Casey’s hopes to begin construction of new store in Marquette this fall
The current Casey’s General Store in downtown Marquette will give way to a new store within the next year. Casey’s said it hopes to begin construction this fall, making more room to accommodate all of its food and beverage offerings. (Photo by Audrey Posten)
By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor
Casey’s General Store hopes to begin constructing a new store in Marquette early this fall, according to James Pistillo, vice president of accounting and treasurer for the company.
Casey’s took over ownership of the convenience store, which was formerly a Go America store, in Oct. 2013. Since then, Pistillo said the company has looked for ways to enlarge the store’s space to accommodate all its food and beverage offerings.
“At one point, early on after the acquisition, the plan was to just remodel the existing store,” he said, “but that plan changed, and now it is scheduled to be rebuilt new from the ground up.”
Pistillo said the Casey’s construction group is still working out the exact details of the expansion plan, so the size and dimensions of the building have not been officially decided. It will be constructed in downtown Marquette, near the site of the current store.
A key feature of the new store will include a larger food service area.
“When we make an acquisition like this, we always try to add our food service area,” Pistillo commented. “The biggest need is for expanded food service offerings such as our made-from-scratch pizza program and, in about half our stores, our made-to-order sub sandwich program. We also typically expand the coffee bar and soda selections, and may add cooler door space. In many of our remodeled stores, we also add a beer cave.”
Outside, Pistillo said more gas dispensers may be added, as well as diesel fuel.
Pistillo said the construction timetable depends upon permit approvals, but the company’s best guess is for construction to begin early this fall and be completed mid-winter. He said the store will be closed during some of that time due to the level of effort involved.
Headquartered in Ankeny, Casey’s General Store has over 1,900 stores, primarily located in the Midwest.
“We are very excited about the opportunity to serve the Marquette community,” Pistillo said, “and expect to be there for many years to come.”
