GAYLORD - Three months after the August demolition of its previous Rich Oil building, Speedway on Main Street is ready for business.

The store reopened Nov. 30 at noon, two weeks ahead of schedule, bringing an expanded building and the Speedy Rewards program to the Gaylord area.

In addition to the rewards program, the new store building provides an expanded food service and more room for merchandise.

"Speedway wants new buildings to offer a variety of services to the customers and create 'one-stop' shopping," said manager Shari Jachym.

Construction overhauls included the new 2,716-square-foot building, fuel tanks and pumps that necessitated expanding the staff from six to 13.

"The old building was a hole in the wall store. It was old," said Jachym. "This new (store) is three times the size of the old one."

"I like the wide open look," agreed employee Kim Pratt.

So far, business has been steady and slightly higher than anticipated for Jachym and the staff, who, according to Jachym, said many customers were happy with the opening.

"A lot of people were excited because they could use their Speedy Reward cards," said Jachym, who noted the store went through about 1,000 such cards the first three days after doors opened.

"(Customers have) big eyes and are excited and happy. Most (responses) are "Wow, this looks great."

Speedway is open 24 hours a day and is located at 730 W. Main St. in Gaylord.

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