The selection of food and fuel at Gasoline Alley has diminished — although only temporarily.
The Smitty’s Restaurant and adjacent Husky service station there are undergoing extensive renovations that will result in both remaining closed for the next few months.
Chris Chan, vice-president of W. Chan Investments Ltd., which owns Smitty’s Canada Ltd. and the Red Deer County property where the restaurant and service station are located, said the existing premises date back to the late 1980s.
“We felt the site needed a renovation.”
That renovation will result in the Smitty’s being modernized and gaining new fixtures and equipment. A lounge is also being added.
Meanwhile, the service station and related convenience store will move to the north side of the property from their current location to the southeast.
“We’re doubling the number of pumps (to eight from four),” said Chan. “And we’re going to have a brand new convenience store.”
New features, such as pay-at-the-pump service, will be added.
“We’re hoping to open mid- to late summer of this year,” said Chan of the timelines for completion.
“The building itself stays the same,” he pointed out, explaining that while its footprint remains, its interior layout is changing substantially.
The location is a good one, said Chan, and the renovations should benefit the businesses there for years to come.
Although the Smitty’s and Husky station were previously operated by a franchisee, a decision has yet to be made whether W. Chan Investments will now operate them directly.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com