Groton Business Paul's Service Center Needs Your Support

The new coronavirus has changed life for all of us. Local businesses have taken a huge economic hit, but communities are finding creative ways to support the establishments they know and love.

In an effort to help local businesses in our communities stay connected and succeed, Patch will shine a light on some of them through a series of Q&A articles during this time.

Paul's Service Center is one of the businesses in town facing struggles during the coronavirus. You can lend your support by reading more about the company, below, and by contacting them here.

Tell us about your business and its history in your town.

Paul and Terri Arsenault opened Paul's Service Center in the Citgo station on Poquonnock Road in July 1989. They were three months pregnant with their son, Chris, when they opened the business. Paul is a veteran of the US Army. In 1997 they bought the old Kononchik station on Route 184. Chris began working for his parents at 15 and finished high school early to go on to New England Tech.

In 2016, Paul and Terri semi retired to give Chris the opportunity to make sure he wanted to do this for the rest of his career. In 2017 Paul retired, and in 2019 Terri retired. Chris, a single father of two elementary age children, officially took over the business January 2019. The shop is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and has always offered rides to and from work or home in the Groton area. The pandemic has not changed that but now the shop offers payment processing over the phone to follow the CDC guidelines of social distancing.

How has the new coronavirus impacted your business and its employees?

Due to the stay-at-home orders and many being laid off from work, we have fewer cars coming in daily for repairs. We have had to lay off a few employees hopefully for just a short period of time.

How can local customers support you now and in the future?

Like and share us on Facebook, and if you're a past customer, please do a review. You can call us for an appointment or buy a gift certificate for a future appointment! After serving the community for 31 years we would love to serve for another 31 years!

Do you have any words of encouragement for your community?

Stay strong and we will all make it through these trying times. Support the mom and pop shops as much as possible and we will be there to help you in any way possible.

Are you offering any special services, promotions or hours during this time?

Monthly specials include AC recharge, free tire rotation with alignment, buy three tires get the fourth free and much more. Just call 860-445-5653 and we will give you that month's special. Military ALWAYS get a discount!

Are there any other outstanding businesses in town you think deserve some community support?

Any mom and pop restaurant like Tollgate Pizza, as well as grocery store workers, first responders, food banks and Meals On Wheels.

Do you own a local business in need of a feature on Patch? Fill out the questions in this form for consideration. Or, check out Patch's full list of resources for small businesses during the coronavirus crisis.

Thank you, and stay safe!