OAK BROOK, Ill. -- "Open & Shut" is CSP Daily News' occasional roundup of many of the new-store openings, closures and sales taking place around the country by chains small, medium and large that have not otherwise been reported.
Especially on the independent operator level, this recurring feature provides a snapshot of the frequently changing retail marketplace that includes such outlets as convenience stores, gas stations, truckstops, travel centers and related locations.
Alabama
The Vestavia Tire Express Sunoco station in Vestavia Hills held a grand opening celebration in early October, reported WBRC-TV. It features "Media Savvy-Interactive" pumps that offer coupons and give local weather, news and entertainment reports.
Sunoco opened a new store in Bessemer on September 8, it said on Facebook.
Arizona
Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc. opened a new travel stop in Benson, at Interstate 10, Exit 302, on October 13. It is a remodeled former travel stop with a fully redesigned interior and new restrooms. It includes Chester's and Subway restaurants. It also features 75 truck spaces, six diesel islands, DEF dispensers at every diesel pump, CAT scales, five showers and other amenities. A Love's Truck Tire Care center will open soon. Professional truck drivers will receive double "I Love Rewards" loyalty points on purchases at the new location through November 13.
California
7-Eleven opened a store in downtown Los Angeles, 7ElevenSoCal said July 29 on Twitter. It also opened a store in Wilmington in late September, it said.
ARCO shuttered a station in Alameda in late June, reported the Alemada Sun. Without any announcement to the public trucks pulled up to the station, workers locked the doors and methodically boarded up the windows and the gas pumps.
Colorado
7-Eleven has signed a lease to open a store located in Boulder's University Hill business district, reported the Daily Camera on September 20. 7-Eleven officials executed a lease to operate a 2,800-square-foot store in the former Flatiron Theater building, Steve Moyski, managing partner at Denver's Urban Frontier LLC, which owns the property, told the newspaper. The store will anchor the building at the corner.
Florida
Florida 595 Truck Stop will hold a grand opening October 11 in Davie, according to NATSO.
7-Eleven has opened a new store in Sanford, 711Franchise said on Twitter on August 19
Hawaii
Aloha Gas opened a new store in, it said on Facebook in early August.
Illinois
A BP station in Winnetka is expanding, Trib Local Winnetka said on September 8. It is replacing its long-vacant service bays with an expanded c-store. The village has required it to create a sidewalk area and add landscaping. A provision of the special use permit prohibits the station from serving hot prepared food.
Indiana
On September 15, TravelCenters of America said it completed renovations and rebranding of a Petro travel center in Brazil. Previously a Steel City, it was purchased by TA in May 2011. Changes include renovation of the full-service restaurant, rebranded as Iron Skillet; parking lot resurfacing and striping, with 102 truck parking spaces; four renovated private showers with an automated shower system; new high-speed diesel pumps at all nine diesel lanes; Shell gasoline; UltraONE Rewards Program kiosk and swiping system; and other building enhancements and reimaging. It offers drivers amenities including a pet exercise area; CAT scale; a driver's lounge; Wi-Fi; TripPak; check cashing; faxing/copying; ATM services; a Petro:Lube with four service bays; and RoadSquad 24/7/365 emergency roadside assistance. Future upgrades will include more showers; travel store enhancements; and on-island, single-dispenser bulk DEF dispensing.
Super Pantry has opened a new store in Lafayette, the company said on Twitter on July 27.
Casey's opened a new location in Greencastle in late September, said the Greencastle Banner-Graphic. The opening, which had been scheduled to open in October, got pushed up by the company.
Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc. opened a new travel stop in DeMotte, at Interstate 65, Exit 230, on October 6. It includes an Arby's restaurant. It also has 118 truck spaces, DEF dispensers at the diesel islands, CAT scales, five showers, a game room and other amenities. A Love's Truck Tire Care center is located behind the travel stop. Professional truck drivers will receive double "I Love Rewards" loyalty points on purchases at the new location through November 6.
Iowa
Kum & Go opened a new store in Fairfield in early August, it said on Twitter. It also opened a new store in Cedar Rapids on September 30, the company told CSP Daily News.
Kwik Trip Inc. posted photos on Facebook of the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new store in Cedar Falls on August 10.
Kansas
The Jump Start station in Wichita is scheduled to reopen in October, said the Wichita Eagle. The former Conoco station has been empty for more than two years. "I'm going to do it unbranded," Narendra Patel told the paper. He plans to offer Hunt Brothers Pizza station at the store, and hopes to add a Dunkin' Donuts franchise.
