The growth meter in Grenada continues to climb as more top-tier companies stake a claim in the area, investing millions of dollars in the local economy.
Executives with QuikTrip Corporation confirmed early Monday afternoon that the Tulsa, Okla.-based convenience store marketer will construct one of its larger Travel Centers at Exit 206 off Interstate 55, adding to the constantly changing landscape at Grenada’s main thoroughfare.
Aisha Jefferson, Corporate Communications Manager for QuikTrip, said that the $11 billion company, which operates 1,083 stores in 17 states, eight of which are in Mississippi, is excited to add Grenada to its growing resume.
“QuikTrip has been focused on expanding the footprint of our Travel Center network to geographies in the United States that leverage our distribution network,” she said. “QuikTrip is currently in the early planning stages of this development. We are excited to consider Grenada as a planned location.”
The multi-million dollar Remote Travel Center QT — one of less than 60 nationwide — will be located on the 5.7 acres next to McAllister’s Deli on Frontage Road. M&M Demolition out of Jackson recently tore down two dilapidated motels – Grenada Inn and Relax Inn — to make way for the new project.
Jefferson said that the Remote Travel Center design assists the company in accomplishing two goals.
“It allows us to create meaningful connections with our new local customers in Grenada, but also serve travelers in this busy part of the country,” she said. “QuikTrip gives back to the communities it serves, donating five percent of net profits to charitable organizations in those communities.”
Matthew Harrison, CEO of the Greater Grenada Partnership, said ridding the city of those eyesores in the heart of the major retail district will continue to pay dividends in the future.
“QuikTrip’s arrival in Grenada heralds a new opportunity for revitalization of several abandoned properties,” he said. “The GGP has made a commitment to focus on community development in order to breathe life back into areas across the city.”
In September 2023, the GGP purchased 6.3 acres of prime real estate adjacent to Interstate 55 north. The demolition of the aging Knights Inn and Budget Inn just off Exit 206 was recently completed, making way for new retail and commercial development, which the organization will soon begin to market.
As with most developments, Grenada’s high traffic counts played a factor in QuikTrip choosing the city for its ninth Mississippi location.
“Grenada’s highly traveled interstate and strong economy makes it ideal for our Travel Center concept,” Jefferson said.
The Travel Center will feature a larger designed lot and more spacious store than a traditional QT. The approximately 8,200-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility has room to service 18 vehicles for fuel and four diesel bays for trucks.
However, fueling up vehicles for the long haul is not all Grenada’s QuikTrip will have to offer.
“The store will be equipped with an expanded QT Kitchens that offers made fresh to order food and drink items,” Jefferson said. “We will also offer grab-and-go freshly crafted sandwiches, salads and wraps that will occupy your taste buds or you can spoil yourself with our scrumptious donuts and pastries.”
As with most large construction projects, especially ones with interstate access, additional traffic created by the development becomes a concern. As part of the project plans, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) will make improvements in the area to help streamline traffic with ingress and egress improvements to both Sunset Drive and Frontage Road.
M&M Demolition out of Jackson began tearing down and removing the old Grenada Inn and Relax Inn motels in early May. | Photo by Adam Prestridge © 2024 Emmerich Newspapers, Inc.
Construction on the new Travel Center should begin in the coming weeks as site prep work begins.
“This exciting development promises to further enhance everyday life with convenient accessibility and quality service right at our doorstep,” Harrison concluded. “This project is the first of many that we have in the pipeline that will not only prove that development is essential, but also possible when we work together.”
The Grenada QT is expected to create two dozen new jobs in the area and will be open 24/7.
QuikTrip officials are planning for a late Spring of 2025 Grand Opening.
