Inside Centex's two new locations
Centex opened two new locations in the last month. One has been opened in Minden, Ontario and the other in Pembrooke, Calgary.
The company has partnered with Waleco Inc. for the fuel equipment and Lucas Petroleum handled the installation.
The site redesign was a collaborative effort between our own construction team providing the initial directions, G.L. Smith Planning & Design Inc. developed our interior store layout and exterior façade upgrade, and Knight Signs who rebranded the site for us and provide all interior and exterior signage.
Current and upcoming food options
One of the things that makes the Minden location stand out are the unique food offerings. The location being in the heart of cottage country where quick and convenient food options are limited, the company saw an opportunity to provide more than fuel and standard items. Centex transformed the location into a destination for meals and snacks on the way to or from the lake or even just picking up a treat and beverage while gassing up.
The site features Chester’s Chicken, Country Style and coming soon a Mucho Burrito.
At this stage, neither locations offer EV charging. “Our current focus has been on providing our customers with great quality fuel and a station that they can trust. We are continuing to monitor how EV chargers are impacting the world and will see what the future holds as we continue to grow.”
Collaboration is key
Collaboration was key to the Calgary Penbrooke location. Centex partnered with Keller Equipment Supply Ltd. to provide fuel equipment and E-Jay Petroleum Services Inc. handled the installation. The site redesign was a collaborative effort between Centex’s in-house construction team providing the initial directions, Mc2Design and Concept Plus Architecture and Engineering Inc. developed the interior store layout exterior façade upgrade.
Signage is the silent salesperson for any gas station. Beyond the initial attraction, brand awareness is key to the company’s success. Knight Signs rebranded the site to provide all interior and exterior signs.
Personal connection to the site
This location “holds a special place within the Centex family,” as Tyler Moxam, the construction manager for Centrex puts it. The Penbrooke locale was the closest gas station to the owner’s first home as he was growing up. “Having the opportunity to redevelop a site that holds a personal connection that makes this site more meaningful.”
The company researched how successful stations and convenience stores are becoming food destinations. Following food trends such as the popularity of warm meals, Centex announced their first new food offering “Loaded,” a popular line of street-style comfort foods—such as Loaded Pierogis, Loaded Poutines and Loaded Fries, along with a wide selection of new sweets, snacks, and beverages for their customers to enjoy.
