Thompson previously owned three other locations in Montgomery, Ala., and has been in the gas station business for more than 30 years. "We started looking for a place in Millbrook seven or eight years ago," Thompson told The Montgomery Advertiser. "Millbrook was growing, and we decided to sell [image-nocss] our businesses in Montgomery."
He said his locations in Montgomery started to be negatively affected by high crime in the area, and he wanted to find a safer place to operate. "We did a lot of homework on this site. This location has good traffic, and it's in a good neighborhood," he said. "We fell in love with Millbrook. The city officials were super nice."
Construction on the Liberty store began in October 2008, and it officially opened to the public in June. Thompson, who currently lives in Montgomery, hopes to eventually move his family to Millbrook, as well, said the report.
The new c-store and gas station was designed specifically to create a small-town atmosphere for customers, with the inclusion of a wall-mounted flat-screen TV (which plays news programming), several tables for customers to sit and a coffee area that was created by Thompson himself. "We wanted the neighborhood to be appreciative and to be proud of it. We spent extra money on decor and flooring," he said. "It's not the average convenience store."
The Great American Cafe, as Thompson has named the specially designed area, includes, among other things, coffee, pizza, fried chicken and breakfast items. The theme of "America" extends to the entire store, and Thompson explained why it was so important to him. "We're very patriotic. It projects the America theme," he said. "We chose the Liberty brand for that reason. We just don't take pride in who we are anymore. We're American-owned, American-operated. We're proud to be Americans."
Liberty also sports a large monitor behind the cashier, which shows customers that they are on camera and being watched at all times. Thompson said that the security system was put in to deter those who may want to cause trouble in the store, to protect the employees in the event of a robbery or similar crime, and to make the customers feel more comfortable and safe. "It works all the way around," Thompson said. "It makes the bad guys want to go somewhere else."
Separately, in Auburn, Wash., the "ding, ding" of the full-service gas station is returning at a new Chevron station, which is going back to full service at least part of the time, reported KING 5 News-TV. Thursday through Monday, 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., customers can get their windows washed, oil checked and tires inflated.
Andrew Raab, who's father was also in the gasoline business, co-owns the station with his wife. Raab is hoping that the return to full service, at no extra charge, will bring in more business.
Customers can still pump their own fuel, but with demand, the full service hours could expand.
The bell had to be dug out of storage, along with the little clip boards to handle credit cards, said the report. What's old is new again, and customers seem glad to see it, it added.
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