QT to Bring Next-Generation Stores to Kansas City

KANSAS CITY -- QuikTrip Corp. plans to build at least three of its next-generation stores in the Kansas City market by the end of 2012. The new stores will be about 20 percent larger than the company's previous prototypes and offer outdoor seating and full beverage service to compete with Starbucks and other coffee shops, the Kansas City Business Journal reported.

"Typically, everything is self-service at QuikTrip," spokesman Mike Thornbrugh said. "Now we're getting into the specialty business with hot and cold drinks where we make them for customers. Is it competition with the Starbucks of the world? Sure. They're very good at what they do."

The gasoline and convenience store chain is in the process of obtaining city permits to replace its store at 151st Street and Metcalf Avenue in Overland Park with a new, 5,700-square-foot concept. Other "Generation 3" stores are planned for Independence and Blue Springs, Thornbrugh said.

These larger stores enable the chain to expand its fresh-food offerings and require at least one additional full-time employee to provide beverage and ice cream service, the report stated.

"You need more people to work at the stores because there's so much more to do," Thornbrugh said. "We're not abandoning what we do now, but we're moving into fresh food and specialty drinks."

QuikTrip is based in Tulsa, Okla., and operates 573 stores in nine states, including 75 stores in the Kansas City area.