The Kismet General Store opened on July 18, according to the Leader & Times. Owner Maria Cox said her store has basic grocery items, medicine and automotive items. She said fuel is not yet available, but it should be by August. It has a coffee and breakfast sandwiches, grab-and-go snacks and a lunch menu. It plans to add Hunt Brother Pizza.
Kentucky
CJ's Quick Stop gas station and c-store, owned by Clint and Shannon Jackson, opened on June in Beechmont, iSurfNews.com said. It sells Marathon branded fuel and offers snacks, drinks, pizza, hot sandwiches, breakfast and clean restrooms.
Harper Properties Inc. added a c-store and Marathon gas station in LaGrange, HarperOil said on Twitter on August 2.
Louisiana
A RaceTrac station in Geismer held its grand opening on September 23, the company said.
Maine
Gas station attendant, mechanic and small-businessman Joe Kalel is now the owner of an independent gas station selling unbranded gasoline in Brewer, said the Bangor Daily News. The station, known as "Joe's Gulf" for 34 of the last 35 years--Kalel opted to sell CITGO fuel for a year, but switched back--is now simply "Joe's" after he decided he was tired of fighting with the corporate folks. "They told me I didn't really fit their image. I'm too small," he told the newspaper. Dead River Co. remains his supplier after the changeover, which became official earlier this month. Becoming an independent station has no effect on the garage, and very few visible effects on the filling station except for the number of credit cards it can accept.
"I'm not going to be able to take the fleet cards from places like Advance Auto Parts or rental companies," Joe Kalel said. "That will hurt. I'll just accept only the major credit cards now."
Maryland
Royal Farms opened new stores in Baltimore and in The Varsity at University of Maryland College Park, the company said on Facebook on October 13.
Wawa opened a store in Reisterstown in late September, reported the WilsonCarroll CountyTimes. It has 12 gasoline pumps.
Tranzon is holding a bankruptcy sale for a gas station and convenience store in Cambridge.
The Dundalk Mart in Dundalk closed, and it reopened on September 12 as a 7-Eleven, reported the Dundalk Patch.
Giant opened a gas station in Colesville on September 13, according to the Colesville Patch. Giant operates a grocery across the street from the gas station.
On August 1, owner Reza Pishva's vision for a "community gathering place" became reality when the Green Apple c-store opened its doors to the public, said the Colesville Patch. Pishva's plans also include a full-service deli, ice cream and frozen yogurt, local baked goods and displaying and selling the works of local artists.
Massachusetts
Cumberland Farms opened a new store in Leicester, the company said on Twitter on Ooctober 7.
Michigan
After eight years in business, Venice Petroleum, a gas station/convenience store/restaurant in Venice Township, closed its doors and went up for sale in mid-August, said the Argus-Press. Owner Fred Sitto cited the poor economy as the main reason for the closure of the BP station, but also pointed to a battle with township and county officials over Venice's request to open a diesel fueling station and corporate changes to its fast-food franchises, A&W and Long John Silver's. "It's devastating. There's no doubt about it," said Sitto, who built the complex on vacant property in 2003, investing $1.5 million. "I worked hard for this all my life, and it's all down the drain."
A Marathon gas station, tobacco shop and c-store in Flushing opened its doors on September 16, said the Flint Journal.
Minnesota
Kwik Trip opened a $3 million location in St. Michael in late September that includes a full car wash, diesel service and an expansive c-store, reported the St. Michael Patch. The store employs about three dozen workers. Assistant site manager Jeff Skrypek introduced himself and the Kwik Trip "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" program by presenting St. Michael fire chief Steve Hosch with a check for $2,000, to help with equipment purchases.
Kwik Trip Inc. posted photos on Facebook of the Byron grand reopening ceremony on September 7.
Built in 1969 and without renovation since, the Clarkfield Cenex C-Store was remodeled, reported the Granite Falls Advocate Tribune in late July. Repair required after a kerosene leak in January encouraged the Cenex board to bring in contractors earlier than planned. The store and office were was gutted to make way for new sheet rock, flooring, ceilings and handicapped accessible bathrooms. The result is a cleaner, contemporary feel, ergonomically sound and more energy efficient. The extra space provided room for tables. It will continue to offer movies for rent, food and drink and other convenience items; automobile services; diesel; LP gas; and an RV sewer dump.
