Tulsa's QuikTrip Corporation Expanding With New Concept Stores

By Jennifer Loren, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Tulsa's QuikTrip Corporation is expanding its empire with new concept stores, the first of which is now open at 51st Street and 129th East Avenue.

Tulsa is the test market for QuikTrip's new concept stores and so far customers seem to like what they're offering -- and that is pretty much everything.

The new concept store includes 16 gas pumps, but no parking in front. Instead, there are picnic tables. All of the parking is on the sides.

"It feels like one of those restaurants that they have on the turnpike where you're coming and going from different directions," said Jeanne Trainer, a QuikTrip customer.

QuikTrip Spokesman Mike Thornbrugh says it was their customers' idea.

"We spent the last two years interviewing and talking to customers on what they'd like to see," Thornbrugh said.

Inside, customers wanted more of just about everything.

"Convenience, anything you want. Any of the drinks you want. Whipped topping on your cappuccino," said Trainer.

There are 5,700 square feet of goodies, including 22 flavors of smoothies and freezonis, more hot dogs and hot food and an emphasis on take and bake food, like lasagna and pizza.

"I think it's great, kind of one stop shopping," said Larry Young, a QuikTrip customer.

The new concept stores also have computers that allow you to use touch screens to order your own coffee drinks. Within a couple of minutes, your handmade drink is hand delivered.

"We made the commitment years ago that we were going to get into the fresh food business and this store really gives us the opportunity to keep expanding on that offer," said Thornbrugh.

And if business continues at its current pace, QuikTrip could soon expand their empire even further.

"I think this is what we'll, everything will go to in the future," said Young.

Soon there will be three of these new QuikTrips in the Tulsa area -- the one at 51st and 129th, which is now open, one at 15th and Denver will open soon and they're currently building another one on Gilcrease Museum Road.