BY SARAH STEPHENS

ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS

The new, expanded Circle K store opened for business today, offering twice the size as the previous store on Hwy. 14 near I-65.

“We haven’t sold any diesel yet,” an employee said. “I don’t think the truck drivers know we are open! But we are so excited to be. We want everyone to come out and see the new facility. We are pretty proud of it.”

Indeed, it has been a long wait for regular customers and employees, as almost a year has passed since the old store was demolished.

But with everything bigger, better, shiny and new, the location is a healthy sales tax revenue for the city per month, and officials are happy to see it operational.

Inside customers will find a wide variety of snacks, drinks, wine and beer, hot pizza, and the very popular coffee display featuring fresh coffee beans in several varieties.

There are 24 gas pumps, that include regular, non-ethanol and diesel as well.

Next door, the express oil change business has also broken ground, and could be operational by the end of the year.

Once outside of the city limits, the 2.7 acres was annexed in by the Millbrook City Council last year, zoned to B-3 (highway commercial).

The plans entail a complete redevelopment of the site, said Ann Harper, economic development director for the City of Millbrook. The store will more than double in size to 5,200 square feet and the number of pumps will be doubled to 24.

Of the new and improved development, Economic Director Ann Harper said “They will create a more inviting environment for customers. It is also a great location right by the interstate.”

“It’s a win-win for us,” City Council President Michael Gay said. “It’s an awesome location and a win for the city. The teamwork by everyone involved made it a great project for us.”