Missouri
In early October, Pilot Flying J opened a newly acquired travel center in Collins, and it will remodel the Pilot Travel Center, expected to be complete by the end of October. The 7,390-sq.-ft. travel center features six fuel islands and eight diesel islands along with a restaurant and c-store. It will include a Subway restaurant, restrooms, pay phones, fax and copy services, Western Union, an ATM, lottery, an arcade and an AirVac. It will feature a deli area with Oscar Mayer hot dogs, sandwiches, pizza and pastries. In addition to diesel fuel, professional drivers will have access to such services as a driver kiosk, CAT scale, laundry services, three automated showers and 35 parking spaces for trucks.
Western Oil Inc., a family-owned business that operates several Phillips 66, Conoco and BP stations, purchased a station in O'Fallon for approximately $4.75 million, or about $483 per square foot. The 9,841-sq.-ft. building was constructed in 2007, the CoStar Group said in mid-July.
Kum & Go opened a new store in St. Robert on September 30, the company told CSP Daily News.
New Jersey
The borough's first 7-Eleven opened in mid-July in Tenafly, said the Record.
New York
A remodeled Stewart's Shop opened in Cobleskill in July. It also completed a gasoline upgrade in Watertown in July, the company said on its website. And it posted pictures on Facebook of the grand opening of a new store in Albany in mid-August.
A 7-Eleven opened in Richmond Valley in mid-September said the Staten Island Advance. It is located at a Sunoco station, replacing a deli that closed more than 20 months ago, said co-owner Andrew Gonchar, who will run the 2,600-sq.ft. store with his business partner, Frank D'Amato.
North Carolina
Monroe Oil Co. opened a BP Fill Good Gas Station in Charlotte in late September, vice president Amy Furr told the Charlotte Observer.
Circle K Southeast held a grand opening for a new store in Charlotte, CircleK_SE said on Twitter on September 30.
Ohio
The Downtown Circle Convenience & Deli store opened in Youngstown, reported the Vindicator on July 30.
United Dairy Farmers was set to open a new store in Middletown in October, said the Middletown Journal. The 4,000-sq.-ft store is more than double the size of the old one, and will add at least twice the jobs the old store had for a total 25 jobs, said Frank Cogliano, senior vice president of UDF. New features include a gas station with 16 fueling positions, an ice cream parlor with indoor and outdoor seating, a beer den and other improvements to the coffee and fountain drink area. The location has been open 49 years.
Oklahoma
Kum & Go Opened a new store in Claremore on July 29, the company said on Twitter. It opened a new store in Tulsa on September 2, it said on Twitter.
Oregon
Rickreall has a store once again, reported the Statesman Journal. Ravinder Paul Singh opened Stop 'n' Save market on September 19, bringing back c-store services to this central Polk County locale. It has beverages, including local wines and a wide selection of beer, a hot-food deli, self-service soft drinks and hot dogs, breakfast options including burritos and biscuits and gravy, fresh donuts and assorted other convenience items.
Rhode Island
7-Eleven opened a new store in Central Falls on August 26, the company said on Facebook. The grand opening celebration benefited the YMCA of Pawtucket.
South Carolina
Parker's Cos. opened a new store in Bluffton in front of Home Depoton October 14, ParkersPumpPal said on Twitter.
Tennessee
TriStar Energy has opened three Twice Daily c-stores. The first was in Joelton in mid-August; the others opened in Nashville and Smyrna in September, the company said on its website.
Texas
A new RaceTrac station opened in Frisco on July 18, the company said on Facebook. It opened a new location in Granbury on October 7, RaceTracDFW said on Twitter.
A new Stripes opened in Rio Grande City, Susser said on Facebook on September 30.
Pilot Flying J reopened the newly remodeled Flying J Travel Plaza in El Paso in late July. The 13,971-sq.-ft. travel plaza features six fuel islands and 12 diesel islands along with a restaurant and c-store. It includes a Denny's restaurant, restrooms, pay phones, fax and copy services, Western Union, a UPS box, an ATM, check cashing services, lottery, an arcade area, an RV dump station and bulk propane. It features a full hot and cold deli featuring fresh-made salads, double bacon cheeseburgers, Pepperoni's handmade pizza and Oscar Mayer hot dogs as well as fresh cold condiments for grill items including jalapeno slices, onions and banana peppers. In addition to diesel fuel, professional drivers will have access to such services as a drivers kiosk, CAT scale, laundry services, 11 automated showers and 120 parking spaces for trucks.
