After months of service as an apparent truck stop and freight drop, the former Sunoco/Pat’s Conoco site appears to be on its way to new use.
That news will make local dine and dash fans happy, as Taco John’s is slated to take residence in the new gas station as soon as the site is complete.
The Taco John’s/C-Store combination, owned by Tom Holthaus of Red Rooster Properties, Inc., is set to open later this year. Albertville’s planning commission approved plans for the restaurant/convenience store package back in October 2013, with Albertville City Council following suit just prior to the end of 2013.
“It’s a space that’s been in foreclosure, so we love it when someone can come in and try to establish a new business there,” said city administrator Adam Nafstad of the old Sunoco site. “It will be up to them to establish a plan that fits within the conditions set by the two boards, and then to establish a gas station with a brand and so forth. They sound like they have a solid plan, so it will be just a matter of time before we see it all come together.”
Taco John’s would create just the fifth true “fast food” option for St. Michael-Albertville, which also boasts Subway (2), Burger King, Culvers and McDonald’s at this time.
Council and planning commission were both concerned with the Taco Johns location’s proximity to the new La Bamba Mexican restaurant, but property owner Paul Schutte, owner of 5986 Main Avenue NE, spoke with his tenant, El Bamba and said there are no issues. Schutte mad that report to the planning commission in October.
The restaurant will feature a scaled-down seating area, but will have a fully operational drive through on the site with an entrance off of Large Avenue.