The Australia Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) announced their rankings, placing the family-owned store among the best in the nation.

Justin Makhlouf owns the station with his uncle Gabriel “Gabby” Makhlouf and said it was proud achievement for the family.

“We opened in March 2015 and our family arrived in Blayney at the start of that year,” Justin Makhlouf said.

“It’s a family business, my brother, mum and dad all help out. The family touch makes the difference, it’s more than just our business.

“We’re here for the locals and the visitors, we’re doing all we possibly can to help customers with what they want, fuel, to toys or tools or (basic) groceries.”

AACS sends mystery shoppers out to judge shops on their appearance, service and product range on a regular basis, as does the shop’s suppliers.

Earlier this year, the shop’s suppliers, United Convenience Buyers (UCB) rated the Blayney store as their best in Australia.

“For the competition they come in four or five times, they check how we talk to customers, how our store looks. It’s the personal touch and the love we have which is clear to customers,” he said

Justin Makhlouf said being among the top three in Australia was good, but the family were looking to take it a step further next year.

“We want to win it next time, it’s the first time Westside and UCB have had a finalist, usually it’s stores from the big four (petrol suppliers) who win it.”