Conrad has worked around food, including Jimmy John’s and Menna’s Joint, for the majority of his life. His role in the creation and development of Menna’s led him to open an eatery of his own.

“I resigned from Menna’s (after four years) and really just wanted to start new,” he said.

When Conrad noticed the “for lease” sign in front of the former CD Warehouse, he left no time for hesitation.

“When the lease sign went up I jumped on it,” Conrad said. “I signed the lease without knowing what I was going to sell. I figured, it’s a busy enough corner, there has got to be a way to make money off this store.”

With help from his sister, Howell resident Jen Runske, Conrad’s Corner became a reality. Runske acts as Conrad’s accountant and works behind the scenes contributing to the corner store’s success.

After taking location and East Lansing consumers into account, Conrad decided to turn his store into a post-bar hangout.

“I wanted the store to cater to the late night crowd,” he said.

Conrad’s Corner opened in August, just in time for Welcome Week bar-goers.

The store features late-night snacks, hot chocolate, winter hats and gloves, energy drinks, T-shirts and flags. Not to mention an ATM for the convenience of those who leave all their money at the bar.

“Our most popular items are probably pizza, hot pretzels, chili dogs and cigarettes,” Conrad said.

Conrad is happy with the way things are going for his first corner store. However, he still has a few tricks up his sleeves.

Before winter break, Conrad hopes to introduce cinnamon rolls, breakfast sandwiches and baked chicken wings.

“I’m bringing in new things for second semester,” Conrad said. “(The store is) eventually going to be called, ‘Conrad’s Corner Store and Deli.’ There is no good deli around here (yet).”

Conrad said his idea for the deli came from his need to expand during the day.

Conrad’s Corner opens every day at 5 p.m.

“We usually close around 3 (a.m.) when the town dies down,” Conrad said.

Conrad’s Corner is only a stone’s throw away from East Lansing hot-spots such as Rick’s American Cafe, Harper’s Restaurant & Brewpub, Dublin Square Irish Pub, The Landshark and Beggar’s Banquet.

“It’s a work in progress right now. Business is good but the bars have been slower than in the past,” he said.

Conrad became familiar with the bar scene during his days as an MSU student.

“I know I would have wanted to go hang out at a place like this after the bars let out,” he said.