An investor paid $5.5 million for a QuikTrip station under construction in Dallas, reported the Dallas Morning News. QuikTrip will open the station in early 2012 and lease it from the buyer.
A new CEFCO store in Harker Heights opened in mid-August, the company said on Facebook.
A portfolio of three 7-Eleven convenience store sites recently traded for $6.4 million, Rebusiness Online.com said on August 23. Alvin Mansour from The Mansour Group of Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services represented the seller. The assets are located in Dallas, Fort Worth and Arlington.
The newest JJ's Chevron opened in Liberty. John Hebert's son, John Jr. runs all four JJ's Chevrons, with the assistance of his area manager, store manager and customer service representatives, said the Vindicator on September 21. It features a beer cave.
Utah
Combo Convenience Stores Inc. purchased a Conoco c-store in Santaquin from Julie Wall for $750,000, or approximately $266 per square foot, said the CoStar Group on August 10. The property is a one-story, 2,816-sq.-ft. building. As part of the sale the buyer assumed a debt of $261,000. The property was marketed by the seller.
Virginia
Martin's new gasoline pumps in Williamsburg were open for business August 24, said the Williamsburg Yorktown Daily. The 10-pump station will have a pay-at-the-pump feature. It offers a fuelperks program that gives customers using a Martin's bonus card a 10-cent discount per gallon of gasoline for every $100 spent in the store. The pump station will offer gasoline mitts to keep customers' hands clean along with waterless hand soap, in addition to free air for tires.
A new 7-Eleven opened in Berryville, 711Franchise said on Twitter on August 23.
A 7-Eleven store in Winchester has relocated after more than 37 years in operation to a nearby site, said the Northern Virginia Daily. The old store closed September 26; workers are moving products and equipment from the building to its new location, which will September 27. The new site includes a Liberty gas station.
Thalia Shell, the station Bill Edney and his family have run for 42 years in Virginia Beach, closed in mid-October, reported the Virginian-Pilot. Thalia operated much like an old-time service station. It has three service bays, gasoline pumps and a small shop. It offered free air, and Edney helped customers check their tires. Edney said he was forced out because new management has purchased the property, a report by WTKR-TV added. It is being replaced by a Walgreens.
Vermont
Cumberland Farms opened a store in Randolph on October 6, the company said on Twitter.
Washington
The Mercer Island Chevron ExtraMile convenience store celebrated its grand opening on October 1, said the Mercer Island Reporter.
Mike's Exxon, believed to be the last place in the Tri-Cities to get a windshield wash, free air for tires and engine oil checked along with a gasoline fillup, closed September 30, said the Tri-City Herald. "I'm not sick, I'm not broke and it's not Obama's fault. I just want to retire," said Mike Henderson, 62, owner of the Kennewick location for 14 years.
The Gravelly Lake ARCO station in Lakewood closed down for business recently, reported the Lakewood Patch on July 18.
Wisconsin
One of Madison's last full service gas station close, the Wisconsin State Journal said on August 1. Daren Duffy and his wife, Joan, bought the station in 2001 after managing it since 1995. The Duffys survived as independents for 10 years. The station charged extra 50 cents extra per gallon for full service, which included windows washed, oil and tire pressures checked, gas pumped, and a car wash good for two weeks. A certified mechanic, Duffy hopes to stay in the automotive business.
Kwik Trip Inc. posted photos on Facebook of the ribbon-cutting ceremonies for four new stores opened in July (Appleton [2], both July 13; Neenah, July 26; and Chaska, July 27;) and two in August (Waunakee, August 9; Wautoma, August 31).
Kwik Trip opened a c-store, gas station and car wash on September 8 in Hutchinson, said the Hutchinson Leader. It has about 5,300 square feet of retail space; 26 gas pumps dispensing E85 and octane grades 87, 89 and 91; two pumps dispensing regular and premium grades of diesel fuel; and an electric vehicle charging station. It employs 35 people.
The Stevens Point BP officially opened for business July 29 after a previous station at the location closed abruptly about seven months ago, reported Central Wisconsin Business.
Wyoming
Kum & Go opened a new store in Rock Springs on October 7, the company said on Twitter.
Please send your store openings and related announcements to Greg Lindenberg atglindenberg@cspnet.com, and follow me at www.twitter.com/glcspdn and www.facebook.com/glcspdn.
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