Newest Ayreco Store Will Include Steak 'n Shake

CANTON, Mo.--Ayers Oil Co., a fourth-generation petroleum marketer that operates 15 convenience stores in Northeast Missouri, plans to open a new convenience store with a Steak 'n Shake restaurant here in Canton, Mo., next month.

Ayers Oil President Steve Ayers told the Quincy Herald-Whig the joint venture is a first for the company and was developed during the site selection process.

"When we did site studies for location, the study suggested bringing in a major fast-food franchise. Steak 'n Shake is the one we came up with," Ayers said.

Convenience store manager Raven Harrison added the chain was "excited to get the word out."

"We're excited to bring Steak 'n Shake to Canton and bring a new convenience store to Canton. We think it will be a good thing for Canton and the surrounding area," said Harrison.

Restaurant manager Andrew Scott said the Steak 'n Shake will hire about 60 people. Harrison said the Ayerco convenience store likely will need 10 to 20 employees.

Construction has begun at the store and restaurant site, and Ayers said both projects are "on target" right now.

The convenience store should open between June 7 and 21, according to Harrison; Scott said plans are to open the Steak 'n Shake on June 21.

Ayers Oil already has a smaller, older Ayerco location in downtown Canton. "It's not been determined if it will stay open or not," Ayers said.