Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Business was booming at the grand opening of the mega-Circle K in east Safford on Friday.
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – “Build it and they will come.”
Like animals to Noah’s Ark, as the rain came down flocks of people descended upon the new super Circle K convenience store at 1542 E. U.S. Highway during its grand opening Friday.
According to Circle K Regional Operations Director Duane Sharp, the store opened at 3 a.m., Friday.
Other than that, Sharp was a man of few words and his tone matched his name.
“Welcome to Circle K,” he said. “It’s great to have you. Don’t ask me anything else. You got it?”
“We’re glad you’re here (but) we just can’t take pictures or talk about it (the store.)”
The new store replaces the smaller store just down the road and is the new prototype for Circle K. The store boasts 5,881 square feet of retail space, 20 parking spaces, and a 4,704-square-foot canopy area with eight gas pump stations featuring pumps on each side.
In addition to its wide array of fountain drinks, gourmet coffee, smoothies, and fresh food offerings, including breakfast burritos, sandwiches, and salads, the store also offers limited seating for those who wish to dine at the business.
On Friday, fresh food employee Mary Granatowski greeted customers with free breakfast burrito samples at the door as the parking lot became full of patrons.
The store had free samples and giveaways all day. The bigger, better Circle K is meant to attract those seeking fresh food options while on the go and will benefit the growing Copper Canyon subdivision as well as mine traffic from Safford to Morenci and other Highway traffic.
