ONEIDA, N.Y. -- The Oneida Nation plans to open five Maple Leaf Market convenience stores, a new brand, in central New York within the next two to three years. The concept will focus on fresh, made-to-order food.
Construction on its first store, located in Sherrill, N.Y., is set to begin at the end of May, with a grand opening planned for the fall.
As a tribute to upstate New York, and symbolic of the nation’s regional pride, the Maple Leaf Market stores will be designed in a rustic-contemporary Adirondack style. For this project, the Oneida Nation has again partnered with SixteenFifty Creative Intelligence, the team behind the design of several of the Oneida Nation’s restaurants, including TS Steakhouse, Upstate Tavern, Tin Rooster, Pino Bianco and Point Place Casino.
John Boucouvalas, director of SavOn and Maple Leaf Market operations, will oversee the stores. He has more than 25 years of leadership experience in the c-store channel, including with R.L. Jordan (Hot Spot) and RaceTrac, and 13 years with Wawa.
“We are constantly evolving our businesses as the needs and lifestyles of our guests change,” said Ray Halbritter, Oneida Nation representative and Nation Enterprises CEO. “Combining a convenient one-stop-shop experience with fresh made-to-order food, Maple Leaf Market will fulfill the needs for our always-on-the-go guests.”
The culinary team from the Nation’s Turning Stone Resort Casino will be involved with the development of Maple Leaf Market’s menu of fresh sandwiches, soups, salads, pastas and more. Snacks will include freshly cut fruits and vegetables, and the stores will offer freshly brewed gourmet coffee. Also, Maple Leaf Market will offer top-selling grocery and essential items, competitively priced gasoline, a variety of imported and domestic beers and more.
With the Oneida Nation’s innovative TS Rewards loyalty program, guests can also earn and use points on all Maple Leaf Market purchases, as well as purchases at all Oneida Nation Enterprise businesses, including Turning Stone Casino, Yellow Brick Road Casino, the golf courses, restaurants, spas, hotels, and entertainment and nightlife venues.
The Oneida Nation, based in Oneida, N.Y., operates the SavOn chain of 12 gas stations and c-stores in Oneida and Madison counties in New York.
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