Former Tuscaloosa Quik Mart location welcomes new business

In Tuscaloosa, a new business has opened in the former Quik Mart location.

The previous gas station was damaged during the 2011 tornado, leaving the area for what some believe to be an eyesore for the city for more than a decade.

Now the city has now welcomed Roll Mart convenience store in its place.

“The developer and the state were involved in a long court battle. Then once that was settled, it became again the city’s right away, that’s when we immediately started doing something about it,” said Tuscaloosa Council President Kip Tyner.

City leaders in Tuscaloosa ordered the previous property owner to clean up the site and bring the building back up to code, a necessary facelift that was approved by local businesses in the area.

“It definitely feels a lot better especially to have something that’s not maybe a deterrence to come into the parking lot, so it’s good to have a nice shiny object here again,” said 5 Star Nutrition employee Koa Vincent.

SEE ALSO:Former tornado-struck gas station in Tuscaloosa cleared from demolition after a decade

SEE ALSO:Owner of Tuscaloosa gas station given 60 days to clean up long-standing eyesore

Tyner stated he welcomes the new business in a prime center location off McFarland Blvd. and 15th street.

“I’m still a little concerned, there’s not much parking there but I know the owner and he does great job with the other convenience stores he has, and I feel like he will keep the shop really nice and looking good,” said Tyner.

The store has been open for nearly a week now, the owner of Roll Mart stated he is still working to learn more from the community about what they need from their local convenience store.