Certain failed businesses can be flipped relatively easily. Office and retail space takes very little altering for the new business to move in and open to customers. Failed restaurants can require some renovations, depending on what kind of new restaurant is moving in, but still, restaurants take over failed restaurants all the time. One of the biggest problems though, when it comes to renovating town areas, is when gas stations close up shop. While the fuel tanks are eventually emptied, it still leaves environmental issues, not to mention a host of material that needs to be removed. For new businesses to move in, there are added environmental tests required to ensure there aren’t any fuel leaks into the soil. It is why, when a gas station shutters, its carcass remains, the building is picked over as windows are boarded up and graffiti is tagged all over its remaining skeleton. One particular gas station has sat, closed up, for some time in Flagstaff, but that is all about to change in the coming months.
Gas stations often take up prime real estate for restaurants. These stations are at intersections, along major roadways, and allow easy access to customers. This is why, despite the additional costs involved with renovating the space, it may be worth it for some businesses. The particular failed gas station, located at 1205 South Milton Road in Flagstaff, is set to receive a major facelift, which is great news for anyone living in the area, or who simply is tired of driving past the eye sore, with its crumbling facade and parking lot, which is nothing more than a dirt road after the gas tanks were ripped out.
In the coming months, burger chain Whataburger will be moving into the open spot. The reality is, only a franchise would likely be willing to pump the necessary money into revamping a gas station. Due to the additional costs involved, small business owners and locally-owned operations would likely look for something that doesn’t require all the added legwork (not to mention the time required to get the space up and running). However, for individuals who love a juicy Whataburger, or even those who are having their car tires worked on at the Discount Tire across the street (and don’t want to tool around in the lobby), this is fantastic news. At the very least, it will be nice to have a new business take over for the failed eyesore.
There’s no exact date yet for the opening, but with everything approved for the new restaurant, the location will be up and running likely in the next few months.
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