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.

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.

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!

There has been a lot of activity at The Genny since 2019. Equipment has been upgraded, new floors installed. The layout has been modified a bit and A LOT of new products have been added! Our favorite addition is a BEAUTIFUL work in progress, which is a mural on the storefront by the incredible Lena Wilson! It is a wonderful depiction of the natural beauty and diversity of the area. And, our sweet little greeter Fern is always here to say hello. Stop by to see the progression.