North Sun Energy opens its first Orangestore in Cape Breton, N.S.
August 3rd marked the opening of the Orangestore convenience store and Petro-Canada gas station in Membertou First Nation’s Seventh Exchange.
The Membertou location is the first Cape Breton location of the Newfoundland/Labrador chain, said North Sun Energy president, David Button. North Sun Energy is the partnership between North Atlantic and Petro-Canada.
“We developed the Orangestore concept in 2008. We did a pilot site in 2008, that was our first one and then from there, Membertou would be our 27th location. From a convenience store brand, our three pillars have always been fresh, friendly, and clean,” Button explained. “The offering is very bright, welcoming, we have a big emphasis on having clean facilities, particularly washrooms. We know that's very important to customers.”
Button expressed that the business intends to offer Membertou a bright, comfortable, and convenient place within Seventh Exchange for their gas and grocery needs. “Both the interior and exterior, from a color perspective, are very bright and welcoming. We have a little bit of a lighthearted kind of approach with the brand, one of our taglines is to be a bright spot in customers’ day,” said Button. “We know that everyone has busy days, but hopefully when you come into our facility, once you leave, at least you’ve got a smile on your face.”
READ: North Sun Energy's Orangestore elevates its foodservice
First Orangestore outside of Newfoundland
While North Sun Energy has different business locations in Cape Breton, they are enthusiastic about opening the area’s first Orangestore in Membertou.
“We're very excited that it's the first Orangestore outside of Newfoundland. For us, it was a great way to start. Through with our partnership with Petro-Canada, we are currently in Cape Breton in a number of areas, we have a site in Sydney River, one in Glace Bay. We have one in Eskasoni one in Sydney Mines, and one in Cheticamp.” Button explained
“We have also a company-owned site in a little Bras D’or. So, from a Cape Breton perspective, this is not our first location, but it's our first Orangestore that we've introduced there. We have pretty aggressive growth plan in Nova Scotia, so it’s fabulous to start off in Cape Breton, we’re very excited to do that.”
Button shared that as soon as they got the opportunity to expand Orangestore into Cape Breton, they immediately reached out to Membertou.
“The opportunity came through our Petro-Canada partnership. As soon as it came to us, we reached out to the Membertou Development Corporation and expressed our interest and the following week we did the on-site visit,” said Button.
“We were very, very impressed with the Membertou Development Corporation and the Membertou community in general. Looking at some of the facilities and understanding what they've done there, it made us comfortable in wanting to be part of the community and understanding the kind of the growth plans that they have there as well. It’s very progressive, which is exciting.”
Membertou ‘warmly embracing’ new addition
The local Territory Manager in Nova Scotia for North Sun Energy, Brian Gregory, has shared the outpour of support towards the new location.
“As the Territory Manager for North Sun Energy in Nova Scotia, I’m proud to bring our first Orangestore outside of Newfoundland to Membertou. It’s been exciting to see the community warmly embrace this next-level gas and convenience experience,” he said. “Our goal at every Petro-Canada and Orangestore is to be the bright spot in our customers' day, and it’s clear people appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, ultra-clean standards, and exclusive offerings from Café Orange, like our roller grill program and Guzz’l frozen beverages.
“This new Membertou location is more than just a gas station and convenience store. It’s a community hub for both locals and visitors. We look forward to learning from the community and exploring local events and initiatives together.”
Meghan Dewar is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter for the Cape Breton Post covering Indigenous Affairs.
