.svg)
When the beloved JustRite restaurant in Rushville closed its doors in 2018 after the previous owners retired, the community felt the loss. But Crystal Pavey saw an opportunity to bring back something special—and she's been serving up success ever since.
"I bought it and managed to do well. I’ve been very pleased with it," Crystal says with characteristic modesty. But the truth is, she's done much more than just keep the doors open. Through hard work, smart improvements, and the dedication of her team—some of whom have been with her since day one—Crystal has grown JustRite into something the community can count on.
Listening to What the Community Needs
About two and a half years ago, Crystal noticed something missing in Rushville: a sit-down breakfast spot where people could gather in the morning. While JustRite had built its reputation as a fast food restaurant, Crystal wasn't afraid to expand the menu to meet her neighbors' needs.
"We decided to try to accommodate the community's needs by offering a sit-down breakfast menu," she explains. "That has been well received."
It's this kind of responsiveness—understanding what people want and delivering it—that makes Crystal's approach to business so successful. She's not just running a restaurant; she's creating a gathering place for her community.
Little Mr. and Little Miss JustRite: Making a Big Difference
One of Crystal's most creative community initiatives is the annual Little Mr. and Little Miss JustRite contest. The concept is simple but powerful: community members nominate children, then vote by donating money to their favorite nominee’s can. The winners participate in the town parade and other special events through the year.
What makes this initiative truly special is that all the money raised goes to local causes. Past efforts have bought Christmas gifts for children in need. This year, Crystal is planning something that hits close to home for many families: paying off negative lunch balances for students at local schools.
"We donate to sports teams, we're involved with a lot of different charity-type events and that sort of thing," Crystal shares. "We enjoy the idea we get to give back to the community."
Why Personal Banking Relationships Matter
For a business owner managing multiple ventures, having the right banking partner makes all the difference. Crystal has found that partner in USLA.
"We've been very pleased with USLA, not only through JustRite, but other businesses we’ve worked with through USLA as well," she says. "Having a bank that’s local to us and that’s a small, more personal bank—that’s what I like the most.”
The difference between working with a community bank and a larger institution is clear to Crystal. "I feel like I get a more personalized relationship with them, in comparison to some of the other banks I've dealt with. At bigger banks, you don't get to develop that personal relationship with them."
Community Investment: More Than Just Business
For Crystal, community involvement isn't optional—it's essential. "I think it's very important to give back to the community."
"Being out in the community and being involved in different events, you get to know the community, and it becomes like one big family," she explains. "I have been blessed, so I feel called to share those blessings with others, for all those who have supported me."
At USLA, we're inspired by business owners like Crystal who understand that success isn't just measured in profits, but in the positive impact you have on the people around you. From serving breakfast to families on Saturday mornings to helping students with their lunch accounts, Crystal shows us what it means to truly invest in your community.
At USLA, banking begins with U—and customers like Crystal remind us that when you give back to your community, everyone benefits.
Are you looking for a banking partner who shares your commitment to community? Visit us at our Rushville location at 131 South Main Street or call (765) 932-6131 to learn how USLA can support your goals.