Rhodes 101 Gets Rolling With Pizza Partnership

JACKSON, Mo. — Rhodes 101 Convenience Stores is adding a new location with an Imo's Pizza franchise, continuing an ongoing focus on food and beverage service.

Located at 2828 E. Main St., the store currently operates as a Mercato Di Rodi owned by Rhodes 101. Following a remodel, it will be rebranded under the Rhodes 101 banner to further consistency, according to Brent Anderson, vice president of operations and business development for the company. The store upgrade will take place as soon as possible, reported the Southeast Missourian.

"As soon as we're able to secure the permits, which we think will be any day, we'll start the [demolition] and remodel," Anderson said. "We're known as Rhodes 101, and we want to make sure people know that brand is as strong as ever. It's sort of getting back to some of the basics."

Imo's Pizza franchises have been successful at Rhodes 101 locations in Scott City and Perryville, Mo.

"I think our brands match up," Anderson told the news outlet. "We feel like the Imo's family is a lot like our Rhodes family in terms of their commitment from a people standpoint." He noted that the Jackson market was "screaming" for the expansion.

The Imo's pizza franchise will likely add 20 to 25 new jobs to the area.

"[Imo's Pizza] is obviously a brand we believe pretty strongly in, and our customers have kind of spoken loud and clear as to their preferences, because it's been overwhelmingly positive," Anderson said.

Rhodes 101 expects the remodel to be completed and the store to be open for business before March. The company is also looking for other markets in its portfolio in which it can expand.

The company also recently closed a c-store at 113 W. Jackson Blvd. in Jackson due to the location not meeting company standards.

"It doesn't really fit necessarily what we like to offer [or the] brand standards that we've created throughout the years in terms of food service, a massive beverage offering, frontal parking, a drive-through," he said. "All the things we're noted for we just can't fit into that particular piece of real estate."

The company is seeking a new site in Jackson to build a facility that better suits its needs.