is a testament to this vision, with customers praising the store’s cleanliness and functionality. Pour Boys has always been a local fixture, and Mehdi is committed to upholding the values and traditions that have been integral to the brand’s identity. “I would love to be involved with helping the schools or other community groups,” Mehdi said. “I’m glad to help however I can.”
Dennis Carter, the previous owner of Pour Boys, had taken over the business from his parents and worked to continue their legacy. Pour Boy Oil Co., founded in 1967, has deep roots in the community, and Mehdi is eager to build upon its rich history. Mehdi and his brothers purchased four of the five Pour Boys locations (Excelsior Springs, Mosby, Liberty, and Kansas City). Carter retained one location in Chillicothe, MO. Mehdi is hopeful they will be able to keep the Pour Boys name and said they are working with Carter to come to an agreement.
As Excelsior Springs continues to evolve, Howard Mehdi’s commitment to Pour Boys ensures that these convenience stores remain not only a place to shop but a symbol of community and familial connection. With new energy and dedication, the future of Pour Boys looks promising, carrying forward the values of its founders while embracing the spirit of growth and rejuvenation.
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Excellent, Mr. Mehdi is very sophisticated personality with great experience in Trade & Commerce, especially Gas Stations & Convenience Stores. I wish him all the best.
The manager lady downtown is very rude and mean to customers and employees!